The art of disciplined engineering: Jacob Jose on systems, scale, and the power of purpose-led innovation

Across the industrial world, true engineering progress has always been rooted in precision, relentless adaptation, and disciplined operational systems. From heavy fabrication and complex material handling to global supply-chain diversification, modern manufacturing is no longer just about building infrastructure; it is about mastering intricate processes, integrating cross-border capabilities, and solving critical industrial challenges at scale.

Reflecting on this as the country celebrates National Engineers’ Day, the craft of the builder faces a more profound responsibility than ever before. It demands a deliberate shift from routine execution to purpose-driven innovation that bridges local agility with international standards of excellence. For Jacob Jose of Methods India, this path begins with embracing the quiet patience and systematic rigor of global benchmarks such as those set by Japan, harnessing the tailored strengths of nimble MSMEs, and reminding today’s engineers that the ultimate blueprint is one designed to advance humanity.

Q: You were part of that delegation of Indian companies to Japan recently. What did you learn and see there?

Jacob Jose: It has been an overwhelming journey for us, not just because we had the opportunity to be part of the roundtable discussions between India and Japan, but also because we got to see firsthand how the Japanese work and how keen they are to collaborate with India.

Japan is increasingly looking to diversify its supply chains away from China, which presents a significant opportunity for India, particularly given the geopolitical dynamics between the two countries. Japan also wants to leverage India’s young workforce, which is extremely important for them. At the same time, India is a market where Japanese companies have the opportunity to introduce their design processes and business practices.

Many Indian companies today want to partner with Japan not just for technology. Japan’s technological capabilities are something we have always known about and something they have consistently demonstrated to the world. But I think, more than anything, there is a lot to learn from how they optimise their systems and put processes in place that enable them to build better and build faster.

Q: What was the key takeaway from Japan and your interactions with Minister Piyush Goyal?
Jacob Jose: I think India has some of the best trade policies. If you look at safeguard duties, for instance, what India has imposed on other countries has been much lower compared to what several other countries have imposed on India.

Another important factor is something we all know: Japan is renowned for its technology and its working systems. Practices such as Kaizen and many of their other systems are recognised across the world.

But for me, the most important takeaway was not about systems or trade policies. I would say it was the silence. There is strength, patience, and perseverance in silence. People often underestimate the Japanese because of their silence, but I would say that silence is their biggest strength and their biggest weapon.

Q: How do you and Methods India, in the wider picture, identify what technologies to bring in, what technologies to work on?
Jacob Jose: The first and most important thing we look at is the market opportunity: what is really there in the market and how we can contribute to it. When I say market opportunity, I mean opportunities that surround our core strengths, which are manufacturing, heavy fabrication, and conveying systems.

If you look at some of the areas we have forayed into through our joint ventures and partnerships, one is pipe conveying, where we have collaborated with DemcoTECH Engineering from Cape Town. They are global majors in pipe conveyors and cross conveyors.

More recently, we have tied up with MCI Austria, which specialises in mining solutions. They are one of the pioneers when it comes to bucket wheel excavators, spreaders and a range of other mining solutions.

We have also tied up with Lichtzen, South Korea. Here again, our core strength is our ability to bring quality manufacturing to their products, while they bring expertise in precision conveying.

Another very interesting partnership we have recently formed is MET, with Exagogi and Terragrandi, which brings mineral beneficiation technology to India.

So, when we look at technologies and partnerships, the idea is to identify areas that complement our existing strengths while allowing us to bring new capabilities and technologies into India.

Q: That gets me to the importance of leadership. How has your leadership changed?
Jacob Jose: For any leader, a title is just a designation. What really matters is the vision, the ability to translate that vision into reality, and, for that, one needs to be highly adaptable.

I think adaptability has been one of my key strengths. I have adapted well to the industry by being a part of it and understanding how it operates. From there, I started making subtle but important changes, bringing in joint ventures, introducing technologies from overseas, and now, with Japan, looking at how we can bring some of their systems and practices into our own working culture.

That is how I have transitioned the organisation and how we are building the capability to grow from ₹500 crore this year to ₹1,000 crore next year.

Q: How important are MSMEs for mining and the bulk material handling industry to grow?
Jacob Jose: We are an MSME. These enterprises have always been the backbone of our economy. They play an extremely important role in India’s economic growth.

Mining is a very diverse field that requires a wide range of equipment, much of which is bespoke. The requirements can be so specific that it becomes difficult to source everything from one large business house or a single global player.

This is where MSMEs play a very important role. They help bridge the gap between what the mining industry requires and what large global players may not always be able to provide, particularly when it comes to customised solutions.

Q: Since you refer to engineers, what's your message for the people who build?
Jacob Jose: Look at Elon Musk. He has not only innovated and pushed the boundaries of technology, but has also contributed, in his own way, to humanity.

So, my message to engineers is: don’t just make for India, and don’t just make for the world. Build and innovate in ways that can contribute to humanity. I think that would be my message for National Engineers’ Day.

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