Through sheer hard work, Akil Contractor has succeeded as an entrepreneur. His latest invention is the photo chromatic colour for cars which will enable your car to change colour with each passing hour of the day.
It is generally said that that once you are into service it’s very difficult to be an entrepreneur. But there are a few who have a successful transition.
Having worked with Rainbow Inks, handling various functions, Akil Contractor took the plunge into business and he attained greater heights. He has developed more than 200 import substitute inks and coatings.
Akil Contractor is a dynamic entrepreneur flourishing under the banner of Print Dynamic.
His six years of recent intensive research has led him to introduce colour changing technologies like never before. These are termed as photochromic, thermochromic and several other Stimulu’s Ink’s, which are colour changing products. He has developed and supplied the photochromic inks used for the tattoos of Tom & Jerry for Parle Group, wherein the colour changes when exposed to light and includes ‘Glow-in-the-Dark Inks’ for added effect.
Akil Contractor believes in innovation. Hence unlike other entrepreneurs he chose a field, which is uncommon and unique. “I started concentrating on developing specialised printing inks and additives for colour changing technologies and in the field of heat transfers by screen, offset and other printing methods,” he said.
His persistent hard work paid dividends when he successfully developed more than 200 import substitute inks and coatings. What distinguishes Akil from others is the belief in doing things with his own hands. “Instead of relying on chemists or assistants, I myself conducted all the research and development, with the help of just trained labour,” he said.
He has developed various innovative and highly specialised products. For example, for the first time in India he specialised in 3D Flex Transfers. These are used in garment industry. Here the additive is added in the Plastisol colour while it is at the moulding stage. The moulded flex is laid upon a surface from which it is transferred on the T-Shirts and jeans.
One more example of his recent development is a ‘surprise gift’ scheme for Coca Cola. A prize is hidden by a colour layer, which is water reactive. This colour becomes transparent when water is applied to it and becomes opaque once the water has dried out. He has many enquiries for specialised development from abroad.
Akil exploited the colour changing technology to make his fantasies come true. “I had always dreamt of becoming a successful businessman. The service period was a transitory period to acquire the skills and exposure which is required to attain success”, said Akil.
His latest product is photo chromatic colours for cars, which he is developing. “Once I am able to successfully market the colours, it will be possible that your car has one colour in the morning, another colour in the afternoon, and yet another colour in the night. That would be amazing, isn’t it! three cars in the price of one. But you will have to wait till the automobile industry adapts this technology,” said Akil. The cosmetic industry has already started using this technology, which is available in the form of nail polish. Even here the colours change as mentioned above for the car.
The source of inspiration, for Akil Contractor is yet another big name in the industry. It is Zainul Lakdawala - Director, Hindustan Inks. Zainul Lakdawala has been with Rainbow during the earlier years when Akil Contractor too was with Rainbow.
Zainul Lakdawala was the head of the Technical Department and was the inspiration for Akil in opting for research in inks as a career choice. It is where Akil accepted him as his guru and learnt a lot from him. He has high regards for Zainul Lakdawala.
Now if you think Akil is a scientist with specialised degrees forget it. Akil Contractor is a B.Com graduate. Yet he has been rapidly progressing in his research activity by reading books. Akil has specialisation in colour changing technology along with heat transfers as a speciality.
I was very ambitious from my childhood and was very sure to achieve my target of owning a company”, said Akil.
(Akil can be reached at akil_contractor@yahoo.com)
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July 2005 |