VisionPlus India

IN FOCUS OFVISIONAND FLAMBOYANCE I n a conversation with VisionPlus, Mr. Ketan Parikh, the Managing Director of Sterling Meta Plast, takes us on a journey from the humble beginnings of the company to its remarkable 40-year milestone. VisionPlus: To start with, can you take us back to the beginning when Sterling began? Did you anticipate or predict Sterling to achieve such significant success? Ketan Parikh: Sterling-Skylark Optical Company began in 1984. Previously, my father and my uncle ran multiple retail stores in Jharkhand. After moving to Mumbai in 1976, my uncle expanded into exporting automobile parts and diesel engines. After seeing some headwinds in the export Explore Sterling's growth and its iconic brands business, my uncle, Dulerai Parikh together with my elder brother, Jitendra Parikh started an eyewear distribution company in 1984 with Indian brands and some international brands. I joined the family business in May 1984. A few years later recognising the need to diversify, we started importing products directly from international markets, starting with Hong Years 26 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION