From starting small to becoming a trusted supplier to the government and the industry, S.K. Gupta, Managing Director of Technoclean, has built his company on persistence and belief in indigenous capability. In conversation with Clean India Journal, he recounts the challenges, milestones and the growing strength of India’s cleaning-equipment manufacturing sector.
Technoclean is an Indian manufacturer of professional cleaning machines, offering scrubber-dryers, industrial vacuum cleaners and other mechanised cleaning solutions. With over two decades of experience and a strong in-house R&D setup, Technoclean supplies to key government departments and industries across India.
“When I started, mechanised cleaning was almost unheard of,” recalls S.K. Gupta, who founded Technoclean more than two decades ago. “People didn’t see the need for machines — cleaning was done manually, and no one looked beyond that. th But I could sense that automation was the future. Mechanisation was bound to grow, and I wanted to be a part of that change.”
That conviction led Gupta — who had been working with a multinational organisation — to leave a secure job and start out on his own. The vision was simple but bold: to manufacture cleaning machines in India, for India. “I began small,” he says. “We did not have fancy infrastructure or deep pockets. I started designing products one after another, improving each time.”
The first product Technoclean built was a scrubber-dryer. Gupta remembers the process vividly. “We made many mistakes,” he admits with a smile. “I wanted a small machine but ended up with something quite large. But those early mistakes taught us everything. That’s how we built our R&D strength — by experimenting, learning, and improving.”
Over the years, Technoclean’s journey has mirrored the evolution of India’s cleaning industry itself. “The demand today has grown a hundred times,” Gupta says. “When we began, people would not buy machines. Now, every sector — the government, hospitality, healthcare, industry — depends on them. The industry has matured tremendously.”
Today, Technoclean manufactures scrubber-dryers, industrial vacuum cleaners, and related machines, all made in India and available in multiple sizes to suit diverse applications. The company serves both public and private sectors, including long-standing contracts with the Ministry of Defence and Indian Railways. “The Government departments have always been an important part of our business. Many of them handle cleaning in-house due to security reasons, so they need reliable machines. We supply across the country.”
In addition to its direct government relationships, Technoclean has built a strong presence in the hospitality and healthcare segments. Gupta points out that digital platforms have also played a role in expanding reach. “We handle most sales directly, though we are now working on expanding our distributor network.”
“Mechanised cleaning was almost unheard of when we started. Today, it is an essential part of every sector — and Indian manufacturers are leading that change.”
— S.K. Gupta
After-sales service, too, remains a core strength. “We have appointed service people across India. “For cleaning equipment, after-sales is as important as the sale itself. Customers need quick support — and we ensure that.”
While the company’s early focus was on government clients, Gupta now sees significant growth potential in the private and commercial markets. “We plan to expand further by appointing more distributors,” he shares. “That is why exhibitions like this are important — they help us connect with new partners.”
The momentum, Gupta believes, has been further strengthened by the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the government’s BIS certification mandate for imported machines. “It is a good thing. These policies give Indian manufacturers an edge. We can offer customised, locally made machines with faster service and better value. The Make in India movement has created real opportunities for companies like ours.”
Looking ahead, Technoclean is open to global collaboration and contract manufacturing. “We are ready to work with international companies,” Gupta confirms. “Partnerships can help us scale faster and bring new technologies to India.”
As a closing remark, Gupta reflects on the long road he has travelled. “There’s still a lot left to do. “India’s cleaning industry has just started realising its potential. With innovation, quality, and indigenous manufacturing, we can make India self-reliant in cleaning technology.”