Sandvik Asia Ltd

Out here in Keonjhar District, things move a bit slower than they do in the big cities. We’re part of the Sandvik Asia Ltd setup but it’s a very local feel. The office is pretty basic. We’ve got what we need and not much else. Orissa has some beautiful spots, but where we are is mostly about the work. It gets quite dusty because of all the mining and transport activity in the area. You can see the trucks lined up on the roads most days. We usually get in early before the sun gets too high. There isn’t much in the way of air conditioning that actually works well, so we just keep the fans going and the windows open when it’s not too windy. Most of us have lived in the district for years, so we know the shortcuts and which roads to avoid during the rains. The monsoon here can really mess up the schedule, turning the dirt tracks into mud. We just deal with it. It’s not a place for suits or ties. We wear what’s practical for the weather and the dirt. We spend a lot of the day on the phone or checking through inventory lists. It’s quiet work, but it needs to be done right. Sometimes we sit outside for lunch if there’s a bit of a breeze. It’s just a regular workplace with regular people trying to get things done.