Balaguru Match Works

Balaguru Match Works is out in Poolavurani, which is part of the Vilampatti area. It’s a bit of a drive to get out here, but it’s where we have the space for the work. Our address is 1/124, and it’s a simple building where we make matches. The smell of wood and chemicals is the first thing you notice when you walk in. It’s not a high-tech factory; a lot of the work is still done by hand or with older machines. We have people from the local village who have been working with us for a long time. They know the process inside and out. The matches are stacked in big bundles before they get packed into boxes. It’s a lot of repetitive movement, but everyone has their own pace. The sun hits the front of the building in the morning, so we try to get the heavy stuff done before it gets too hot. We don’t have a website or any big marketing plans. People in the trade know Balaguru Match Works and they know where to find us in Vilampatti. We just focus on making sure the sticks are cut right and the heads are dipped properly. It’s basic work but it’s important. The floor is usually covered in wood shavings by the afternoon. We just sweep it up and start again the next day. That’s how life goes here for us and the crew who helps keep the place running.