WABAG, a global leader in the water industry, boasts over 100 years of rich experience. As the 3rd largest private water operator and 3rd largest desalination company globally, WABAG offers comprehensive Total Water Solutions for both Municipal and Industrial sectors. With a team of more than 1,600 water professionals operating across 25 countries, WABAG impacts millions of lives every day. Since its inception in 1924, WABAG has constructed over 6,500 municipal and industrial plants worldwide, providing customised solutions tailored to meet the needs of its clients.
WABAG serves as a complete life-cycle partner for water and wastewater infrastructure, delivering expertise in Design, Engineering, Supply, Construction, Installation, Start-up, and Long-term Operational Management across various business models. Committed to innovation, WABAG continues to advance its Research and Development efforts through dedicated R&D centres in Europe and India, holding over 125 intellectual property rights.
WABAG’s vision aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, with a strong focus on conservation, optimization, recycling, and reuse of resources to tackle global water challenges. As a result, WABAG stands as one of the world’s foremost partners in investing in a sustainable and livable future.
Rajiv Mittal (Chairman & Managing Director of VA TECH WABAG Limited), a seasoned water professional and business leader, observed that the competitive landscape has dramatically evolved over the past decade. Clients now demand more aggressive pricing and shorter project timelines, forcing companies to innovate or face extinction. To sustain growth and maintain profitability, cost optimization has become paramount.
The Key to Success in Business
Rajiv Mittal emphasised that success is often accompanied by challenges. He believed that a resilient mindset is essential for overcoming these obstacles. Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Mittal and his team faced numerous difficulties, but they maintained a positive outlook and persevered. Their unwavering belief in their mission played a crucial role in their ability to navigate challenges and emerge stronger. Mittal viewed these qualities as hallmarks of leadership—the ability to confront adversity with determination and achieve success.
WABAG, a technology-driven company, has excelled in this area. Leveraging its expertise in value engineering, WABAG has consistently implemented cost-effective solutions. Mittal emphasised that this approach must be driven from the top. Leaders must continually explore new ways to reduce costs and timelines. Those who can instil adaptability into the organisation’s culture will thrive, while those who fail to adapt will struggle to survive.
Rajiv Mittal has worked closely with Reliance Industries for nearly four decades as a preferred contractor in the water sector. He was deeply inspired by the late Dhirubhai Ambani, whose visionary leadership, work ethic, and empathetic approach to employees left a lasting impression on him. Ambani’s philosophy of building a “Dil ka Rishta” (a bond of the heart) with employees particularly resonated with Mittal.
Recognizing that people are the most valuable asset in any business, Mittal has incorporated Ambani’s leadership style into his own by fostering strong connections with his team. While he delegates tasks, he believes the ultimate responsibility rests with the leader, ensuring that all company obligations are met.
At WABAG, Rajiv Mittal places a high emphasis on control and compliance, making sure that strategies are properly executed and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance. He views these efforts as essential for the sustainable growth of the company.
WABAG’s Story: From a Regional Start-up to a Globally Respected Corporation
WABAG has achieved significant milestones, including securing large contracts, management buyout, reverse acquisition of erstwhile parent, and achieving a successful public listing. Despite the challenges, WABAG has consistently taken on complex projects and executed them flawlessly.
| Awards and accolades received by Mr. Rajiv Mittal Conferred with IWA Fellow by the International Water Association – 2022 Global Asian of the Year by AsiaOne Magazine – 2022 World Top 20 Most Transformative Leaders in Water Sector by GWI – 2021 Top 3 Most Influential Global Water Leaders by WWI (UK) in successive years – 2017 & 2018 Top 100 CEOs of India and 4th in the Infra & Engineering Sector by BT-PWC – 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award by Indian Desalination Association for contribution to the water and desalination industry and entrepreneurial excellence – 2015 Eminent Engineering Personality’ Award by the Institution of Engineers India – 2018 |
Staying Ahead of the Curve
WABAG employs over 1600 highly skilled professionals over 25 locations. The company believes that its employees are its greatest asset and that they should share in the company’s success. To foster employee ownership, WABAG has implemented several Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) over the past 15-20 years. The ESOPs have been extended to all employees, regardless of their role or level, and has resulted in significant financial benefits for employees.
WABAG treats its employees like family members, fostering a culture of mutual respect and care. The company offers unique benefits, such as lifelong medical insurance for employees and their spouses post-retirement.
To nurture talent and ensure that employees are aligned with WABAG’s vision, the company has implemented various leadership development programs. These programs focus on identifying high-potential graduates, sponsoring MBA programs, and investing in employees’ growth and leadership development.
Driving the Future of Renewable Energy and Technology
VA Tech WABAG, under Rajiv Mittal’s leadership, is committed to expanding its portfolio with innovative and sustainable solutions that address global trends and future demands. The company is focused on four key areas:
- Biogas to Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG): WABAG has entered a strategic partnership with Peak Sustainability Ventures to develop 100 CBG plants across multiple locations. These plants will convert biogas into renewable CBG, contributing to a cleaner energy landscape. The potential business is valued at approximately $200 million, with active discussions underway with municipal and industrial clients. Several projects are already in advanced development stages through collaborations with local municipal bodies.
- Digitization: WABAG is embracing digital transformation by partnering with Pani Energy to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its water treatment operations. This AI-driven approach aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimizing plant performance and resource management. A successful pilot project has been launched at the Koyambedu TTRO Plant in Chennai, demonstrating the advantages of AI in water treatment.
- PV Solar, Semiconductor, and Green Hydrogen: WABAG is positioning itself as a key player in producing clean water, a vital resource for industries like PV Solar, semiconductor manufacturing and green hydrogen production. WABAG has recently secured a Mega Order from Indosol Solar to set up a seawater desalination plant, marking its foray into the solar photovoltaic segment. With its proven expertise in delivering ultra-pure water to the semiconductor industry, WABAG is committed to deploying cutting-edge technologies to ensure maximum efficiency, supporting critical industries for clean energy and technology.
A Global Leader in Sustainable Water Solutions
VA Tech WABAG offers a comprehensive suite of water and wastewater management solutions, including Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), Desalination Plants, Recycle & Reuse solutions, Sludge Management services, and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) services. WABAG’s holistic approach enables it to provide advanced, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions worldwide.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), WABAG champions “Manufactured Water” through alternative sources like desalination and water reuse. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its promotion of a resource recovery based circular economy where wastewater treatment plants recover valuable resources.
Unlike traditional contractors, WABAG is a pure-play water technology company with over 100 years of global expertise and 27 years in India. By leveraging innovative value engineering techniques, WABAG consistently reduces the cost of water treatment plants without compromising on advanced technology. Its excellence in engineering, project management, and procurement ensures superior efficiency and lower project costs.
WABAG is dedicated to serving developing nations by optimising costs and enabling governments to maximise their budgets for water infrastructure. This commitment to affordability and sustainability sets WABAG apart and reinforces its mission of delivering clean water solutions to communities worldwide.
A Century of Innovation and Sustainability
VA Tech WABAG’s enduring success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ensuring water security for all. With over 100 years of experience, WABAG has consistently pushed the boundaries in the water industry, focusing on providing safe drinking water, a healthy environment, and affordable, reliable water for economic development.
WABAG’s leadership team plays a pivotal role in setting strategic goals and guiding the company’s direction. However, the collective efforts of WABAGites, the dedicated employees, are essential in bringing these strategies to fruition. Through collaboration and a focus on reducing life-cycle costs, WABAG has achieved significant success.
Perseverance, resilience, and belief have been core values that have propelled WABAG through numerous challenges. These qualities have driven continuous innovation, enabling WABAG to introduce advanced technologies in water treatment, desalination, and resource recovery.
WABAG’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The company’s projects are designed to not only address immediate water needs but also to foster long-term environmental stewardship.
Beyond the Boardroom
Rajiv Mittal emphasised the challenges of achieving a perfect work-life balance, especially for those who are deeply committed to their work. While he believes it’s difficult to excel in both work and personal life simultaneously at the highest level, Mittal prioritises quality over quantity. He ensures that the time he spends on personal activities, such as hobbies, family, or social interactions, is meaningful and fulfilling.
Beyond his professional endeavours, sports have played a significant role in Rajiv Mittal’s life. He believes that sports have taught him discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which have contributed to his success as a leader. Mittal also enjoys reading, particularly on topics related to water and sustainability. These activities help him relax and broaden his perspective.
Rajiv Mittal believed that with unwavering belief, hard work, and resilience, nothing is unattainable. He emphasised the importance of pursuing goals with relentless determination and persistence, as failure is only accepted when one gives up.
Mittal advised that focusing on one’s passions, dreams, and aspirations is more important than solely chasing money. He understood the need to build one’s capacities, capabilities, and skills, both technical and professional. By following this path, financial success will naturally follow.
