Krishneel Narayan is the operations manager of 7 Star Tyres based in Sydney, Australia. He hopes to extend his tyre waste management business to his island home.
He bought the company from his father in law, who had started the business five years ago.
The nature of the business is to pick up scrap tyres from tyres shops, mechanics and councils and recycle them.
The process of recycling is shredding old tyres to smaller pieces, and getting rubber and steel out of it.
The rubber is exported to India and other countries where they use the rubber to make other products.
One of the newest product is where they use rubber granules for children’s parks and footpaths, backyards, and even for road construction.
Mr Narayan said they do face challenges as a waste management business, as there are rules and regulations that has to be followed in storing the rubber or tyres as it’s a fire hazard.
The most recent challenges were the freight cost of containers due to the COVID pandemic.
“When we bought the business it didn’t come with much, we learnt more about the business as we invested a bigger warehouse to set up a recycling plant where we will be doing the whole recycling process,” Mr Narayan said.
There are currently eight trucks, a prime mover, sideloader to move containers to the wharf and back, with eight staff.
Mr Nayaran said they will be hiring more people as they are nearing the completion of the second warehouse.
How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?
I have visited most parts of Viti Levu and also visited some resorts. But I plan to explore more islands in the future.
OUTRIGGER FIJI BEACH RESORT
Where Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?
I would like to take visitors to Bilalevu in Sigatoka, the salad bowl of Fiji.
What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/ Pie?
Coffee Hub, and also love to stop over at Praneels Roast Corn in Lomawai whenever I’m in Fiji.
Coffee hub
What Do You Do In Your Spare Time?
I like to work on my trucks with the company of my sons.
What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List?
Kokomo Island Resort.
Kokomo Island Resort Fiji
Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj