KERNWERK
000 / OVERVIEW

KERNWERK

de: KERN = core + WERK = works | "CORE WORKS"

OPTIMIZE. BUILD. SCALE.

We acquire and transform manufacturing companies in India. Lean operations. Technology-first infrastructure. Patient capital.

01
LEAN
First
02
BUILD
Right
03
SCALE
Long
SCROLL
001 / THESIS
Est. Market Size
$400B+
0 $1T TARGET
Fragmentation
HIGH
4/5 LEVEL
Target Revenue
$5M–$10M
$0 $20M+

India's manufacturing sector is fragmented.
We see opportunity.

Thousands of family-owned manufacturers across India operate at sub-scale, lacking the operational infrastructure to compete globally. Traditional PE approaches—15-person teams, generic "value creation" playbooks—don't work here.

We take a different approach: acquire platforms in fragmented sectors, implement Lean turnarounds, and build technology-first operational infrastructure that creates genuine competitive advantage.

The result: consolidated players with operational excellence, positioned for long-term value creation—not financial engineering.

DIFFERENTIATOR

Operational edge isn't value-add. It's the entire thesis.

002 / APPROACH

Three pillars.

OPERATIONAL EDGE

Lean turnarounds aren't value-add—they're the thesis. We implement systematic operational improvements that create sustainable competitive advantage, not one-time cost cuts.

  • Lean manufacturing implementation
  • Process standardization
  • Quality systems
  • Continuous improvement culture

TECHNOLOGY-FIRST

A small lean technology-enabled team outperforming large traditional PE operations teams. Modern infrastructure, automation, and data systems that scale across the portfolio.

  • ERP modernization
  • Production analytics
  • Supply chain optimization
  • Automated reporting

PATIENT CAPITAL

Aligned with family offices who think in decades, not quarters. Long-term orientation enables genuine transformation rather than financial engineering for quick exits.

  • Long-term hold periods
  • Reinvestment focus
  • Aligned incentives
  • Compounding returns
PHILOSOPHY

Lean teams with the right systems, processes, and technology outperform larger teams—faster and more efficiently. We run the same operating system we install.

003 / SECTORS

Discrete & Process Manufacturing

We focus on fragmented sectors where operational excellence creates genuine competitive advantage and consolidation drives value.

Specialty Chemicals

Fine chemicals, intermediates, and specialty formulations. Fragmented market with consolidation opportunity through operational standardization.

Packaging Materials

Flexible packaging, rigid containers, and industrial packaging. High-volume, process-driven manufacturing with automation potential.

Pharmaceuticals

API manufacturing and formulation. Quality systems and regulatory compliance as competitive moats.

004 / CRITERIA

What we look for.

We have a specific thesis. Here's our investment profile at a glance.

VIEW FULL CRITERIA →
Revenue
$5M–$10M USD
Right-sized for transformation
Ownership
Privately Held
Family-owned preferred
Market
Fragmented
Consolidation opportunity
Potential
Operational Upside
Clear improvement levers
005 / CONTACT

Let's talk.

We partner with family offices and founders ready for operational partnership.

GET IN TOUCH →
FOR FAMILY OFFICES

Long-term alignment

Direct exposure to India's manufacturing sector with operational, not financial, value creation. Patient capital for patient returns.

FOR FOUNDERS

Operational partnership

We respect what you've built. We bring the systems, processes, and technology infrastructure to reach the next level.