
Bangalore: Michael Schäffler Receives Highest Honor from the State of Karnataka
26 Years of Successful Cooperation with Siddhi Vinayaka Spechem PVT LTD
About 26 years ago, Harsha, the owner of Siddhi Vinayaka Spechem PVT LTD, started producing dithiothreitol on a 5 kg scale. This chemical compound is used in molecular biology and biochemistry to stabilize and protect proteins.
At that time, the main customer was based in the USA. Initially, business was slow, and things got worse when the American customer underwent a leadership change, causing the entire business to collapse.
Inquiry from a Major Corporation Sparked the Start
At this point, Cfm Oskar Tropitzsch in Germany received a significant inquiry. A multinational pharmaceutical corporation needed large quantities of dithiothreitol (DTT) for the world’s largest peptide project at the time. Using the only PC connected to the internet, which was shared by the entire staff for email communication, Cfm began a thorough search. The perfect match: Siddhi Vinayaka Spechem, Bangalore, India.
Michael Schäffler, Project Manager of the Pharma Team at Cfm, recalls: “The first email we sent essentially asked: Are you really a manufacturer of DTT or just another trading company?”
Harsha responded that SVS indeed manufactures DTT. This was followed by further correspondence and a prompt invitation for Harsha to visit Cfm in Germany.
From 0 to 100 – SVS Becomes a Leading Manufacturer of DTT
Oskar Tropitzsch, the former Managing Director, was looking for an experienced manager at Nuremberg Airport. What he didn’t know was that Harsha was only 29 years old at the time. However, the ice was quickly broken, and the chemistry was right. Contracts were signed, and Cfm became the global distribution partner.
Thanks to the financial and operational support from Cfm Oskar Tropitzsch, the business grew steadily. The foundation for a long-term, successful collaboration was laid. Cfm continuously expanded the customer base, attracting more new customers and projects. Siddhi Vinayaka Spechem optimized production processes, sought cost savings, and expanded from a small operation to a medium-sized business empire. Today, SVS is one of the leading manufacturers of DTT in various, customer-specific qualities.
This story around the product DTT is an example of how a valuable partnership can be built despite a distance of more than 7,000 km, characterized by open communication and shared values.
Turban and Scarf as Signs of Deepest Appreciation
On the occasion of this long-standing partnership – now 26 years – Harsha invited Michael Schäffler to visit Bangalore. During this visit, Michael Schäffler received the highest honor from the State of Karnataka, followed by an opulent buffet with Indian dishes and tropical fruits for the entire staff.
Harsha explains the significance of this honor: “The turban (Peta) conveys the royal honor bestowed upon this person. The scarf stands for respect, and the garland symbolizes acceptance as an honorable personality in our company.”
These symbolic gestures underscore the deep appreciation and respect that Siddhi Vinayaka Spechem has for Michael Schäffler and our company.
The following days were filled with company tours, SVS expansion projects, and professional discussions.
This special trip will remain unforgettable for Michael Schäffler forever.
We at Cfm thank our partner Harsha and his loyal team and look forward to many more years of successful and appreciative collaboration.
Thank you very much for the incredible hospitality and warm welcome.


