How are the demands for rotating machines and their control systems increasing in India?
WEG in India is manufacturing larger power rotating machines mainly above 2 MW, Synchronous and Induction both. The demand for these machines have not really grown the way it was expected in past few years.
In some segments the demands have gone up by about 5 to 10%, but in others the growth is very marginal. Yes, some positive indications are there, and we are optimistic about the same and hope 2016 will be better.
Irrigation sector showed some improvements lately with some states reinforcing their commitment to optimise water resources, where WEG has a significant presence. But other sectors like Oil and Gas, Power and Steel have shown a dismal growth. Also, sectors; such as Hydro generation, Turbo; have shown growth of about 10% – because of indirect exports as OEMs have started focusing on external markets – and products manufactured in India with global technology tie-ups have better acceptance than before. Overall the situation looks optimistic and with ‘Made in India initiative’ the trend looks promising for export.
As far as control systems are concerned, with focus on optimising operating efficiency and better utilisation of electrical energy and other resources – the requirement of ‘drives’ and other control systems is increasing day by day with a robust growth potential. For larger machines though the cost of drives is a deterrent.
What are the emerging priorities as far as the sourcing of these devices is concerned?
The emerging priorities not exactly is in sourcing, I would say but is in competitive manufacturing. It is to wade through the competition within India and that too specifically from the Chinese manufacturers – who are walking in and trying to establish into the market aggressively.
With the world economy in subdued state and Indian market not opening up to the expectations – and on the other hand surplus capacity available in India, the challenge is to optimise costs and stay ahead of the competition, the challenge is to innovate and make globally acceptable products, which will boost the ‘Made in India’ initiative for a sustainable growth.
Are you manufacturing all the products and their components in-house?
WEG in India is one of the most vertically backward integrated facility for Rotating machines. Like its parent company in Brazil, where even the wood for packing cases is produced in its own forest, WEG India has fully self-contained facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, where from sheet metal cutting, fabrication and machining to testing and final painting, packing is done in-house.
The most critical of all even stampings are punched in-house. With well-trained manpower and large CNC machines for various machining operations, the state-of-the-art facility is equipped to cater to any component manufacturing and process requirements to produce large rotating machines.
This 100% in-house manufacture facilitates better process and quality control and helps WEG drive towards ‘Total Customer satisfaction.’
What kind of solutions do you provide including the post-sales services?
WEG has a well-established post sales and service department with highly trained team poised to attend any service within India in 48 hrs within India – duly supported by authorized service centres spread across the country and other parts of the globe for various other needs. WEG India service team is also providing service outside India to all South Asian countries, South Africa, Russia and Gulf region. Being a large machine manufacturer, WEG India service team also provides commissioning services to all its clients as and when desired.
Which are the major sectors where WEG Industries (India) finds most of its customers?
In India, Irrigation, Power and Steel are the major sectors where WEG has a significant presence.
WEG in India is predominantly very active in irrigation sector and has one of the largest population of synchronous machines in southern region. Almost 250 plus very large machines have been manufactured and supplied to various irrigation projects.
Globally, WEG Industries (India) has significant presence in Oil & Gas and Mining Segment, as well. WEG has also created a decent footprint in Hydro-generation and Turbo generation segment supplying generators to various OEMs for the domestic and international markets.
With the changing scenario in the electrical sector, what are the new potential segments for you?
With the changing scenario in electrical sector, the potential segment will be Power and Steel, Oil and Gas, Sugar and Municipal water resources. The thrust will also be on exports in select markets for Hydro and Turbo generators. Machines in Nuclear power sector is also a segment that we are looking into.
Have you taken any specific measure to reduce your carbon footprint?
WEG globally as well in India is an ardent promoter of carbon footprint reduction initiatives. As I told you earlier, WEG Brazil has its own forest for packing wood. To contain forest cover erosion, WEG plants their own trees as replenishment. Similar initiatives are taken in WEG India to reduce greenhouse emission. Some of the initiatives are recycling sewage and effluent waste water for gardening, rain water harvesting, replacing conventional CFLs with LED, continually improving and conserving electrical energy through various projects, waste segregation, recyclable packing material plus other initiatives to reduce consumption of hydraulic oil, coolants and other lubricants.
What would you like to communicate to your potential customers?
We would like to communicate to our potential customers that WEG in India has set up a state-of-the-art facility, a facility to be proud of to cater to domestic and international customers, wherein the machines are truly made to global standards.
With world-class manufacturing processes and machines, a dedicated global design centre, an enviable talent pool of human resource and a robust after sales service support – we commit to deliver quality machines with a desire to move from Total customer satisfaction to Customer delight.
With about 40% of its produce being exported, WEG in India with support from its parent in Brazil is best equipped to design and manufacture rotating machines for various applications, and can supply and support in commissioning rotating machines anywhere across the world through its 50 plus branches and offices spread all over the world.
WEG India is committed not to just make machines but make Good reliable machines – and offer them at competitive prices. WEG Industries (India) has international statutory certifications required for global projects.
