In the wake of the demonetisation issue, we will have to wait for 2018 to be the record-breaking year for the industry with a double-digit growth.

PL Muthusekkar,
Managing Director, Nord Drivesystems

  Nord is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of drive technology – for mechanical and electronic solutions. PL Muthusekkar, Managing Director, Nord Drivesystems speaks to Subhajit Roy and talks about the advancement in drive technology and Nord’s commitment. Excerpt:

How is the acceptance of high efficient drive systems in India?
Today the world has become a global village – technology is available across the globe. The transformation is taking place everywhere. For us, one can buy our product in any part of the world from 46 companies of Nord in 36 countries. The customers get the same quality and the same product worldwide. We also have ‘one product global warranty’ concept. However we expected the Indian government to emphasis on energy efficiency norms like IE2 onwards mandatory for motors.

What are your offerings in the construction equipment industry?
Nord offers German designed, safe and rugged products. On top of that our products have longer lifespan with high degree of performance efficiency and trouble-free operations. Generally, construction equipment operate in difficult terrain at remote locations. In such conditions frequent maintenance is not possible due to minimum accessibility. Gear motors and gearboxes have to specially build to ensure optimum performance of construction equipment with reduced downtime. NORD heavy-duty, one-piece housings are precisely machined for this purpose. They are sturdy in terms of design and can take more load. The casings also have less mechanical components that reduce the chances of failures of the device.

What assurance do you provide to the OEMs and end user in terms product performance?
In terms of the product, we always talk on efficiency and total cost of ownership of enhanced product lifecycle. The prices might be slightly higher than the products completely indigenously produced in India as our 100 per cent components are imported from Germany. The bigger advantages are the longevity and sturdiness. Our parts like the oil seals are not just oil stopper, but are designed in such a way so that they can push the oil back in the gearboxes. This may be a very small component of a product, but can play significant role in terms of enhance efficiency and life of product. It will also cancel the clogging and nullify the overheating which enable consistent output for a longer period.

Also, with the fitment of our geared motor in an overhead crane, the structural weight can be substantially reduced and span width of operation is increased.

What are your projections for the 2017?
In the current scenario, the two major issues are demonetisation and the GST Bill. It is expected that the spill over of the demonetisation topic will last for at least first two months of 2017. GST will also have an impact for over three months. Putting this aside, we are positive about growth for the industry. In the wake of the demonetisation issue, we will have to wait for 2018 to be the record-breaking year for the industry with a double-digit growth.

Do you have any major announcements for the new year?
In early 2017, we will be launching a last mile service vehicle – a fully-equipped service van that is of the stature of a factory fitted conditions. It will be equipped with a hydraulic power press, working bench and testing equipment where gearboxes, motors and drives can be tested, assembled and serviced. Initially we will be launching it in Pune to cover an area of approximately 600 kms. After seeing its success, we will replicate the same in other parts of the country. Almost 12 Indian airports have baggage handling systems driven by Nord drive systems. Our last mile service vehicles will be able to cater to service these airports.