“Global Wires India’s long-term strategy is to have a strong presence in automotive and infrastructure segments with a wide variety of product offerings.”
A division of Tata Steel Ltd., Global Wires India (GWI) is one of the largest steel wire manufacturers in the world with a combined annual manufacturing capacity of 670,000 MT. Incorporated in 1958 as Special Steels Pvt. Ltd., GWI started its operations with galvanised wires. From Gogte Steel Amalgamation in 1979 to a subsidiary of Tata Steel and subsequently, becoming a division of Tata Steel in 2002, GWI has come a long way. Consistent with the vision and values of Tata Steel, Global Wires India strives to strengthen its industrial base. In an interview with Wire & Cable India magazine, Mr. Anurag Pandey, Executive-in-charge, Global Wires India-Tata Steel, talks about productivity enhancements, efficiency, and new developments in the company.
Wire & Cable India: With a globally-diversified presence and an experience spanning over six decades, Tata Wiron – a subdivision of the Tata Group, is one of the fastest-growing and prominent steel wire producers; kindly describe the role of Tata Wiron in building an indigenous ecosystem in the domestic steel wire industry.
Anurag Pandey: In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Tata Wiron is focusing on producing import substitutes thereby reducing dependency on the imports. We already have Induction Hardened Tempered (IHT) wires in our product portfolio.
Apart from this, we are focusing on product innovations to increase our market share and meet our end customer needs. With respect to consumables also, we are focusing on promoting indigenous players by substituting our import materials.
WCI: Being one of the leading steel wire manufacturers with a presence around the world, describe the kind of investment by the company in the areas of – productivity enhancements, efficiency, and various capabilities.
AP: According to me, there are three pillars to this; Digital, People and Technology. On the digital front, we are focusing on having end-to-end traceability of material at all plants with a vision to automate our supply chain.
When it comes to people, safety is our topmost priority and various steps have been taken to ensure the safety of our employees. We have DEI at the core of our policies as we believe different perspectives could add more value to the common goal.
Watch: Wire & Cable Industry Year Review
WCI: Since the company has an extensive market presence all over the world, how do you envision the next steps for furthering its operational and commercial presence while also increasing the market share in the steel wire industry?
AP: Currently, there are various new players in the market, and in order to differentiate ourselves we need to focus on product innovation. With a view to cater to the end customer, we are focusing on offering solutions rather than a product. In line with the same, we have developed our product portfolio for services and solutions.
Tata Wiron has launched a product – Induction Hardened and Tempered wire, in two grades, in the month of May 2021 to accelerate the new age mono suspension motorcycles in India.
WCI: Tata Wiron had stated its ambitious target of doubling the production capacity by 2025 – please take us through the development made so far and the approach you have espoused to meet the set goal.
AP: We have divided our growth strategy into two parts; growth in the existing product segment and growth in new product offerings. When it comes to growth in the existing products, we are planning to debottleneck our current facilities to increase our productivity. Regarding the new product offerings, we are planning to address the gaps in the market and offer innovative products such as galvanised LRPC which provides resistance against corrosion-led stress.
WCI: In view of the market outlook and the trends in the steel wire segment, please chart out the recent innovations and technological upgrades you have brought to your company.
AP: Owing to the increasing demand and market attractiveness for sports bikes as well as an uptick in the new model launches in the >150 cc segment, Tata Wiron has identified a potential of making an entry into the >150 cc 2-wheeler segment through the wire, used for making mono suspension springs. Cashing the opportunity, Tata Wiron has launched a product – Induction Hardened and Tempered wire, in two grades, in the month of May 2021 to accelerate the new age mono suspension motorcycles in India.
Tata Wiron IHT wire is one of its kind because, unlike HC drawn wires, strength is not imparted by drawing but by heat treatment using special micro-alloy steel drawing.
While continuous improvements are being taken up in terms of quality & technical upgradations, the product has gained the confidence of the customers quickly and the supplies have been streamlined over the last few months.
In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Tata Wiron is focusing on producing import substitutes thereby reducing dependency on the imports.
WCI: Has there been any recent development at the company that you would like to share?
AP: Currently, we are focused on our diversity ratio. Though benefits that diversity and inclusion bring to an organisation such as new perspective, wider talent pool, innovative ideas, and better employee performance are known to the greater audience, the implementation still remains an ongoing challenge. We, at GWI–Tata Steel, are committed to getting our diversity ratio to 10 percent by FY25 and we are taking the necessary steps to achieve this goal.
WCI: What are your chief objectives and expectations from your participation at the Cable & Wire Fair 2022?
AP: It is good to know that a physical exhibition is being organised for the wire industry after a considerable time. The objective I feel is to share and understand various views about the wire industry and its future outlook from the prominent players in the sector. It would be also interesting to know what is happening in other industries such as the cable and telecom sector. We are also hoping to display the prowess of our products and create partnerships.
Also Read: Global Wires India–Tata Steel: Steel Industry is Bouncing Back
WCI: Going ahead, what are the plans of Tata Wiron with regard to achieving further growth and capabilities in light of the growing demand for steel wires?
AP: Global Wires India’s long-term strategy is to have a strong presence in automotive and infrastructure segments with a wide variety of product offerings. The products are offered in the domestic as well as international markets.
In Automotive, we have two key sub-segments:
• Tyres: Currently, we are offering tyre bead wire for structural integrity in radial tyres; this offering is in line with international standards and customer expectations which have a global presence.
• Automotive Suspension Spring: We offer various kinds of spring wires, which are used by the two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. All these vehicles are used both in the domestic market as well as exported. Hence, the spring wire requirements are in line with the international specs and requirements.
In Infrastructure, we offer Low Relaxation Pre-Stressed Concrete (LRPC) wires, which are extensively used for high span architecture. 15 percent of the volume is exported to various countries in the Middle East. The quality and specification and the service expectation are of extreme importance to serve the international market.
