Rosendahl Nextrom is ‘the only company in the world to offer a complete manufacturing value chain for optical fibre and cable production’. It also provides the world’s most advanced technology for copper data cables to meet new data center requirements. “We are developing solutions for producing large optical fibre preforms using vacuum sintering to enhance cost efficiency and reduce dependency on helium, a volatile commodity,” Mr. Pankaj Priyadarshi, its Global Director, Business Development – Fibre Optics, Managing Director – India informs Wire & Cable India in an exclusive interview.
Wire & Cable India: How do you view the global and Indian fibre optic cable market, in terms of growth and product diversification? Where do you see yourself in 2024-25?
Pankaj Priyadarshi: Despite current headwinds in the global telecom fibre landscape, we are optimistic about the long-term potential of optical fibre deployment in India and globally. There is a lot of interest in how the requirements will change with the large-scale adoption of AI. In particular, we are seeing high interest in specialty fibre and data centre solutions. Our focus for 2024-25 continues to be on addressing these new needs, while also further developing cost-effective manufacturing solutions for the optical fibre industry.
WCI: How do you see the quality adherence practices in India as compared to other parts of the world?
PP: Looking at the imbalance between optical fibre and cable capacity in India versus domestic consumption, we observe a healthy effort from key Indian players to offer higher-quality products with attractive features to gain access to overseas markets. The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly global. Naturally, quality (or the lack of it) directly impacts cost competitiveness, and this is well understood by Indian players, who continue to challenge equipment makers, such as Rosendahl Nextrom, to consistently improve our technology.
Watch: RR Kabel | Solar Cables | Solar Plant | Renewable Energy
WCI: Cast some light on the infrastructure at your facility.
PP: Rosendahl Nextrom is the only company in the world to offer a complete manufacturing value chain for optical fibre and cable production – from glass preforms to fibre drawing, testing, coloring, to the finished cable. We also provide the world’s most advanced technology for copper data cables to meet new data center requirements. Additionally, we are global leaders in the full range of specialty fibres. Our machines are tailor-made in Europe, with all critical components produced in-house.
We have highly capable design, manufacturing and testing facilities in Finland, Austria and Romania. We allocate significant resources to research and development, with our fully equipped laboratories in Vantaa, Finland and Pischelsdorf, Austria, always operating at full capacity. Earlier this year, we installed a brand-new loose tube line in Austria, which is equipped with many new and improved features. We are particularly happy to expand this infrastructure to our customers and partners for test runs and material trials.
WCI: Kindly highlight any innovative or cutting-edge technologies you’re developing or exploring for fibre optic applications.
PP: We are developing solutions for producing large optical fibre preforms using vacuum sintering to enhance cost efficiency and reduce dependency on helium, a volatile commodity. Additionally, we are continuously advancing fibre drawing and testing machines to boost productivity. In collaboration with global leaders, we are working on various specialty fibre applications. Our manufacturing solutions for fibre optic cable production focus on achieving higher speeds, reducing material consumption, and incorporating new materials. The latest innovations for the loose tube manufacturing process, for example, include a high-speed fibre launching system, a dual clenching system, reworked fibre cutting for high speeds and improved jelly-filling.
WCI: How do you stay ahead of emerging trends and demands in the industry?
PP: We foster a strong technology-driven culture that is embedded in our DNA and led from the top, consistently sparking stimulating internal discussions. We actively engage with our customers and industry technology leaders. Additionally, we invest in participating in conferences, seminars, fairs, and other opportunities to interact with the most knowledgeable experts in the field.
Also Read: Indore Composite: Innovative Cable Protection Solutions for a Connected World
WCI: Please shed some light on your market share. Briefly tell us about your clientele.
PP: We hold a strong global market share in products and processes that demand advanced technology. Additionally, we provide attractive business solutions for standard products, emphasizing high productivity, low material consumption, and superior quality.
WCI: Please tell us about your future plans.
PP: Innovation never stops. Our motto is ‘Here for You’, and it’s our mission to serve our customers in the best possible way. That’s why we will continue to engage with market and technology leaders to stay ahead of the curve in all aspects of technology and business economics.
