The 5th edition of Wire & Cable India was held from October 28 to 30, 2014 at Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (East), Mumbai. 388 exhibitors from 25 countries participated in the event held biennially in conjunction with Tube India International, Metallurgy India and India Essen Welding & Cutting. The event also saw official country group participations from Austria, China, Germany, Italy and North America.
Wire & Cable India 2014 concluded with élan and immense accolades from exhibitors. More than 10,600 visitors from India and abroad experienced the highly eloquent arena studded by technology, machinery, innovations and trends of the concerned industry. It proved to be a fitting stage for exhibitors to interact with existing customers and showcase new developments.
The fair attempted to provide a platform for product groups: wire manufacturing and finishing machinery, process technology tools, auxiliary process technology materials, materials, special wires and cables, measuring and control technology, test engineering, and specialist areas. At the same time, it attracted the target groups such as wire manufacturing (production), cable manufacturing (production), spring manufacturing (production), manufacturing of connecting/fastening elements (production), manufacturing of other wire goods (production), glass fiber cable industry, iron/steel and non ferrous metal industry, automobile industry, construction industry, etc. to the show.
The event was organized by Messe Düsseldorf and its subsidiary Messe Düsseldorf India with their cooperation partner Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and with the support of important industry partners such as the International Wire and Cable Exhibitors Association (IWCEA), the International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA), Italian Wire Machinery Manufacturers Association (ACIMAF), the Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association- USA (WCISA), the International Tube Association (ITA) and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA). The organizer also got earnest support form Indian industry associations such as the Steel Wire Manufacturers Association of India (SWMAI), the Institute for Steel Development & Growth (INSDAG) and the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA).
Wire & Cable India Magazine kept a close watch over the happenings and recorded various responses about the show from participants. The show, of course, acts as a means to indicate the market behaviour, though on a micro level. We asked every exhibitor about what exactly they inferred from the show relating to upcoming market potentialities. Exhibitors put forth varied responses, all positive in various degress nonetheless. Every company particiapting in the exhibition went over all the proceedings closely and ruminated over the future course they must undertake to steer forward.
Here are few of them explaining what this event exactly meant to them.
Condat Lubricants: A New Performance Booster for Borax Coating at the Show
The Condat group, founded in 1854, is internationally recognized for its specialty lubricants and chemical products. Condat develops high performance value-added lubricants for a variety of applications meeting the industry’s expectations. The company has become the worldwide leader in the field of wire drawing (including the VICAFIL® and STEELSKIN® range of products), as well as in the specialized underground construction field (e.g. tunneling, mining and drilling). Condat continues to expand its presence in its other core markets of cold heading, metalworking, hot forming (forging & die casting) and glass industries, by focusing on offering innovative products.
Condat Corporation primarily serves the North American marketplace. Established in 1996, the company located into a new 80,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-industry manufacturing facility in Saline, Michigan in 2000. The company is ISO 9001 accredited (No. 3Z301-IS1) – first certified in 2001.
Moreover, in order to reinforce the company’s position in the Indian market, its distributor Usha Lubes Private Limited has opened an office and warehouse in Pune, Maharashtra. This will enable the company to provide an improved service to current and future customers in the North and South of India and in the important business areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
At WIRE INDIA 2014 in Mumbai, CONDAT presented its latest developments in surface technologies for metal forming. In the show, Condat showcased its extensive range of lubricants for wire drawing and cold rolling including VICAFIL® (the Industry’s most comprehensive range of wire drawing powders, wet lubricants, pastes, neat oils and greases), STEELSKIN® (Advanced lubricant specialities for special wire drawing applications) and GALVASMOOTH® (smoke free charcoals for high zinc weight galvanized wires).
When asked about the company’s foreseeable prospects in India after attending the show, a representative said, “We have always recognised that the potential in the Indian market for our products is huge. The Wire Show and the people visiting our booth during the show reinforces our opinion.”
Moreover, the Wire & Cable India saw Condat promoting its innovative products viz. VICAFIL TS 7300 AD and VICAFIL SUMAC 5. VICAFIL TS 7300 is a new performance booster for borax coating providing a better coat weight control with even coating in case of high moisture. VICAFIL SUMAC 5 is sodium soap based new dry drawing lubricant.
With regards to Condat’s line of action vis-à-vis Indian market in coming two to three years, he said, “It is our intention to put more efforts and resources into this market in order to take advantage of our position in India.”
Kay Pee Dies: Emphasizing ‘Make in India’
Kay Pee Dies is a trusted name for tungsten carbide dies and wire drawing lubricants for wire, bar, fasteners and allied industries. Established in 1968 by Harish Jindal, an IIT graduate in mechanical engineering, the company started manufacturing tungsten carbide dies and soon became a pioneer in this area. The production got a great surge after Mr. Asim Jindal joined his father in 2000. In 2008, Pan Chemicals S.p.A. Italy approached Kay Pee Dies to take up the distribution of wire drawing powder/liquid, surface treatment and coating chemicals in India and SAARC countries. In October 2008, products of Pan Chemicals S.p.A. were formally launched in Indian market.
The firm, with over four decades of experience and presence in the industry, is one of the few dies manufacturers India which offer excise modvat credit on products. Kay Pee Dies uses only the best tungsten carbide and is one of the biggest customers of Kennametal Widia in wire and bar drawing pellet segment. The company is touted to be one source for both dies and lubricants. The firm has customers all over India as well as in Nepal, South East Asia, Middle East and African countries.
For constant up-gradation and technological innovation, the firm regularly visits all the important wire shows in Germany, U.S.A., Czech, China, and Thailand. The participation in Wire & Cable India 2014 at Mumbai was one such effort to augment the customer base and exiting knowhow of the company.
Speaking about the show, Mr. Asim Jindal said, “It was show for the wire and cable industry with displays from across the world of latest machinery, equipment, process, and process inputs. Apart from the display, availability of technical personnel at the stalls was the most important aspect of the show where visitors got the chance to discuss their specific problems and seek their solution.”
The overall exhibitor and visitor turnout at the show was magnificent indicating the enthusiasm of the participants and growth potential at the same time. “There is huge potential for growth of the industry in India as clearly visible by the number of exhibitors and visitors to the show,” said Mr. Asim Jindal.
The success of the show could by fathomed by the fact that participants asked for more such shows. “There are huge possibilities of expansion of capacity, starting of new industry related to wire and cable. For starting new projects in these fields this show was a very good starting point and there is need for more frequent such shows, perhaps by rotation in 4 metro cities for wider participation of industry,” said Mr. Asim Jindal.
Speaking on overall motivation the industry needs, Mr. Asim Jindal said that industry needs to emphasize on ‘Modi Mantra i.e. Make in India’. He also added that Kay Pee Dies is working in both directions viz. make in India as well as export promotion.
Maillefer: Witnessing Signs of Recovery Towards Investment
Maillefer International Oy, Finland, is the global leader in wire, cable, pipe and tube production technologies. The company offers over 50 technologies and widest services portfolio in the industry to cover nearby 20 applications. The clientele includes large manufacturers, industry newcomers and small, niche businesses. Maillefer emphasizes a sustainable infrastructure as a backbone to rapidly urbanizing societies. With that respect, the firm claims to have over 4000 extrusion lines installed globally aiding and assisting the industries to high growth.
Maillefer’s R&D commitment is high; it runs tens of R&D projects every year. Projects range from incremental improvements in material use and operating processes to brand new technology concepts and process simulations. Its global developer network actively tests and refines ideas into practical or out-of-the-box innovations. Extrucell™, Multisil™, and NOMOS® present a part of the recognized product innovations.
The company was present at Wire & Cable India 2014 to showcase its innovations and interact directly with customers. Speaking about the customers’ optimism and investment scenario, the company’s sources said, “Customers seemed to be optimistic about the Indian market situation. Investments are expected to increase by Q2-2015.”
“Maillefer’s local office in Mumbai has its 5th anniversary this year (2014). Over the years it has well-established itself within the Indian wire & cable and pipe & tube customers. The office has also the means to offer all Maillefer Services,” said a company’s representative at the show explaining the company’s penetration in the Indian market.
The show yielded good results in relation to increased investments in the wire and cable industry as may be borne by the inquiries generated by the customers during the event. Regarding the emerging future prospects, the sources confirmed, “Customer interest and inquiries which were generated during/after the show, indicates the Indian electrical industry (especially W&C) is coming out of the negative sentiments of last 2-3 years. There are signs of recovery as well as tendency towards investments in the short & long term, especially in rubber & specialty cables. Rubber cables have good potential & customers are looking for new technologies & innovations in this segment.”
After the show, Maillefer seemed quite upbeat about the future prospects. Underlining the course of actions Maillefer aims to undergo in coming three to four years, one of the company’s personnel said, “Our future target is to gear up to meet the above stated market conditions, i.e. to bring new innovations and cutting edge technology to help factories save on the shop floor. We have realized, through interactions with various stakeholders in cable industry, that to improve margins one needs to focus on production capabilities. Maillefer’s India office is another step towards market proximity, the office is being strengthened further to react quickly to the changing market demands. Maillefer solutions, products and services are being aligned to assist the cable producers in improving their production capabilities.”
Sai Extrumech: Looking Forward to 10-20 Percent Market Growth
Sai Extrumech Pvt. Ltd., established in the year 1998 and based at Faridabad, Haryana, is the manufacturer, supplier and exporter of quality extrusion equipments. The company offers wide range of products such as extrusion line, extruders, lab extrusion lines, screw and barrels, extrusion tooling, air wipers, printing machines, printing wheels, bunching machine, auto coiling machines, fixed center crossheads, manual center crossheads, etc.
The company was present at the 5th edition of Wire & Cable India 2014 to exhibit its products and have enriching exchange with the customers and industry’s comrades. Sai Extrumech was jubilant after attending the show and hailed the show as great success. The feedback it got from customers was a valuable gain which will help it enhance the product quality.
Speaking about the new developments in the company’s manufacturing facility, Mr. Vivek Mehta said, “We have now a length measurement unit along with a powder applicator and triple layer extrusion line (38-65-45, 45-80-50, and 30-50-38). We also have lab extruder/sample making extrusion line (25 mm & 30 mm).”
Expressing his experiences at the show, he added, “We want to thank Wire & Cable India to give us platform to display our strengths right from tips and dies to extrusion line. We foresee 10 to 20 percent market growth after attending the show.
“We got valuable feedback from our honored customers about our products and innovative inventions. We are very enthusiastic to fulfill their expectations regarding more innovative products, quality and delivery.”
Sarvasv Group: High Speed Rotating Machines on Display
Sarvasv Group, founded in 1984, has long been in the field of wire and cable machinery manufacturing and consultancy in India. The manufacturing facility is in Bhiwadi (Rajasthan). Sarvasv has been exporting machines to various countries across the globe particularly to UAE, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, Africa, Europe and Australia.
Its range of product and services include tubular stranding machine (for Steel, Al and Cu), rigid stranding machine (for Steel, Al and Cu), armoring machine core, laying up machine, armoring cum laying machine (multi-purpose), skip stranders (for Al, Cu and Cores), special planetary/anti torsion machines, extrusion and sheathing lines (for PVC and XLPE), rewinding lines, take up units, payoff units and caterpillar units. The company also makes bunching machines, taping solution (for PVC, Copper, and Steel), and high speed tubular stranding machine up to 36 wires for steel rope.
The company is known for its product standardization and customization according to the specifications and details of customers. Sarvasv also offer after-sales services.
Sarvasv enthusiastically participated in Wire & Cable India 2014 and showcased its high speed bow type laying machine for ariel bunched cables. It received overwhelming response from the visitors regarding the new range of high speed rotating machines on offer by Sarvasv Group.
In conclusion after the show, Sarvasv sees a huge rise in potential in the wire and cable Industry for high speed production lines especially in areas like bunching, multi wire stranding, laying and wire drawing as these lines are constantly creating bottlenecks in the production of conductors and cables. Sarvasv is in the process of launching new range of high speed lines for above. Some of the already high speed lines launched by Sarvasv in 2014 include seven high speed skip stranders, bow type laying machines for AB cables, high speed double twist bunching machines, and high speed LAN cables production line.
Viraj Profiles: Eying Huge Potential Rise in Stainless Steel Products
Viraj is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of stainless steel long products in India. With turnover of USD 1.5 Billion, the company is exporting its stainless steel products (wire rods, wires, flanges, fasteners, bright bars and profiles) to more than 1300 customers based across 90 countries spread over 6 continents. With melting capacity of 528,000 tonnes per annum, the company produces more than 50,000 SKUs in various grades like austenitic, ferritic, martenistic, duplex and electrode in various shapes and sizes.
The core competency of Viraj lies in their integrated manufacturing facility which enables it to meet customer specific requirements. Befitting of the company’s global focus, Viraj Profiles’ production volumes are impressive indeed, with the bright bars plant producing 180,000 tonnes per annum, and the wires division manufacturing 50,000 tonnes per annum. Approximately 18,000 tonnes flanges are manufactured per annum, complemented by 60,000 tonnes per annum of fasteners and 78,000 tonnes per annum of stainless steel profiles. Viraj also produces 300,000 tonnes per year of stainless steel wire rods. Viraj’s stainless steel products see application in boilers, pressure vessels, shipbuilding, oil pipelines, petrochemical facilities, construction projects and surgical instruments – among many other means of utilisation.
Viraj also functions as one of the world’s largest stainless steel flange manufacturers, which has led to the company’s trusted reputation as a leading provider of flanges for marine applications. Each of these product ranges enjoys substantial acclaim worldwide, produced at a site with five induction furnaces within its melting workshop, as well as a high degree of automation throughout. It is a strong combination of traits and strategies that has led to the prominent position that Viraj enjoys internationally today.
Viraj Profiles Ltd.recently participated in Wire and Cable India Exhibition held in Mumbai in October 2014. WCI is quite popular amongst wire and cable manufacturers and attracts lot of crowd from domestic as well as international market. According to Mr Neeraj Kochhar, CMD, Viraj Profiles Ltd., “We were participating in the event after a gap of 3-4 years and we received wonderful response from the customers and partners from across the country and also from visitors from other countries. Viraj manufactures stainless steel engineering products like wires, wire rods, fasteners, flanges, profiles, bars and our products generated very good response and we did get lot of enquiries from new clients and customers.”
Speaking about the forseeable prospects and potentials , Mr. Kochhar said, “The response received in the exhibition indicates that the market potential of stainless steel products is set to rise in the coming years. The level of acceptance of the wonder material stainless steel is increasing day by day. But, we still have a long way to go. Globally, average per capita consumption is around 4 KG, in countries like China and Korea average per capita consumption of Stainless Steel is around 8 KG and 24 KG respectively and compared to this gloal scenario, per capita consumption in India is merely 2 KG. This clearly indicates that the potential is huge, and of late situations have started changing towards the brighter side. Changes are visible through the increased usage of stainless steel in architecture and construction, automobiles, infrastructure modernization like airports, railways, bus corridors etc. Even during the exhibition, while interacting with visitors we found out that there were lot of users who wanted to switch from MS to SS, now that is a welcoming change seen in the market.”
According to Mrs. Renu Kochhar, Managing Director, Viraj Profiles Ltd., who also heads the Sales & Marketing division of the company, “Our key strength is our customers. Our success has been made possible by the loyalty demonstrated by our clients worldwide, so retaining close relationships with them and emphasizing a strong customer focus remains of critical importance to us today. Similarly, our lean management structure has streamlined and simplified the operation and co-ordination of a business of this scale – which also facilitates rapid decision-making. We are present in over 90 countries across the globe, with an extremely large product portfolio that encompasses a broad range of industrial applications, so agility in our corporate dealings is of great importance to us.”
Cab Device Industries: Showcasing In-Demand Tin Electro Plating for Single & Multiple Wires
Cab Device Industries, founded by M. L. Chhabra in 1990, specializes in wire and cable making machinery. The company was established with the aim of providing authentic substitute to imported equipments. Today, Cab Device maintains a manufacturing capability yielding wide variety of cable and wire machinery being supplied to Indian and overseas market. The company manufactures copper wire annealing machine, tin Coating plant (electro plating & hot dip) and induction preheaters. These machineries vary according to usages and applications by customers manufacturing domestic wire, super enamel wire, submersible winding wire, instrumentation wire, control cable, communication cable, rubber cable, and power cable.
At Wire & Cable India 2014, Cab Devices got stupendous response from customers for its machineries. The show provided them with fresh stimulus to revise the sale target on upper side by spreading the distribution network overseas. Wire & Cable India magazine got Mr. M. L. Chhabra talking about the show and responses he received.
“Yes, at the show, we shared our new product, Tin Electro Plating for Single & Multiple Wires, which is in high demand. It immensely benefits the ruuning cost and consumes only 30 persent tin as compared to hot dip tin coating process. We already have supplied our complete plants to Polycab Wires, Apar Industries (Uniflex), Srinilink, KMG Wires, etc. It not only helps the large scale customers having thousands of crore turnover, but also small and middle segment customers. All electroplating plant can be of TIN/ Ni/ Cu. It can be customized and designed as per customer’s requirement,” said Mr. M. L. Chhabra when asked about the new developmets in the products range.
He sounded optimistic about the upcoming market trends. He said, “Yes, we hope market will expand slowly with durable goverenment in place.”
Cab Devices team at the show seemed buoyant after the show; reason must be the appreciations they have received for the tin electro plating machine. When asked about the future targets, Mr. M. L. Chhabra said, “Targets, Yes. The basic target is to increase sales turnover by capturing maximum Indian market. We also foresee to tap international market viz. the Gulf, the Middle East, Europeon, and African countries. Beyond that maintaining all our old new new customers constitues the priority.”
Shakun Polymers: Driving Sales by Adding New Products, Leveraging IT
Shakun Polymers Limited, established in 1991, is among noted players in the field of compounding for the wire and cable industry.Its three manufacturing facilities in India are equipped with modern compounding lines that give a high degree of flexibility in addressing the market. A strong customer base worldwide and a responsive marketing network helps Shakun customize, innovate, and come up with appropriate cable application compounds. Vertical integration allows quick response to prototype requests and offers a choice of product selection. The company maintains a strong R&D facility to sustain product’s technical excellence. Today, Shakun export 60 percent of output owing to its safe production practices and holistic service infrastructure.
At Wire & Cable India show, several Indian companies of wire and cable industry converged for the launch of innovative designs, products and services. After the show was over, companies contemplated over prospective route chart as per the responses generated during the show. Shakun too prepared a roadmap for addition of new production line in wire and cable compounding. The company seemed all set to increase focus on small cable produces in the domestic market.
WCI magazine when asked about the responses Shakun got in the show and foreseeable potentials in the market, Mr. Bansal said, “Shakun is a well recognized and respected entity in the market. Quality and services of Shakun is highly appreciated by customers. That was true at the show too.”
He added, “Shakun’s immediate goal is to increase sales by adding new product and new customers. We also wish leverage IT in marketing.”
Supermac Industries: Aiming International JV and 20 Percent Capacity Addition to Serve Export
Supermac, established in 1974 by Mr. Harbhajan Singh and Mr. Kamarjit Singh, is the provider of process technology and machinery to the wire and cable industry. The company has three advanced manufacturing facilities located in Manesar and New Delhi. It manufactures various wire and cable machineries including extrusion lines, insulating equipment and sheathing machinery for premier manufacturers of power cables, optical fiber cables, housing wiring, control cables, and others. The company’s constancy in quality, maintained since inception, has helped it attain a prestigious CE Mark on its range of products.
Supermac, like others of the wire and cable industry, was present at the recent edition of Wire & Cable India Show in Mumbai. The show proved to be a precursor of many future developments the company is set to undergo. Probable joint ventures with some international players and action plan aimed at increasing the capacity are on the cards after the show.
When asked to explain the nature of JV with global companies, one of the company’s sources said, “We got in touch with a few international companies for some joint ventures and the development of new products.”
On what they felt about the show, he remarked, “We observed that the number of visitors were fewer than expected, but they were serious visitors, better prepared with their in-depth enquiries.”
He added further on the collaboration with foreign companies, “As said above, we are in touch with a few international companies to develop new products. Such products would suit the requirements of future demand in next few years.”
On targets, the company would set in the wake of new developments in market, he said, “We have a plan to increase our capacity by 20 percent to cater to the needs of export market in the Middle East, Africa, Russia, South America, and the Far East Countries.”
Rosendahl Nextrom: Sure About the High Investment Level in the Region
Rosendahl Nextrom, Austria is a global provider of battery, cable & wire and optical fiber production technologies. The company produces ROEX Extruders designed to meet the special needs of cable production. It developed solutions in corrugating various product types in supporting smooth or corrugated product design. Rosendahl’s SZ-Stranding allows continuous production at high production speed. For the production of premium optical fibers,Nextrom offers turn-key solutions in the fields of Preform and Fiber production, utilizing VAD, MCVD & OVD technology. Rosendahl’s and Nextrom’s Fiber Optic Cable manufacturing systems support the market requirements for customized production.
Rosendahl India is a subsidiary of Rosendahl Nextrom GmbH since 2001, which offers a complete range of services like sales, service and project consultancies for cable industry in the emerging markets of the Indian sub-continent, Korea and the complete area of Middle East Asia.
The company was seen active during the present edition of Wire & Cable India show at Mumbai. Wire & Cable India magazine interacted with representatives to fathom their feeling during and after the show. They seemed quite upbeat. Mr. Kanchan Dogra, Managing Director, Rosendahl Nextrom India said, “When it comes to exhibitions they all have one thing in common. In all cases, we attend fairs to seeing you again. It is our chance to get together with long-term partners, recent partners and with new players on the market. We love to network and see how life and business is going with them and how we can help with finding new solutions or with supplying upgrades.”
He added, “At Wire & Cable India, we were happy to see that the show was well attended, even though it took place right after the Divali festival. Our Rosendahl Nextrom team appreciated to host representatives of all major cable producers from the Indian subcontinent, as well as very welcome visitors from the Middle East. Above all, our Customer Service Team at our Sales and Service Office in India was able to highlight the benefits of our comprehensive range of services.
“We noticed a great interest in our technology and our manufacturing solutions. We are confident that the investment level in the region will remain high.”
ASSOMAC: Big Export Order for a Turnkey Project
Assomac Machines Ltd., an India based company, is a known name now in manufacturing plants and machines for making wire, cables besides other related machineries. The company caters to the requirements of Large, Medium & Small Scale Sectors of this industry across the globe. Assomac is reliant on new technologies to meet the growing needs of market. The company has its own R&D facility which maintains technological advances of the products from time to time. Assomac group is engaged in the design and development of cost effective and highly efficient machinery to the wire industry.
In the past, Assomac has supplied Stainless Steel Wire Plants and MIG Wire Plants to the domestic market. The trend has changed in wire industry towards investing in new and more modern machinery; the company did the same which helped it get more market share.
The company recently supplied an Export Project in the Middle East Country for the advanced high speed Cold Ribbed Bar Line for manufacturing 14 mm – 4 mm finish range with a speed up to 12 m/s. which is capable to produce 4000 to 5000 tonnes per month of finished Ribbed Wire in different diameters.
The company has recently bagged a big export order for a turnkey project for Wire Drawing & Galvanizing Plant. For the first time, Assomac would supply a High Speed Galvanizing Line with a combination of Nitrogen & Pad Wiping to facilitate both heavy and medium commercial wires with complete Wire Drawing set up.
The company was present at the Wire & Cable India show in Mumbai. When asked about the experiences at the show, Mr. Ashish Tyagi, Assomac said, “Despite the slowdown in the overall economy of the world, our business keeps on growing because of the trust customers have in us. Assomac observes that though the market conditions puts lots of pressure on businesses, it is a trust that always comes to our rescue and our customers keep on adding every year. The visitors at the show confirmed this fact by thronging to our stall.”
On the company’s commitments to sustainable business, Mr. Tyagi added, “On the social front, the company’s desire to respect the environment is evident from the extra land used for planting trees for making a healthy environment. The company has also recently invested heavily in the equipment to control emissions.”
On future plans, he said, “Assomac is looking forward to further growth in the coming years and reach the unexplored market for rapid progress.”
