CSG is an expert re-conditioner and supplier of second-hand machines. The refurbished machines offer customers with low-budget an almost new machine, but a world-class technology.
CSG Wiremachinery Solutions, based in Schwerte (Germany), is a well-known for reconditioning an old machine as per customers’ need and specifications within low-budget. The company meticulously searches and overhauls the suitable machine for every budget and product category. The supply and delivery of spare parts and accessories for the used machine is also a part of the company’s activity. It distributes machines for wire drawing, straightening and cutting, bending and wire welding including required spare parts and accessories.
Wire & Cable India briefly interviewed Mr. Carsten Sasse, General Manager, CSG Wiremachinery Solutions on the margins of Wire 2016 show in Mumbai. Mr. Sasse is the one responsible for making a lot of good contacts, allowing the targeted search for the right customer-demanded-product. As a trained and experienced technician, he overhauls the machine according to customer specifications. Excerpts of the talk:
Wire & Cable India: To start with, tell me in brief about your company?
Carsten Sasse: The company, i.e. CSG was founded in 2006 and we do refurbishing of all type of wire machines. We specialize in wire drawing, wire welding and straightening machines and equipment. We are doing this for roughly 40 people/customers in Germany and we are also selling these products to the Indian market. This of course is a new brand for India and we therefore are selling only the first-class equipment on a lower batch price so that in future we can sell second-hand, reconditioned machines with the same guarantee, with same sources but at lower price.
WCI: Tell me how these reconditioned machines are better than the second hand machines?
CS: This reconditioning is totally different. Earlier, we could only supply un-refurbished, second-hand machines to customers, who could not at all afford new machines and he could refurbish the machine by himself. However, later we started to maintain an inventory of second-hand machines, hand-picked and the best, wherein we could offer customers the machines as per his requirement after refurbishing.
For example, now we have certain stock, roughly about 60 welding machines, in Germany which means the customer is required to tell us how he requires the machine and we can combine parts of different machines to design in a way to present a completely new machine for him. The reconditioned machine is as good and unique as a new machine.
WCI: What is the process of reconditioning? How do you get/source machines and refurbish?
CS: We have second-hand machines ready in our stock. The customer simply requires placing an order. We dismount the complete machine and then we re-build the machine step-by-step. First step of course is shotblasting. After that the process includes inspecting all the parts including the material, deciding whether any old component requires replacement with a new one, painting afresh parts and components, and finally the mounting of the machine like a new one (but only with second-hand base and same components).
After mounting is accomplished, the machine moves to the electrical department for doing the electrical wiring, installing a new PLC and fitting a new switchboard. The remounted machine is first tested at our factory multiple times and then retested under the customer’s supervision to finalize the product. If it is accepted and approved, we send the final product to a client, do the commissioning, and start-up. We also provide 12 months, free, after-sales service if there are mechanical or other problems; we also provide spare parts from our end to overcome these snags. We also help in completely installing the machine at the client’s factory site as it is a second-hand, reconditioned machine and we give the same service as a new machine. So, we design a completely new machine as per customer’s requirement.
WCI: Do you have any experience of providing machines in India?
CS: As far as India is concerned, we are just entering the Indian market. However, in Europe, South America and the Middle East, we are well-known. It is the first time that we are trying to enter the Indian market. We have associated with Kemtech and they are providing our products to customers in the Indian market.
WCI: When this collaboration between you and Kemtech happened?
CS: This collaboration started in May this year (2016) and we were active in India from the last 3 months via Kemtech.
WCI: So, how is the experience?
CS: Our experience with Kemtech is well. They are professional people and know what they are doing. Also, they have comprehensive market-knowledge, which is why it has been a very nice experience to get a skilled team which is looking after the interests of CSG in India.
WCI: So are you getting any leads from Kemtech on the Indian market for your machines?
CS: Yeah, they have transferred some leads to us and we of course need to follow those up. At first, we are trying to generate as much enquiries as possible.
WCI: Your views about the Indian wire and cable market?
CS: So far in India, we have sold three machines in the last one year. I think the market is growing very fast. However, the growth depends on the steel prices of course, which is an important factor everywhere. I think, in the next few years, there would be a big increase in demands in the India market.
Our Indian future customers are those who can’t afford to buy first-class equipment; and, such customer base is sizeable in India. This is why I hope my company, which is selling reconditioned machines, has a good opportunity in India, via Kemtech. It is like a middle-path for the Indian buyers, who don’t have the money, but still want the technology. They are no more obliged to buy inferior Chinese or Indian technology as they can buy world-class technology at much lower price.
