A part of RR Global – RR Kabel is a conglomerate in the electrical sector with a presence in more than 86 countries globally. The Company has been the pioneer to introduce the patented Unilay Core Technology (UCT) to cables in India, the first to switch to low smoke zero halogen technology, and the first to manufacture heat resistant wires, amongst some other pioneering developments.
Wire & Cable India interviewed Mr. Sumeet Kabra, Director, RR Global, wherein he shares details about their new venture- the manufacturing of HT Cables, the product portfolio, the key strengths, market presence and the future plans of the company.
Wire & Cable India: The Company has recently introduced the manufacturing of HT Cables. Could you please elaborate on the development and the future plans with regard to this segment?
Sumeet Kabra: We are delighted to inform you that we have recently launched HT Cables which will enhance our offering of wires and cables. This is going to give us an edge with a comprehensive range for our customers. Our present manufacturing facility supports up to 132 kV. With the launch of HT cable manufacturing, we are now a one-stop-shop for all electrical solutions and provide a state-of-the-art electrical ecosystem under one roof to our customers. With RR Kabel’s credible brand image and our highest quality products, we are highly optimistic about achieving exponential growth and maintaining a topmost position in the electrical sector.
WCI: What is the product portfolio and the core capabilities of the company?
SK: RR Kabel’s philosophy is to offer Cabling Solutions, based on the needs of the customers and the applications. We are the only Indian cable manufacturing company having a wide range of HT & LT cables that are not only compliant with the Indian standards but also conforms to various international standards such as BASEC, UL, CSA, VDE, DEMKO, etc.
Within the portfolio of RR Group, we also offer various special applications like Data & Communication, Drag Chain duty, Servo & VFD Application, high temperature, and many others based on specific key applications including Harness as an end-to-end solution. RR Kabel is the only Indian cable company offering a complete basket of wires and cables with the certifications of compliance from REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorization of Chemical Substances), RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), CPR (Construction Products Regulation) and CE (Conformitè Europëenne), which testifies our commitment to ensure the highest human and environmental safety. With these international accreditations, we guarantee that we offer sustainable, world-class quality, human and environmentally safe products.
With the launch of HT cable manufacturing, we are now a one-stop-shop for all electrical solutions and provide a state-of-the-art electrical ecosystem under one roof to our customers.
With the business divisions of RR Global Group, we have created a complete robust electrical ecosystem. The product portfolio encompasses a complete range of wires, cables, bus duct, light fittings, LED range, fans, HVLS fans, enameled/ magnetic wires, copper tubes and consumer durables.
Recently, we acquired ArrayStorm, which is an iconic brand offering premium LED lighting solutions. This acquisition will help us to offer customized lighting solutions to ultramodern commercial buildings and industrial establishments with unique light fittings to suit the décor and aesthetics of the building and establishments.
WCI: Since RR Kabel has been one of the most notable players in the sector, what do you think are the strengths of your products which give it a competitive edge in the market?
SK: RR Kabel houses the finest state-of-the-art latest machines available globally and unmatched manufacturing facilities. The feather in the cap – our state-of-the-art NABL accredited test laboratory assures that we bring the products with the highest standard and zero-defect quality. We have always been a trendsetter and the first-mover in the adoption of technologies which matters for our customers. We have introduced a unique concept first time in India with UniLay technology, halogen-free (LSOH Thermosetting Compound) cables and first to convert the entire manufacturing facility to RoHS & REACH compliance.
The company has developed a niche by following the best practices dictated by international standards like ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018. Our focus on systems, best practices and adaptation of technology gives us a competitive edge.
We have introduced a unique concept first time in India with UniLay technology, halogen-free (LSOH Thermosetting Compound) cables and first to convert the entire manufacturing facility to RoHS & REACH compliance.
WCI: Kindly share some details on the manpower and the manufacturing and technological capabilities of your company while also outlining on the ways in which you ensure to maintain the efficiency in the production process.
SK: We believe that ‘Human Resource’ is the most valuable of all the resources. People are our pillars and we value them the most. HR practices at RR Kabel are one of the finest in the industry. This can be gauged from the fact that the attrition of engineers is less than 1%.
RR Kabel believes in enhancing the capabilities of individuals and also creates an opportunity for growth within the organization; hence, training has always been an integral part of every employee’s journey in our organization for their growth which helps RR Global to always remain agile and innovative. We have been successful in creating meritocracy and self-motivated culture across the organization. We have been making substantial investment in automation and the use of IoT in the manufacturing process and thus, we’ve been able to make our systems more robust and be a process-driven company.
WCI: Could you please give us a glimpse into the market presence of the company – both domestic and international? Also, please outline your future plans for furthering your reach to newer markets?
SK: RR Kabel is a formidable player in the domestic and international market and is recognized as one of the quality cable manufacturers. Our products go into the residential, infrastructure, industrial, energy, process industry, railways, marine, and other sectors. Our presence is very significant across all continents and we are serving more than 86 countries. We follow the most stringent quality standards which are practiced across the globe.
Every year, we add new cable solutions in our portfolio to serve different application needs and currently having approximately 165 different types of cables in our product range.
In addition to the existing range, we are now focusing on some other important applications like solar, railway & metro application, auto cables and for the same, we are planning to venture into the E-beam facility to enable us to cater to these important segments on a global platform. We are strategically venturing into different electrical products which will help us to gain market share and offer a complete range of solutions to the customers. With a compelling vision, we have plans to aggressively expand our market reach in the domestic and international markets.
WCI: Please share your views on the Indian wire and cable sector and describe the competitive trends which are driving the growth of the industry. How do you think the sector is positioned in the global marketplace with respect to the innovations and technological up gradation and the future growth in the forthcoming years?
SK: India is a fast-growing economy attracting global Industrial players who are keen to set up base in our country. The market is growing exponentially with huge opportunities for cable manufacturers. The fast growth in various sectors like infrastructure, industry, oil & gas, transportation, marine, solar, process industry and other sectors offers high demand for specialized cable solutions.
Moreover, due to the low manpower cost and the addition of automation, the Indian cable industry is in a position to offer quality products with very competitive pricing. The International market gives an opportunity for export, which is growing manifold every year, providing us with an opportunity to increase the market share globally.
WCI: Keeping in view the crisis brought by the pandemic, what are the challenges and impediments it has brought in the Indian wire and cable industry with regard to manufacturing and the supply chain? How have you managed in the recent crisis and the different strategies which have enabled you in doing so?
SK: The pandemic has created a panic which is very natural. But every crisis gives you the opportunity to look into the future. RR Kabel has worked with the mindset of looking at the challenges as opportunities. With that approach, the level of productivity and efficiencies across different units have gone up. We have taken this in our stride and have moved forward with added vigor. We have taken all the steps in maintaining safety precautions at our plant to ensure the good health and safety of the employees.
Being ISO 45001:2018 certified company, our focus on health and safety has always been very high. Disaster management plans became very handy from day one when we had to address the pandemic situation. We have kept the morale of all our employees very high on a daily basis.
We have been making substantial investment in automation and the use of IoT in the manufacturing process and thus, we’ve been able to make our systems more robust and be a process-driven company.
