To comply with today’s changing business scenario and the resulting changes in the activities of any industry, it is much necessary to have an association of that industry, giving out information to all concerned members. Established in 1968, Steel Wire Manufacturers Association of India (SWMAI) is the apex national body of steel wire and wire rope manufacturers in India. The association assists the Indian steel wire industry to take the full advantage of production capacity, cost effectiveness, international standard of quality, knowledge base and above all, march together for a better tomorrow. SWMAI is a tool for growth of everybody related with the steel wire industry such as respective customers, raw material suppliers, equipment manufacturers etc. Wire & Cable India would like to congratulate Mr. Siddharth Agrawal, Managing Director, Systematic Group, for being elected as the youngest Chairman of SWMAI, and would like to gather his valuable insights about the steel wire industry and its challenges, and the initiatives taken up by the association on behalf of the industry.

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Wire & Cable India (WCI): Please give us a brief background of the association, how it was formed, and its journey so far.

Mr. Siddharth Agrawal (SA): Steel Wire Manufacturers Association of India (SWMAI) is the apex national body of steel wire and wire rope manufacturers in India. Established in 1968 and registered under the Companies Act in 1970, the association has in its membership steel wire drawing units and wire rope manufacturing units, producing bulk quantity of steel wires and wire ropes in India. SWMAI is recognized by Government of India and steel producers as the representative body of steel wire and wire rope manufacturers and is consulted by them on issues pertaining to this industry. SWMAI has an expanding nationwide membership of enterprises, drawn from organized and small-scale sectors, representing the steel wire & wire rope industry. With the continuous patronage of SWMAI, Indian steel wire industry has progressed remarkably over the years on every count, like increase in volume, cutting down costs, quality at par with International Standards (ASTM, DIN, JIS, BSS etc.), in achieving wide range of products of various types.

Versatility has been achieved by the industry for meeting the requirements of numerous consuming sectors in India and abroad. To keep up this sophistication, SWMAI continuously emphasizes on the R&D activities. With members’ active participation, SWMAI, in collaboration with other national and international organizations, is carrying on the well-planned R&D activities.

SWMAI is a platform for continuous Government-Industry communications on various policy and problem related issues of the industry. Adequate supply of wire rods, adjustable prices of wire rods with international prices and suitable Government policy would ensure the growth of the steel wire industry, making it to be sustainable and globally competitive. With this view, SWMAI is continuously working to protect the interest of the industry. We frequently send representations at the ministerial levels of the Govt. of India and to the steel producers so that the supply of raw materials does not become a constraint. We also consult with the Govt. of India directly relating to their industrial/ financial/ export-import policies concerning to the industry.

Presently, SWMAI has, in its membership, 83 ordinary members and the figure is increasing in every year. In addition to this, some machinery manufacturers are associate members of the SWMAI.

WCI: Please share the initiatives taken up by the association on behalf of the industry.

SA: In the coming 2 years, our goal will be to make this association more effective, collaborative and run in an energetic way. Being elected as one of the youngest Chairman, pressurises me to perform more efficiently and I would like to seek support and advice especially from all the senior members.

We have identified 4 major challenges in running our industry and we have respective leaders to overcome the challenges as mentioned below:

Increasing the market size: Mr. Pranay Surana, Surana Wires
To explore both domestic and global market & increase the market / application of quality steel wire in India.
Technology: Ms. Namrata Salunke, Bekaert
To get better technology / technical tie up / share good business practices across the world. Explore the possibility for research centre for steel wires.
Skill Development: Mr. Yashovardhan Chordia, Rajratan Global; Mr. Mayank Mittal, Bharat Wire Ropes
We are always short of good efficient manpower. It’s a major pain point for all of us. Hence, we need to create tie up with engineering colleges to make them aware about our industry needs. Develop content related to wire industry in their curriculum and also provide proper induction.
Government and Statutory Issue: Mr. Ajay Bedmutha, Bedmutha Industries
To understand various govt schemes, make the members aware, share industry pain areas to the policy makers in the government from time to time.

WCI: Going forward what is your vision as the Chairman of SWMAI for the association and the industry as a whole?

SA: To make India as the global leader by deploying innovative technology and ensuring sustainability and reduced carbon foot print. At the same time providing value to our customers and stakeholders.

WCI: Every industry has its own set of challenges and opportunities. How SWMAI as an association help its member companies and industry to address those challenges and harness the best from opportunities?

SA:

Aside from the technological prospects to expand our business on a global scale, we will collaborate with our members to innovate and reinvent the commercial model to solve the structural costs associated with sustainability in order to capture more value.
We have planned to conduct technical session to the industry (from top-level to mid-level managers).
PLI schemes for wire industry was possible because of the effort of the association members.
Membership Plan: To include more steel wire manufacturers to join SWMAI.
Despite the high cost of transformation, there will be opportunities for our members in low-emission industries due to rising demand and the premium our customers are ready to pay for these products.
Increased engagement with the government on numerous initiatives that benefit our industry, as well as dissemination of this information to our members to keep them informed.

WCI: Please share your views on the Indian vis a vis global steel wire industry. What kind of trends do you foresee?

SA: Steel wire is an important component of the worldwide economy, with applications in construction, automotive, and transportation. The industry has grown significantly over the years, owing to growing demand for steel wire products across the globe. With an increasing demand for steel wire products, India is one of the major players in the global steel wire business. The nation has a sizable domestic market, which has aided the growth of India’s steel wire industry. Furthermore, the Indian government has been assisting the industry through a number of initiatives, including the National Steel Policy 2017, which seeks to boost the nation’s steel production capacity to 300 million metric tons by 2030.

The growing demand for high-quality, high-performance steel wire products is one of the major trends shaping the global steel wire business. The growing desire for lightweight materials in various industries, including automotive and aerospace, is driving this trend. Steel wire products with superior strength, resilience, and resistance to corrosion are in high demand, and producers make investments in novel approaches to create innovative products which fulfil these demands.

Another trend in the steel wire business is a greater emphasis on sustainability. Steel wire manufacturers are implementing ecologically conscious behaviours with the goal to reduce their impact on the environment and fulfil the increasing demand for eco-friendly products. This involves using renewable energy, reusing, and lowering greenhouse gas pollution.

As a whole, the steel wire industry is anticipated to grow worldwide, owing to rising demand from a variety of industries. To stay competitive in the long term, the business must adapt to evolving marketplace conditions and embrace ecological practices.

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WCI: What is your expectation from steel wire industry? And who are the pillars of the association?

SA: We would want all the wire manufacturers to bring out trending issues / complaints to the association so that it can be addressed at national level. Our pillars of the SWMAI are as follows:
Mentor Group consist of:

Mr. Siddharth Agrawal, Systematic Industries
Mr. Mahesh Poddar, Miki Wire Works
Mr. Nirmal Saraf, Nirmal Wires
Mr. Vjiay Vedmutha, Bedmutha Industries
Mr. Sunil Chordia, Rajratan Global Wires
Mr. M L Mittal, Bharat Wire Ropes
Mr. Arun Gupta, Bansal Wires

WCI: The current team elected for the SWMAI?

SA: The current team elected for the Steel Wire Manufacturers Association if India is as follows:

Mr Siddharth Agrawal, Systematic Industries – Chairman of SWMAI
Mr. Ajay Bedmutha, Bedmutha Industries – Vice Chairman of SWMAI
Mr. Vidyuth Saraf, Nirmal Wires – Treasurer of SWMAI