APEX scales stainless steel innovation through automation and market insights

By Staff Report June 5, 2025 6:39 pm IST

With over three decades of industry experience, Apex Tubes credits its success to the unwavering trust of its customers. Rahul Gaur of Apex Tubes emphasises that this trust has been sustained through the company’s commitment to continuous self-improvement and strategic investment in advanced technologies and processes.

APEX has experienced significant growth since its founding in 1992. What major manufacturing innovations or technologies have helped you scale your stainless steel pipes and tube production over the years?

We consistently invest in advanced manufacturing technologies and process automation to scale our production and meet the evolving demands of the market. Our early adoption of BA automated tube mills and large-diameter pipe manufacturing has significantly increased our output while ensuring consistent quality. Most importantly, our growth is due to the trust our customers have placed in us, year after year, for over three decades.

What types of machinery and technologies do you currently use in your manufacturing processes, and how do they contribute to your production efficiency?

Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with advanced machinery, including automated TIG welding tube mills, solution annealing furnaces, and systems for producing large-diameter pipes. Strong quality assurance systems support these manufacturing facilities.

How does APEX tailor its stainless steel tubular solutions to meet the needs of sectors like Ethanol, Sugar, Dairy, Pharmaceuticals, Water Treatment, etc?

We have a thorough understanding of the needs of the various customer sectors we serve. Each sector has unique product and performance requirements. Therefore, we adhere to established standards and take additional steps to advise our customers. We help them choose the best material grades, surface finishes, and dimensional tolerances to ensure optimal performance and value.

Could you share your current growth strategy and market focus, including how you plan to support the expansion of demand both domestically and internationally?  

Our current focus is on deepening our engagement with existing customers and tapping into markets that are experiencing impressive growth. As we grow, our customers will grow alongside us. By consistently enhancing our quality and service levels, we naturally attract new customers and expand our customer base.

To support this growth, we are introducing automation in several labour-intensive processes. Additionally, we are streamlining our logistics to ensure that our products reach customers more quickly and efficiently.

APEX has always concentrated on the domestic market, and we see tremendous growth potential within India. While we value our customers in Africa, the Americas, and East Asia, our strategic focus remains on capturing a larger share of the expanding Indian market.

With rising imports impacting market share, how are APEX Tubes diversifying raw materials and managing cost pressures while staying competitive?

We have adopted a strategic approach to procurement by diversifying our sources of raw materials. We source both domestically and internationally to remain price competitive and effectively manage cost pressures. This flexibility allows us to stay resilient in a volatile market environment.  

What are the biggest challenges Indian stainless steel pipe and tube manufacturers face, and how are you addressing them?

Our greatest challenge lies within. As manufacturers, we must consistently improve our processes and maintain strict control over operations, all while keeping the fundamentals in mind. Equally important is the need for stronger institutional support. The government, at both the central and State levels, must recognise the value of the manufacturing sector and create an environment that enables it to reach its full potential. These areas will be crucial in determining our future.