Global quality @ local price

June 22, 2011 4:56 am

Following the unbeaten success world-wide, KTR is all set to become largest couplings manufacturer in India.  On the sidelines of GMC & PVC expo 2011; Kumar Karandikar (manager sales) and Joachim Hofstede (general manager) speak to Relin Hedly on KTR’s journey in India and growth plan
 
How has the journey been for KTR since the last 15 years?
Joachim Hofstede (JH): KTR was formed as a subsidiary company of a gearbox manufacturer in Germany. The company started initially by developing gear type couplings. KTR was among the first to introduce plastic materials into power transmission technologies. Later, KTR developed the nylon gear type couplings BoWex, which consist of user-friendly features like less maintenance.  In the 60s the Rotex- Jaw type Flexible couplings were introduced. These two models are very well known and have earned their own brand name in the market.  So BoWex and Rotex are products of KTR.  Till the mid 80s, KTR built a vast range of products for standard components. Gradually, it ventured into developing specialised couplings, engineered couplings for high power drives engineered to suit the special demands of customers that have special requirements for couplings and these couplings are then put together in a package. Today we supply couplings with integrated torque limiters together with heat exchangers to customers. In the wind turbine category, KTR can supply shaft to shaft couplings for the wind generators, the brake system for the main coupling drive, heat exchangers, generators and components for the hydraulic power packs that are used for the lubrication system. On the whole, KTR is not viewed as a couplings manufacturer, but as a systems provider. With an ability to address problematic issues and design aspects, KTR is well equipped with a super speciality R&D centre. The company not only understands its products but also customer’s specific requirements in terms of products which in turn help them to assist, cater and recommend the best products to their clientele. We proudly say use KTR Couplings as “Better coupling make better drives”.
 
Kumar Karandikar (KK): We are constantly in the process of developing and including additional products such as couplings for smaller and bigger torque, flange types or shaft-to-shaft type couplings, torque limiters, complementing elements, hydraulic components etc. Today KTR is the market leader for accessories for hydraulic components. 
 
How do you see the business growing in India?
JH: KTR’s business in India is developing positively. Since 1998, the company is constantly growing. In the last couple of years, KTR has seen a positive growth trend and also set up their manufacturing plant in Pune. We are in the process of improving and enlarging ourselves in order to reach the set target.
 
What is the production capacity of KTR?
JH: KTR as a group produces around 2 million couplings on an annual basis.
 
Which are the OEMs you are focusing in India?
JH: KTR is a leading manufacturer of couplings being used in various industries. We are producing couplings for construction equipment, marine industry, oil & gas industry, hydraulic power plants, public transportation industry, pumps and compressors, wind turbine industry, steel industry, agricultural, and machine tool industry, etc. The Indian market is growing at par from the industrial point of view and it is the right place for KTR to be at the moment.
 
 Is there a specific industry where KTR has its foothold among the several industries the company caters to?
KK: KTR does not cater to only a specific industry segment; on the contrary, it has a broad range of industries and is serving India quite well at the moment. Construction and wind are some of the industries where KTR has a strong foothold followed by pumps & compressors, machine tool, hydraulics etc. We are supplying high quality products with a local manufacturing facility to almost all the segments of the industry.
 
Could you give us an idea about your annual turnover as far as Indian market is concerned?
KK: The global KTR organization creates a turnover of nearly 200 million Euros. From the Indian market point of view, the company is already among the top 3 couplings manufacturers in India. With a very vigorous growth plan, KTR plans to be number 1 in the Indian market in the coming couple of years. ‘Global Quality at Local Price’ is KTR’s USP. Talking about competitors, there are several companies exist as far as couplings are concerned. 
 
How do you ensure constant quality of your products from your manufacturing unit?
JH: The KTR India facility is a 100 per cent investment by KTR Germany. The company also has an internal quality norm. We also have an internal quality manufacturing license program in which each and every product has to pass the norms. Out of KTRs global product range, around 55 – 60 per cent range is already licensed to be produced in the Indian plant and the percentage will go higher.
 
Are you happy with the norms in terms of Govt’s taxation policies applicable for manufacturing sector? 
KK: Regulations or policies are not our discretion but the demands of the Indian Industry; we as any other local supplier are already working our way to gain end users / consultants approvals with KTR India credentials. Coupled with a proven track record in India, KTR has been able to excel in achieving targets since the past 12 years.  With a presence in India as a manufacturing plant gives us additional leverage for meeting the approvals which was not the case before. With this, KTR is sure to grow in leaps and bounds and gain a leading position as Indian supplier.
 
What kind of training you provide to get German quality products at Indian price?

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