Redefining CNC Machines Business

September 10, 2012 9:33 am

“Innovative design, reliability, customisation as per customers’ requirements, and timely delivery of quality products to our customers at competitive prices will be our key driving factors for achieving expected growth,” says DD Mulherkar, VP of Premier’s machine tool division
About PremierEstablished in 1944, Premier Automobiles Ltd pioneered automobile manufacturing in India. It is now called Premier Ltd., emblematic of its focus on three core businesses, namely machine tools, heavy engineering services and vehicles. Rooted in a 65-year-old legacy, Premier posts a turnover close to Rs 300 crore. Sprawling over 27 acres, the company has invested over Rs 150 crore to spruce up its ISO: 9001 certified state-of-the-art production facility at Chinchwad in Pune.
Journey of Premier’s Machine Tool DivisionPremier manufactures highly sophisticated CNC machines, including CNC gear-cutting machines, CNC vertical turning and turnmill centres, machining centres and custom-built special purpose machines. So, it hardly comes as a surprise that it holds a market share of 70 per cent in the CNC gear-cutting machine and CNC vertical turning centre market ranking among the top five machine tool entities in India, with a customer base spanning over several public and private sector players such as the railways, defence and public sector undertakings.Premier has not only been discerning about the quality of its manufacturing and production, but also the work force that builds its brand. A talent-intensive business, Premier currently employs over 2000 people, including 300 engineers. The facility’s strategic location helps attracts talent from Pune and the encompassing area. Its association with educational institutions such as College of Engineering Pune (CoEP) and ITIs ensures that the next layer of engineering talent is built for this business. In keeping with its principle to make its machines more price competitive, Premier also plans to share R&D facilities and joint manufacturing opportunities with its international counterparts, keeping in line with its strategy to grow inorganically through international acquisitions.
With its foundation dating back to 1941, the company’s machine tool division has come a long way. In 1941, the Walchand Group acquired controlling shares in Satara Industrial Works and rechristened the operations to Cooper Engineering Ltd. In 1961, production of machine tools was shifted from Satara to the Chinchwad plant. In 1987, the machine tool division was purchased by Premier and the wide range of products is commenced being marketed under this banner. Today, Premier has strategically located its Tech Centres in Delhi and Bangalore, enabling the company to showcase its products and demonstrate technological competence.
Overview of CNC IndustryIn India, tremendous growth in sectors like power and automobile is driving the growth of CNC industry. According to DD Mulherkar, Vice President of Premier’s machine tool division, “It is a growing market. A year-on-year growth of about 15 per cent has been observed over the last 5 years, due to the growth of power and automobile sector along with its vendors.”
Driving Factors for Premier“Innovative design, reliability, customisation as per customers’ requirements, and timely delivery of quality products to our customers at competitive prices will be our key driving factors for achieving expected growth,” Mulherkar said.
Technological InnovationTechnological advancement is a continuous evolutionary process in machine tool industry. This can be noticed in basic machine function as well as tooling and accessories. The essence of technological development is always directed towards productivity improvement and ease of operation. “Premier is always coming out with innovative solutions. The gear shaper with electronic guide is an example of our recent development. Also Premier developed CNC Gear Shaving Machine indigenously,” Mr. Mulherkar informed.
Market Share“In CNC machines industry, our forte is CNC gear machines of which we have been consistently holding a market share of more than 50 per cent in India”, he said.