Business

'Advanced Machines & Service, Customer Centric Approach Makes Rabatex A Coveted Technology Partner for URJA Products'

URJA Products Pvt. Ltd., a pioneer in fibre glass fabrics has had a more than three decades long association with Rabatex Industries as its technology partner. In an exclusive interview with Reena Mital, Janak Nanavaty, Chairman of URJA Products, talks about how this association with Rabatex Industries has helped to achieve quality, productivity, precision in a very high value product.

URJA has been a pioneer in fibre glass fabrics, where technology plays a very important role. How important is Rabatex Industries for you, as a technology partner?

Our association with Rabatex Industries goes a long way, when my father started the factory in 1969. He knew the founder-owner of Rabatex Industries, and the machines they were making. Rabatex was thus a natural choice. And since then, it’s always been Rabatex. So, the first Rabatex warping machine we had was in use for over 20 years. And we were thinking of changing this machine, because some new innovations had come into the market. But I was reluctant to spend money when this was a perfectly fine machine. So, anyway I called Hareshbhai, who is a good friend of mine, and asked him what new developments he had done on this machine. And they had done a number of interesting upgrades. So, I decided to go for the new machine. It was a big problem to change the warping machine because it was installed on a loft, but we somehow managed that, and replaced it with the new machine. And it’s been 20-25 years since we’ve had this second machine, which is still running perfectly. Eventually, we decided to expand our portfolio into carbon fabrics, for which we needed a smaller machine. And again the choice was Rabatex. The fourth machine we bought when we shifted to our new premises some six-eight years ago. That time we had a need for one more machine as we were expanding. Again, Rabatex had some good developments, and we chose Rabatex. So, in 1994, we obtained two sectional warping machines and various other products from Rabatex. And now we have a fully automatic sectional warping machine, among other products. These machines have led to a dramatic increase in efficiency and product quality, while being incredibly cost effective. Rabatex Industries’ top of the line machinery, customer prioritisation and excellent after-care service has fostered an open and cooperative relationship between the two companies.

Companies usually opt for imported machines. And yet URJA chose an Indian made machine?

One of the bedrocks of URJA’s excellent performance is the quality textile machinery that we invest in. And a long standing principle of URJA has been to opt for Indian made machines that have proved themselves, instead of importing machines. URJA is into very high value, very specialised technical textile fabrics, and Rabatex has been a great technology partner in terms of providing technical assistance, product and software upgrades, etc. We’ve had a more than three decade long association with Rabatex, we share a close rapport, and we both have grown multi-fold over these years. We both have domain expertise in our respective segments. Rabatex is a major player, with a focussed customer centric approach, with advanced technology products, and first-class service. These attributes have ensured that we have never thought of opting for any other brand.

Tell us about some unique achievements that were made possible because of Rabatex machines?

Rabatex advanced sectional warper is fully automatic which takes care of process parameters, eliminating manual error, while also ensuring consistent quality production and higher productivity. All process data are displayed, and the in-built printer allows data to be printed, thus helping in long term tracking of quality and cost parameters. Advanced software in the machine has in-built self diagnosis system which enables quick attendance of any breakdown and setting the machine running in the shortest possible time.

How do you perceive the development of the Indian techtex industry?

Some technical textile sectors have experienced phenomenal growth over the last few years. In my sector – glass fibre, aramid, carbon fibre, insulations for high temperature applications, the growth has been slow but steady. One of the reasons for the slow growth in the technical textiles sector overall, according to me, is the non-availability of raw materials – the fibres. I have to import 100% of my fibre requirement. I believe that Indian technical textile companies need to put in some effort into marketing, and creating awareness. For instance, a lot of my users too may probably import the products, not knowing that Indian manufacturers and suppliers exist for such products and applications. Of course, we have established, loyal customers for the last 50 years. But yes, there are new applications coming up every day, and we need to penetrate those markets too. Another reason for the slow growth is the non-availability of technically qualified persons in India. I visit a lot of international exhibitions, and am amazed to see the products that have been developed. We need to spend more on increasing the technical pool in India, have closer collaboration with Centres of Excellence and research institutes. Today, most of the research and development is being done by the companies themselves.

Of course, we have established, loyal customers for the last 50 years. But yes, there are new applications coming up every day, and we need to penetrate those markets too. Another reason for the slow growth is the non-availability of technically qualified persons in India. I visit a lot of international exhibitions, and am amazed to see the products that have been developed. We need to spend more on increasing the technical pool in India, have closer collaboration with Centres of Excellence and research institutes. Today, most of the research and development is being done by the companies themselves.

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