Automation Is The Core Of Simta Products

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Automation Is The Core Of Simta Products

Manufacturing accessories of textile machinery can be quite a challenging business. S Senthil Kumar Managing Director, Simta Machinery Pvt Ltd spoke to Textile Excellence about his company’s prospects in the accessories manufacturing business...

What did you showcase during India ITME 2016?

We showcased all our products - spindle tapes, clearer rollers, overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, besides bobbin stripper and bobbin exchanger. We have introduced a new machine called a cop sorter.

What is unique about it?

It is automation. After autoconer, workers have to do everything manually. We have automated the process of sorting the cops. It saves labour. We have been receiving a very good response from our customers.

What are the challenges which you see in the accessories business in the next five years?

Technology is getting upgraded. Speeds of machines are on the increase. Every customer expects international standards and speeds. So, as suppliers, we have to meet their expectations.

What do you have to say about R&D in accessories segment? Is research based on customer feedback?

Yes, research is based on feedback. As far as textile machinery accessories are concerned, we get feedback from our original equipment manufacturers. So, according to feedback from our OEMs we improve our products. In order to achieve this, we interact intensively with our original equipment manufacturers.

What are Simta's plans for the future?

We plan to increase our focus on automation products for the spinning industry because this is the need of the hour. We expect future demand for automation products, especially since labour costs in India are going up. In fact, this is the case everywhere else in the world. The trend is to automate processes and save on labour costs.

What do you have to say about other energy and efficiency related issues?

These are very important issues. We have to conserve energy without any compromise on efficiency. It is a challenge and we at Simta are interested taking up such challenges.

What about your export market?

At the moment, the export market is not in a great shape. However, we expect certain new projects to come up overseas which are likely to generate demand for our products. Typically, we do business in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

How is the market in India? From which geographic clusters do you see demand coming?

At the moment, some demand is coming from Western India, especially Gujarat. Some new spinning mills are coming up there. Then, there is some demand from Tamil Nadu. If around 200 customers add even one or two machines each, that would be a decent market cumulatively. Also, we are the OEM supplier for Rieter, Toyota, Laxmi, Marzoli etc.

What is your staff strength across India?

We have more than 300 employees across India. We are based in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. We have a good network of offices across India as well as overseas. For after sales support, we have around 35 engineers on our payroll. Additionally, our agents have their service engineers. Altogether we have around 100 people for after sales support.