INA Systems which specializes in intelligent material handling systems also offers box storage, MES and intelligent transport, as well as sorting systems which help manufacturers improve their production processes.
In an exclusive chat, Ms. Fayne Ng, Marketing Executive, disclosed that the company has been able to make significant inroads in the Indian market.
Giving an overview of the company performance, she said: “Initially this technology, i.e., INA Systems, originated in Canada. In order to have the competitive edge, INA Systems began with its plants in China to handle production. While some components are manufactured there, most of the hardware components are imported.
Ms. Fayne Ng said: “We realized the need for further expansion and opened offices in Vietnam and Indonesia. We entered the Indian market in 2014. Right from the time of our entry, we have worked towards building awareness about our products and advocating hi-technology into the garment manufacturing sector. We have participated in exhibitions in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Tirupur for business matchmaking and brand awareness. We have worked very hard. We got a good list of customers because of the positive feedbacks of the products in India.”
Asked as to what has been the key reason for the company’s growth, she disclosed: “We don’t just go to customers and sell a product. We first go to their factories, understand their problem and then we see how we can improve their production efficiency. We have a team of experienced production consultants who will provide professional training to both operators and the management team and also to address any probable production issue in the process. Our engineers are also there for any technical support service, even after the training is completed. We put in a lot of efforts because we understand that factories cannot afford to stop production.”
Going further into details regarding the company’s approach, she said: “In most of the textile factories that I have seen so far, there are always issues with respect to how the plant is managed, the manufacturing processes and labour issues. What may work for one type of material may not work for another. So we study and observe and give them suggestions as to how to improve the process. There is no ONE STYLE FITS ALL method in this field”.
On the key markets for the company, Ms. Fayne Ng commented: “India is definitely one of the important markets for us. Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam are also key markets. In markets like Bangladesh, it took us about a year to convince the market of the technology utility. When they finally saw for themselves the improvement in production flow, it’s as what we’ve promised and delivered.”
According to her, prompt aftersales service support and availability of spareparts has been one of the key factors for the company success. “We also have a team that is working round the clock to ensure that things are running smoothly at our customer’s factories. We have sold about 1,000 stations in India. It is only when customers have confidence in our system that they go for repeated orders. We have a country manager located in India, apart from agents. We have a similar set-up in Bangladesh too.”
“India has always been an important market for us. Last year, with the GST issue, there was a lull in the market for about 4-5 months. Things have improved now. Hopefully, the Government will keep coming up with initiatives for the textile industry growth,” Ms. Fayne Ng added.