Luwa, the leader in air engineering systems, has established its strong presence in India. As part of expansion in the country, the company is setting up a new manufacturing facility and widening its product range and solutions. We spoke to Mr. Gottfried Abrell, CEO of LUWA AG, on the company’s business in India and plans for the future.
Excerpts:
Question: How was the year 2012 for Luwa India?
Answer: Yes, it proved an excellent business year for Luwa India. During the year, we were able to conclude pan-India 125 orders in the spinning and weaving sectors with our existing customers and were also able to make a breakthrough with first-time customers. There was also very good business for us in synthetic fiber, with major orders from Alok Industries, Reliance Industries, Well-known Polyesters and Bhilosa Industries, as well in nonwoven with two prestigious orders. Now we are observing a specific trend with our customers wanting to invest in automation, because of which we are able to sell our newly introduced baling press system to many spinning mills.
In 2012, we also successfully commissioned our first two systems for heat recovery in textile processing and finishing.
Q: How was the response at India ITME?
A: India ITME was really an excellent exhibition. Response for our products was overwhelming and quite encouraging from the business point of view. We felt that the exhibition provided an excellent platform to millowners and machinery suppliers to meet and discuss the future trends and possibilities in textiles which can further improve and consolidate the industry performance.
Q: Does the response convey a positive trend moving forward? What are your thoughts on the future of the Indian textile industry?
A: The presentation by all major suppliers showed their commitment and their positive outlook into 2013 and the following years. The same is true with Luwa – we believe strongly in the Indian textile industry and are confident that our products and services must be partly contributing towards the successful operation of spinning and weaving production of the industry.
In today’s globally competitive environment, success comes only if we believe in future growth. There are many examples in India where companies entered the growth path with small investments and by exemplary leadership of the mill owners and in less than a decade they became a major player in their industry.
Growth needs different mindset. I believe that professional management, technology and automation, quality of equipment and machines and central monitoring of performance are ‘must’ factors for efficient growth. The same trend we are seeing in China today, from being a mass producer earlier to become quality producers as now companies are investing more and more in high quality machines with automation.
The year 2013 may not fulfill all our hopes, as the overall world economic situation still is in the grip of uncertainties. However, it gives us all the chance to continue working to improve our processes and get competitive in price and quality.