Targets 20% overall growth in FY18
Oerlikon Drive Systems, a leading global provider of complete drive systems, synchronisers, high-precision gearing solutions, transmission components, clutches and shifting solutions for agricultural, construction, railway, on & off highway and automotive industries, made its presence felt at this year’s ACMA Automechanika fair. The company displayed its strengths in the OEM segment, as it tried to woo potential distributors and customers at the aftermarket-focused trade fair in the capital city.
Mr. Sandeep Khullar, Director and Head of Sales & Marketing India, Oerlikon’s Drive Systems, says: “At this year’s show, we have tried to showcase all our products and the range we offer for the automotive industry where our focus is mainly on transmission components for electric and hybrid passenger vehicles. In the commercial vehicle segment, our main focus is on synchronisers where we are a very strong player.”
Having the capability to design, validate and produce transmissions, Oerlikon’s Indian arm actively supports both local customers and global OEMs. With its expertise in the field, the company has captured business from almost all major producers of electric utility vehicles in the country.
Talking about Oerlikon’s aftermarket business in India, Mr. Khullar shares: “Our aftermarket business in India is at its nascent stage as we sell our products mostly through the OEMs for their service requirements. We see a lot of potential in the aftermarket segment and have set up distributors to cater to the local OEMs and plan to expand this network to our aftermarket business going forward. We now also have a dedicated team to focus on the aftermarket and the service requirements for the global market.”
Oerlikon is currently operating at almost full capacities at both its Noida and Belgaum facilities and is in the process of expanding its Sanand facility with the second phase of construction almost completed. Once the expansion is through, it plans to move some of its assembly operations to the Sanand plant.
Referring to the company’s performance in FY17, he adds: “We achieved an overall turnover of almost Rs. 1,000 crores in India in FY17 with close to double-digit growth In the construction equipment segment. This year, we are targeting a 20 per cent growth and plan to double our revenues in the next 4 to 5 years. We are also looking to penetrate into markets like South-East Asia in the coming years.”