Skanda Magal, Product Manager, Deratech Machines India Pvt Ltd. talks about shipping cutting edge sheet metal machines from Belgium to India
Company Profile
1. Company Name: Deratech Machines India PVT Ltd
2. Year of establishment: 2020
3. Headquarters: Waasmunster, Belgium
4. Number of employees: Over 300 worldwide
5. Website: www.deratechindia.com
Influencer Profile
1. Influencer Name: Skanda N Magal
2. Current position – Product Manager
3. Years of experience in the industry: 2
4. Education: Mechanical Engineering
Industry Insights
Can you explain the main trends currently impacting the machine tool industry?
The main trends shaping the machine tool industry today are:
Smaller batch sizes and greater variety: Manufacturers are increasingly producing a greater variety of parts in smaller batch sizes, placing greater demands on machine tools for flexibility.
Advanced Product Design: As product designs become more sophisticated, manufacturing processes must quickly adapt to keep up. This evolution tests the electromechanical capabilities of machines.
Cost-Efficiency: Cost per part has become a critical factor, driving the need for more efficient and accurate manufacturing solutions.
What innovative technologies and solutions has your company implemented to give you an edge in the market?
To stay ahead in the market, we have introduced several innovative technologies and solutions.
Advanced Press Brakes: We have introduced top-of-the-line hybrid and fully electric press brakes with features such as angle measurement, dynamic adaptive crowning, robotic integration and industry 4.0 compatibility.
Versatile Turrets: Our turret systems range from 1250x2500mm to 2000x4000mm with multiple automatic indexing and multi-tool capabilities, increasing the versatility and efficiency of a single machine tool.
Laser Cutting Innovation: Our laser technology allows us to cut directly from the coil to the blank, dramatically reducing material acquisition costs and improving overall efficiency.
How is your company addressing the challenges facing the machine tool industry today?
To address the challenges facing the machine tool industry today, we are focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ specific needs and applications. We operate a comprehensive demo center and employ a dedicated applications team to demonstrate our ability to manufacture required parts on our machines. Clear communication of our capabilities and limitations facilitates a more efficient and effective solution process without wasting time for you and our team.
What role does sustainability play in your manufacturing processes and strategy?
Sustainability plays a key role in our manufacturing processes and strategy. Our hybrid press brake technology is designed to be highly energy efficient, saving up to 78% power compared to traditional press brakes. Additionally, we further our sustainability efforts by minimizing the use of oils and lubricants. These efforts reflect our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and promoting more sustainable manufacturing methods.
One of our most notable achievements is the supply of over 60 machines with automation solutions to BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. This project highlights our advanced capabilities and significant impact on the industry. Over the past decade, we have grown to become one of the largest sheet metal machine tool manufacturers in the world, highlighting our success and influence in the market.
Future outlook
What do you foresee as the key developments in the machine tool industry over the next five years?
Over the next five years, we expect advancements in IoT and Industry 4.0 to drive significant advances in the machine tools industry, encouraging data-driven decision-making. The integration of GPU technology, 5G, ChatGPT, and open-source development is likely to drive demand for advanced application software to complement machine tools. India expects to see an increase in automation setups in cell and transfer lines, and increased adoption of protocols such as Kanban, JIT, Six Sigma, and Taguchi loss function methodology. This period will bring about a shift towards specialization, which is likely to bring about significant disruption in Indian manufacturing.
How is your organization preparing for these future trends and challenges?
To prepare for future trends and challenges, we maintain a very agile approach with a flat organizational structure and hands-on management. We foster a culture of ownership at every level of the organization, ensuring that every team member is actively involved and accountable. Our focus on practical solutions rather than following rigid protocols allows us to adapt quickly and effectively to emerging trends and challenges.
What advice would you give to start-ups in the machine tool industry?
We recommend that startups in the machine tools industry focus on understanding customer needs and being agile in their operations. Avoid getting caught up in organizational politics and hierarchical structures and instead focus on delivering quality products at fair prices. This will earn you respect in the market and enhance your company’s reputation.
Personal Insights
What motivates you to work in the machine tool industry?
My involvement in the machine tool industry was sparked by a deep passion for machines and technology, and the excitement of working on cutting edge innovation and seeing the tangible impact of advanced machines is what keeps me involved and moving forward in this dynamic field.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in your career?
The biggest inspirations in my career have been my parents and my senior colleagues, who instilled in me a strong work ethic and values, and whose guidance and example have had a huge impact on my professional growth and the way I approach the industry.
What key qualities do you think are essential to be a successful leader in this industry?
To be a successful leader in the machine tool industry, it is important to set aside personal ego and approach problems objectively. A deep understanding of the fundamentals and knowledge of both the technology and its commercial application are essential. Effective leaders must also be hands-on and demonstrate a hands-on approach. They must lead by example, align their words with their actions, and have excellent learning and adaptability to navigate an evolving industry environment.
About Deratech Machines India Pvt. Ltd.
Deratech specializes in the design and manufacture of sheet metal processing machinery. Deratech’s headquarters for research, design and assembly is in Belgium. Subsidiaries and carefully selected partners around the world (India, Australia, China, Germany, Holland, Thailand etc.) provide world class advice, sales, installation and service.
Shanghai Delatec CNC Machine Tools Co., Ltd. is Delatec – Belgium’s new production and technology center in China. Advanced European design, quality and technology from the Belgian R&D center and Shanghai Delatec’s experienced engineering team work together to produce high-quality sheet metal processing machinery. All machining is designed in 3D by our technical department to obtain high precision in every machine part manufactured.
To cater to the needs of the Indian market, the Belgium headquartered Deratech Group is pleased to announce the incorporation of Deratech Machines India Pvt.ltd in 2020 and based in Bangalore, the hub of machine tool activity.
Headquartered in Bangalore with a team of experts, Deratech Machines India Pvt.Ltd provides sales/service support across India through professionally trained channel/service partners.
Deratech is your one-stop partner for sheet metal processing machinery, offering a wide range of solutions.
