Instrumentation Major WIKA India, a subsidiary of WIKA Group has been going all guns recently with its comprehensive portfolio of solutions that have been developed using measurement technology components of superior quality, aimed at fulfilling the requirements of the Indian F&B Industry. Having a strong standing in the Indian Market, WIKA’s expertize lies in delivering solutions that can be customized to meet the specific requirements of process and automation industries.
Read: July 2023 Issue of Food Infotech Magazine.
With a strong standing in the Indian Market for two-plus decades, the company has been consistently experiencing double digits growth over the past several years. Gaurav Bawa, Sr. Vice President, WIKA India spoke to Claus from Food Infotech. Gaurav Bawa discussed about WIKA India’s recent offerings that include a comprehensive portfolio of smart solutions designed to cater to the complex needs of the Indian F&B Industry, including about the company’s future plans to strengthen their market share in India in the coming years and much more.
Would you please start by letting us know about WIKA’s recent product portfolio for the F&B Industry?
Solutions for pressure, temperature, force and level measurement, as well as flow measurement, calibration and SF6 gas solutions from WIKA, are integral components of any business process. Therefore, we see ourselves not as a supplier of measurement technology components, but rather as a competent partner offering comprehensive solutions in close co-operation with our customers–individually fitted and accurately aligned to each requirement. The Food and Beverages Industry is a complex industry that has multiple needs across the entire value chain, from ‘farm to fork’. Different types of food and raw material require different temperatures, pressure and level management and WIKA instrumentation has a complete portfolio of products to cater to these needs.
WIKA’s ‘Multi-function Temperature Calibrator’, a device with four controller parameters that can calibrate with an external reference is an excellent example of a successful application. Nowadays, fast and simple testing of thermometers is a “must” to ensure the operational safety of machines and plants. WIKA’s portable calibrators of the CTx9100 family are particularly suited for on-site calibrations and are extremely user-friendly. Due to their compact design and low weight, these instruments can be easily transported and used almost anywhere.
How do you view the prevailing scenario in the F&B sector?
The food and beverages industry is complex, with various types of products that need to be processed, packaged and displayed on shelves. While there is a demand for fresh food, there is also a demand for ready-to-eat and packaged food. The entire gamut of products can also be divided into wet food and dry food. Thus, the production and packaging process, transportation of food and beverages to shops and supermarkets, maintaining specific temperatures for showcasing and ensuring last-mile delivery, all require instrumentation related to precise temperature control, viscosity measurement, pressure and dryness. Smart instrumentation products like WIKA’s Chillers and vehicle refrigeration solutions are driving forces behind maintaining these necessary conditions.
Please tell us some of the ways in which utilization of advanced technologies such as IIoT in your products/solutions have contributed to your customer success in general?
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) enables smart instrumentation for increasingly digitized processes and machines. The optimum functioning of these machines depends on sensors to mitigate any changes, connectivity for machines to communicate with each other, cloud storage of data and immediate application of remedies in case of any changes in measurement readings. This continuous monitoring and alarming through IIoT help in asset tracking, predictive maintenance and process optimization without downtime for maintenance.
WIKA offers a complete solution, from identifying the added-value potential to the installation of the sensors, measuring instruments and gateways. We also ensure connectivity to the cloud or on-premise data servers as well as the configuration of customer applications and training. This comprehensive package provides complete support for the users.
Would you please let us know some of the serious challenges that your company continues to face even today and also the steps taken to redress the same, if any?
The challenge in today’s industrial landscape is to adapt to the changing demands and to stay ahead of the requirements imposed by the digitization process and smart machines. Fortunately, WIKAs’ research and development process is not solely dependent on specific needs, but rather a natural alignment with market intelligence gained through working with clients. Without proper measurement technology, no machine will be able to perform intelligently, whether it is a simple air-conditioner at home or industrial coolers. Therefore, the challenge lies in predicting the future requirements of the customers and working on the products to bridge those gaps.
If I were to ask you what differentiates WIKA from that of its competitors, what would be your answer?
WIKA distinguishes itself through the quality of its products and post-sale services. The company works with a vision to transform sensing technology, making it smarter, more sustainable and more intelligent. With the three-pronged mantra of digitalization, decarbonization and demographic change, WIKA has evolved its business into ‘Smart in Sensing,’ aligning with the global megatrends. This transformation is a response to the current digitization trends and the anticipated future changes. WIKA is all poised to stay a step ahead of the industry, maintaining a significant competitive edge.
India Test and Measurement Equipment Market was valued at US$390. 77 million in 2022. According to TechSci Research, the market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.33% for the period between 2018-2028, with a revenue forecast of US$503.09 million in 2028. With the growing adoption of AI and ML as well as greater use of 5G-enabled equipment, the demand for precision instrumentation will continue to rise in the next decade. The market is big enough for every player to carve out their niche.
Would you tell us about your company’s performance this year? Further, what’s your growth forecast for the coming year?
WIKA India has consistently achieved double-digit growth over the past several years. Even the COVID-19 pandemic had not impacted its growth. Building on this momentum, the company aims to double its turnover by 2025.
Taking advantage of an affordable workforce in India to build up a cost-effective production process that is aided by a robust supply chain and distribution channel, WIKA India is also planning to establish India as a global export hub for nearby geographies. We already have a strong presence in India and intend to focus on strengthening our market share in the segments where we operate, while managing our service line and differentiating ourselves through customized smart solutions.
Finally, please tell us about WIKA India’s recent sustainability efforts?
In keeping with India’s COP26 deliberations and targets that spell out the mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment to combat climate change, WIKA has embraced a Lifestyle change for Environment as part of its corporate mission.
WIKA has chosen continuous optimization approach and has prioritized market and customer orientation, with an uncompromising commitment to quality and environmental protection. WIKA reaffirms its dedication to manufacturing with a positive impact on the environment. It aims to lead the way in adopting clean manufacturing process and weave a story that can inspire others to follow suit. WIKA’s all four factories across India are solar power enabled, implying a big step towards sustainability.
Recently, WIKA has been honoured with the prestigious Carbon Footprint Reduction Award on June 30, 2023 at the 2nd edition of the IE Renewable Business Meet, Bengaluru. The award reflects the company’s dedication towards reducing the carbon footprint and protecting the environment. Mr. Prashant Sinha, Head of Marketing EMEA/India from WIKA India had received the esteemed award on behalf of the organization at the meet.
