MMC Hardmetal on steady growth path
Backed by one of the most respected and trusted brands Mitsubishi, MMC Hardmetal has been on a steady growth trajectory. The company is at the forefront in driving innovation in cutting tool segment in order to stay ahead of evolving demands of end-users. In an interview, Prashant Sardeshmukh, Vice President & Director, MMC Hardmetal India Pvt Ltd., talks about advancements in metal cutting technology, the company’s core values and future vision and growth plans.
Q. As a global leader in metal cutting, what are the latest trends that you are witnessing in the segment?
Trends in manufacturing industry set up trends in the development of metal working solutions. Changes in work-piece material, manufacturing process and even government regulations, parallel developments in metal cutting technology are observed. The manufacturers always try to apply new materials that are lighter and stronger, it necessitates cutting tool manufacturers to develop the tools that can machine new materials at the highest precision and optimum levels of productivity.
These days high-technology areas like aerospace and high-end automotive are making increasing use of variety of composite materials. These industries demand effective cutting tool materials that would withstand high abrasiveness of composite materials and provide a superlative surface finish to avoid built-up edges in order to produce excellent finished parts and endure high cutting zone temperature. High toughness and high hardness are the important attributes for an ideal cutting tool material for cutting composites. Since there are no materials that carry these two vital properties, many techniques are being applied to cutting tool materials and tool coatings in order to improve their performance.
Q. What are end-users expecting from cutting tools today? How does MMC Hardmetal meet these evolving demands to ensure customer satisfaction?
We are passing through the new industrial revolution and witnessing lot of advancements in metal cutting technology. These advancements are driven by smart manufacturing, robotics, embedded intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) which lead to end-users legitimate expectations of high efficiency, cost benefits, environment protection, and human exertion to minimal levels.
We always strive to take our technology beyond the established norms and practices of metal cutting normally observed on the shop floor. We are always perseverant about our core values, “For People, Society and the Earth”. That’s why whenever we develop any new technology our focus is to respect our core values. Naturally all our innovations and products come out with inherent qualities of precision, reliability, durability and versatility. This thought always inspires us to produce cutting edge technology to exceed the expectations of our end-users.
Q. How is India placed in the global cutting tools market? How is the future outlook and growth prospects?
The global market for cutting tools is expected to achieve a CAGR of 6.7% during the period 2017-23. India is steadily but confidently trying to capture the prominent position in the global market landscape. The Current boom in the sectors like construction, infrastructure development and manufacturing has helped market players to do well in the Asia Pacific Region. With the incumbent government voted to power again, initiatives like Make in India, and many other ambitious infrastructure projects will gain better moment. As a result, Indian manufacturing industry and overall market is expected to see significant upsurge in the coming years.
Q. How are trends, such as automation, IoT, robotics transforming the metal cutting segment?
These are increasingly becoming popular and reliable trends, I must say. And they will bring about revolutionary change in metal cutting segment. In the next couple of years IT & OT (Operational Technologies) converge will help to create smarter solutions with greater efficiency and transparency. Many global giants are stepping in the direction to evolve customized business model to move closer to the consumer in order to meet their requirements more effectively. Intelligent manufacturing involving Cloud Computing, IoT and AI are set to dominate the industry in the years to come.
Q. What is your vision and growth plans for MMC Hardmetal for 2020?
We have set our footprints in Indian market for last 13 years and achieved encouraging growth right from the beginning. We have the legacy of one of the most respected and trusted brands ‘MITSUBISHI’. On the strength of our technological excellence, commitment and astute business planning we have been able to achieve exemplary growth over the years. We have accomplished commendable position and reputation in the manufacturing and automotive sectors. Our aim is to expand and establish our presence in all sectors especially the Aeronautical sector, oil & gas industry, pharma, medical and non-conventional energy etc.
We started our sophisticated manufacturing plant at Aurangabad to manufacture special tools and initiated activities to launch our State-of-the-Art Tech-Centre at Pune. This centre will add to our technological muscle. With such activities under Make in India campaign, we are confident to scale new heights for “DIAEDGE” brand of Mitsubishi Materials in Indian market.