SKF is a leading manufacturer of all types of ball bearings. Here Sudhir Rege speaks about the market and the company…How big is the market for cement machinery in India?Recent growth in Indian infrastructure and real estate sector has offered strong growth opportunities for cement machinery market. According to the industry experts, Indian cement plant and machinery market is expected at more than Rs 2,000 crore and poised to grow multifold in coming years in light with the boom in infrastructure industry.What are the different kinds of services offered by you?
SKF offers best in class energy efficient and eco-friendly solutions which have been developed combining our strong engineering excellence and domain expertise in cement machinery segment. SKF solutions for cement machinery industry contribute to decreased maintenance, longer machinery life and increased productivity. SKF offers a wide portfolio of products including the following:SKF Explorer Bearings – Developed with high quality bearing steel, SKF Explorer Bearings offers longer life to the machinery. Explorer bearings are more wear resistant and continue to operate under harsh conditions and temperature. SKF Idler Sound Monitor Kit – This handheld machine has been innovated for early detection of faults in conveyor idlers. Equipped with simple user interface, headphones and audible condition alarm, Sound Monitor Kit ensures faster data download for reviews that enable early detection of machine faults.To keep control on recurring machinery problems, SKF Engineering Simulation Service is comprehensive solution that synchronizes dynamic, time based vibration data captured during machine operation. The advanced engineering simulation also provides the most accurate analysis of machine’s operating data.What are the latest technical developments in the cement machinery industry?Today, everyone is looking to reduce their energy costs. With increasing spends and activities in the infrastructure segment, cement production has witnessed manifold rise. Therefore the industry has shifted focused on technologies which have longer operation life, low maintenance costs, lower energy consumption capabilities. SKF offers following technical innovations for the industry: SKF upgraded Slewing Roller Bearings, upgraded Slewing Roller Bearings for vibratory screen application, SKF Concentra unit for small conveyors, energy efficient bearings for Idler rollers, large diameter Seals with PTFE excluder in high dust and abrasive material operating condition and customised machine seals.What is your view on the R&D in the manufacture of the machineries?We believe persistent innovation through focused R&D is important to offer best in class technology and solutions to ensure our customers are gaining competitive advantages. SKF Group highly values significance of R&D in imparting technically advanced products, services and solutions. This results in developing environment-friendly products that help in reducing friction; avoid untimely machinery damages and repairs.How has foreign collaboration helped your company?SKF operations have a truly global footprint and enable us to leverage the experience and expertise gained to develop world class products to function in different working environment. This enables us to understand the existing challenges across industries and regions to develop solutions for addressing customer concerns and raise industry benchmark. We continue to explore collaboration and tie-up opportunities with our partners to deliver products which improve operational efficiency, address safety issues and reduce the negative impact on the environment.What is the future scope of the cement machinery business in India?India is experiencing high amount of growth in the construction and infrastructure sector which also paves way for the growth of cement machinery market India. In addition, Government of India’s push for infrastructure sector with a combined investment of Rs 60,000 crore will add significant opportunities to the cement machinery sector of the country.