Economy & Market

We keep introducing new advanced pumps in the market and upgrading existing products

Published

12 years ago

June 30, 2014

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Ranganath NK
Managing Director, Grundfos Pumps India
Those who deal with industrial pumps ought to have heard the name Grundfos. Those who have used it would vouch for their reliability. Such is the status of this 60-year-old pump manufacturer. The company has defined its goals clearly. Though now China is a second home for Grundfos, the company is on its way to be the largest industry partner in India and Russia. It is aggressively introducing innovative products in the market that meet efficiency norms years before they are mandated. ICR interacted with Ranganath NK, Managing Director, Grundfos Pumps India, to take a closer look at the company. Excerpts from the interaction.

Tell us a bit about Grundfos India?
Grundos India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Grundfos A/S, Denmark. Set up in 1998, Grundfos India started with its commercial operations in 1999. Prior to that, Grundfos supplied to India through its warehouse in Dubai. Initially the company started with sales and service in India and later moved to local assembly and then to localising components in India. Of course, provided that the quality is maintained at the same level that we have at all other plants internationally.

Today, Grundfos India, headquartered in Chennai, is responsible for sales in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives.

We have more than 250 employees working with 200 distributors and dealers with 20 offices across India. We have two production facilities, one adjoined the corporate office here in Chennai and another in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on the East Coast Road, Tamil Nadu.

So do you manufacture all components here in India?
No, not all. Initially we focused on building systems. The pumps were sourced from Dubai. When we started production of pump components, we started making about 20 per cent of the components. Now we are making about 40 per cent components locally. We don?t make steel or sheet metal components in India at all. It is not possible to manufacture them economically in India while adhering to high quality standards of Grundfos. Similarly for motors we are still dependent on imports from our international counterparts. We have so far not been able to identify a local supplier in India who can supply motors adhering to Grundfos standards and at an economical rate. It is much cheaper to get them manufactured abroad and import in India. We do casting work in India.Tamil Nadu.

How many units are assembled at Grundfos every year?
If we consider pumps of various sizes assembled in India, then it would be close to 50,000 units a year. But the number of units sold by us would be close to 1 to 1.5 lakh. We assemble only large size pumps (3 kW upwards), 62 per cent of which are used in the industrial sector.Tamil Nadu.

Has the recent slow down in industry affected you?
Though the growth was not negative, nor did we hit the bottom, we were influenced by the slowdown. Right from inception, for some 15 years now, we had maintained a CAGR of 30 per cent. But during the slowdown it was around 12 per cent.

Grundfos pumps have a very strong brand loyalty in the market. What is the secret?
There are a few key drivers for this brand attachment. One is our products are of high quality and run efficiently. Grundfos pumps are very reliable and have a life cycle of 10-15 years on an average. If you look at the life cycle cost of a pump, the cost of pump and its maintenance is negligible in comparison to the cost of energy consumed by it. Grundfos pumps offer 30-35 per cent savings in energy costs, so it makes sense to opt for these pumps. The pay back period of our pumps is less than a year to 18 months in most of the cases.

The pump to a plant is like the heart to the body. When a pump fails, it is like the plant having a heart attack. Maintenance people have to continuously monitor pump health to keep the processes running smoothly. A reliable pump that gives them less maintenance headaches will naturally be their favourite.

Plus we keep introducing new advanced pumps in the market and upgrading existing products. So our customers now expect the latest and best from us.

Does Grundfos have an R&D centre in India and if so what are the projects that you are working on?
Yes we have recently established an R&D unit here, which is mainly focused on embedded software development for pumps. We have also assembled a 5-6-member team recently to develop specific products catering to the Indian market. What is requested in local market may not sell in America. So these products are tailor made as per the specific needs of the local market.

Besides this, we are working on solar driven water pumps. We are developing very energy efficient pumps that reduce the requirement of solar panel size, making the whole system energy efficient and affordable.

You are also in manufacturing of motors and recently you have upgraded IE2 standards. Tell us more about this upgrade.
Grundfos has manufactured electrical motors since the beginning of the 1970s. These include a range of energy-efficient standard motors and motors with integrated frequency converters up to 22 kW that meet the current EU energy efficiency classification?s highest class.

Now the company will be switching from IE1 to IE2 motors as standard from August 01, 2014. To begin with, it will be implemented in the CR range of pumps and will be gradually extended to other products as well. In alignment with the global trend of shifting towards energy efficient motors, which was introduced in Europe in 2011, and in China this year, Grundfos is the first pump company in India to move to these energy efficiency IE2 motors.

Pumps consume about 10 per cent of global electricity. Without precisely the right motor, even the best pump will consistently waste energy. With Grundfos high efficiency pump and motor technology, it reduces the average pump?s energy consumption by up to 60 per cent.

Tell us about the Blueflux label pumps from Grundfos?
Blue indicates energy. These pumps are very energy efficient and have integrated electronic drives. They almost learn how to operate based on the usage pattern. The Grundfos Blueflux label ensures that the pump motor runs at the highest possible efficiency standard, IE3, under the EU Directive specifying ecodesign requirements for electric motors. Grundfos Blueflux technology represents the best from Grundfos within energy efficient motors and variable frequency drives (MG motors, MGE motors and CUE drives). Most pumps are needlessly inefficient. This is largely due to the motors driving the pumps. Most run continuously at their top speed regardless of actual requirements. The Grundfos Blueflux motor combined with a variable speed drive can decrease a pump?s energy consumption by up to 60 per cent, depending on the pump?s load profile.

Tell us about the green building initiatives taken by you?
While manufacturing products that help our clients save energy, we are also trying to contribute towards energy and water conservation by reducing our impact on the environment. I believe in walking the talk. So when it came to green buildings, we decided to set an example at home. Our headquarters in Chennai is India?s first gold-rated green building (LEED certification by USGBC in 2005) and is energy efficient with 100 per cent recycling of the sewage, rain water harvesting and with solar collectors and photovoltaics. Grundfos India?s factory also received the gold certification in 2011 from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). In August 2013, the Grundfos office building reapplied for certification, and that too against stricter norms. Our facility got the LEED EB Platinum rating.

Grundfos India has launched a forum through the social media site, Facebook, called ?Ek Boond Pani?. The name translates to ?a drop of water? in Hindi signifying the importance of each drop of water. Through this page, members share water conservation tips and facts to encourage this awareness to be driven home. Grundfos India is also working with students from elementary schools to universities to spread awareness on sustainability (energy and water conservation). We encourage school visits to its facility to showcase the Green Building concept.

Grundfos Group
An annual production of more than 16 million pump units makes Grundfos one of the world?s leading pump manufacturers. Circulator pumps for heating and air-conditioning as well as other centrifugal pumps for the industry, water supply, sewage and dosing are the main products. Today Grundfos is the world?s largest manufacturer of circulators, covering approximately 50 per cent of the world market of these pumps. In addition to pumps, Grundfos produces standard and submersible motors as well as electronics for monitoring and controlling pumps. Additional products are produced in the BioBooster and Lifelink divisions, which are part of the company?s new business activities.

The company was established in 1945 in Bjerringbro, a small town in Denmark. Grundfos DK the Sales Company, Grundfos A/S the Production Company and Grundfos Holding A/S are operated from this town. In addition, Grundfos has facilities in Aalestrup, Arslev, Brondby and and Farum.

The Grundfos Group is represented by more than 80 companies in more than 55 countries. The company has experienced more than 60 years of continual growth.

The pump to a plant is like the heart to the body. When a pump fails, it is like the plant having a heart attack. Maintenance people have to constantly monitor pump health to keep the processes running smoothly.

Ranganath NK
Ranganath NK joined Grundfos group in February 1998 and established Grundfos India as a company in March 1998. He oversees the operations of the company in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives. Ranganath has more than 33 years of industry experience covering marketing, sales, design, project management, finance and human resources.

Prior to joining Grundfos, he was the Director of IAEC Industries. His first job was with Eicher Tractors in sales. Ranganath has been involved in technology transfer to India from other countries including Denmark. His focus has been and is water and energy conservation.

Ranganath was Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Tamil Nadu Council. He is also involved with the CII Councils for water, skill development and sustainability. He is a member of the Executive Council of Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

1 week ago

June 5, 2026

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World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

1 week ago

June 4, 2026

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Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

Dalmia Bharat Acquires Jaiprakash Associates Cement Assets for ₹2,850 Crore

Published

3 weeks ago

May 25, 2026

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Dalmia Cement executed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates and Adani Infra, to acquire 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) announced on May 22, 2026 that it had signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates Limited and Adani Infra (India) Limited for the acquisition of cement plants located at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Churk, Chunar and Sadwa in Uttar Pradesh. The deal was struck at an enterprise value of ₹2,850 crore and is expected to close within two weeks of execution.

The acquired assets from Jaiprakash Associates include 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity and 3.3 MnTPA of clinker capacity. The package also covers 99 MW of thermal power capacity and railway sidings at Rewa, Chunar, and a common siding at Churk. This infrastructure gives the acquisition immediate operational utility beyond just production tonnage.

The transaction has a long backstory. Dalmia Cement had originally entered into a framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates in December 2022, covering the sale of these business assets along with a long-term clinker supply arrangement. However, before the deal could be completed, Jaiprakash Associates was admitted to insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The earlier agreements could not be consummated as a result.

In an official statement, Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat, said, “I am very excited about addition of these assets in our portfolio. This serves as a great strategic fit for Dalmia. It helps us move forward in our journey to be a pan India player and provide a strong head start to serve the high potential markets in Central region. I am optimistic that the expansion potential of these assets along with close proximity with Dalmia’s captive mines will help us create a capacity hub for the future”.

Following the approval of Adani Group’s resolution plan for Jaiprakash Associates under the IBC framework, Dalmia approached the new management to revive discussions. The fresh Business Transfer Agreement was executed to settle all pending disputes, legal proceedings, and arbitration matters arising from the original framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates.

Expanding market reach

Dalmia added, “Our familiarity with these assets under the earlier tolling arrangement gives us a deep understanding of the facilities and helps us establish strong connect with channel partners and vendors. We believe that this will help us in faster ramp up of capacities and quicker inroads into the market. As we look forward, I am very confident that we will be able to leverage the strengths of Dalmia to operate these assets in a manner where we can maximise value creation for all our stakeholders.”

With the addition of these plants, Dalmia Bharat’s total installed cement capacity will rise to 54.7 MnTPA upon consummation. The company has further expansion projects underway at Belgaum, Pune, and Kadapa, which are expected to take overall capacity to 66.7 MnTPA by Q2 to Q3 FY28.

The Central India location of the Jaiprakash Associates plants gives Dalmia Bharat faster access to markets in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh than a greenfield build would have allowed. The company also cited debottlenecking and brownfield expansion as near-term opportunities at the acquired sites. Dalmia Bharat said the assets were expected to contribute positively to EBITDA and overall returns, given the pricing environment in the region and the company’s cost structure.