The tripartite venture between Roberto Nuti Spa – Italy, Hema Engineering – India, and Powerdown – Australia, to manufacture shock absorbers and suspension systems for heavy vehicles reposes on each other’s strengths, creating a win-win situation for all equal partners.
Established in 2010, Sabo Hema is a joint venture between Roberto Nuti Spa of Italy and Gurgaon-based Hema Engineering Industries. The former is a leading designer and producer of shocker absorbers and air springs for trucks, trailers and buses in Europe under the brand ‘SABO’ and ‘MUPO’ exclusively for high-end two-wheelers with a wide OE and aftermarket customer base. The 50:50 partnership established state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in India to produce heavy-vehicle spec shock absorbers and dampers for export markets, primarily catering to the requirements of Roberto Nuti supplied in over 85 countries.
Three years ago, Sabo Hema entered into a commercial working relationship with Powerdown of Australia to jointly develop and manufacture suspensions as per the latter’s specifications. This close collaboration on existing and future projects has created a platform for a successful long-term relationship. Driven by confidence owing to the success of its partnership with Sabo Hema, Powerdown has now entered into a venture with Roberto Nuti Spa and Hema Engineering.
In September 2017, Powerdown purchased equal number of stakes from both the partners of Sabo Hema resulting in a tripartite set-up. This strategic engagement of Powerdown into the JV has assured the future growth of Sabo Hema. At present, the company’s manufacturing facility caters to the both ‘Sabo’ and ‘Powerdown’ brands for export markers, while the products are sold under ‘Sabo Hema’ branding for domestic requirements.
“It is a win-win situation for all the three partners”, says Mr. S.N. Ahmed, CEO, Sabo Hema. For Sabo Hema, the relationship has resulted in higher production volumes, a diversified range of products, sharing of knowledge and expertise, and access to Asia-Pacific and other specialist markets across the globe. On the other hand, Powerdown benefits from consistent and reliable supply of products with compliance to high quality and standards. Further, the partnership leads to backward integration for the Australian supplier by entering businesses with an extended range of products, along with access to product design and technology of international standards, explains Mr. Ahmed.
“Powerdown adds to the venture over 30 years of experience and technical knowledge in the shock absorber industry, a foot print into new markets and increasing overseas clientele base”, says Mr. Umit Shah, Director, Powerdown Australia.
Powerdown is said to have given top priority to Sabo Hema in its procurement orders, with a promise of growing business within couple of years. The dependence of the company on its Italian partner is now shared with Powerdown, thereby making the business more sustainable. As of now, the company caters 60 per cent to Roberto Nuti’ demands, 30 per cent to that of Powerdown and the rest for its domestic customers.
Moreover, the Australian firm supplies shock absorbers and dampers to a wide range of vehicles including heavy-duty prime movers, medium and light trucks, full trailers, buses, large pick-ups and other 4×4 Series for across Japanese, Chinese, European, and American vehicles. Not to forget its strong turf is its own region including the Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific markets. Apart from the aftermarket business, Powerdown also sells truck and trailer shock absorbers to five OEM customers in its region.
The Australian market requires unique shock absorber designs that can perform and provide product longevity in extremely hot temperatures, high GVM loads, long distances and variable road conditions. With the exchange of technical expertise to such challenging products and diverse customer base, the Sabo Hema CEO feels his company can develop class-leading products to suit any market demands and product specs, for both overseas and domestic customers.