In the Spotlight – Ranjan Sen, Managing Director, Trelleborg India
EXCON 2022 Special
Choosing three attractive products that have high relevance to the business visitors at EXCON was easy for Trelleborg. Showcasing upgrades of Nexus MFS and CTIS (Continuous Tyre Inflation System) besides HiMod Strut Bearing made serious business sense for this global name in sealing solutions.
Sen shares details about the products: “Nexus MFS has been with us for many years, but the fact we are highlighting here is that it is of spring steel which has a high yield strength. This is an apt material for the construction segment because it offers excellent wear resistance at low speeds of application, and blocks mud and dirt perfectly. The HiMod Strut bearing is used in the suspension application of heavy-duty dump trucks in mining. CTIS caters to the axle manufacturers. For a variety of applications, tire inflation is not possible on the spot. CTIS comes to the rescue. There is an inbuilt pressure generator which gauges the tyre pressure feeds air into it continuously while the vehicle is moving.”
The Reach
Sen says: “HiMod Strut Bearing finds extensive usage globally. In India we are working on it with a few customers. Going forward, this would be a step up in the way construction equipment manufacturers will work on their projects. When it comes to CTIS, we are working with global axle manufacturers. And most of them have offices and workshops in India.”
Advantage Trelleborg
HiMod Strut Bearing’s biggest advantage is that it can replace steel and hence reduce weight by as much as 6 times without compromising on the performance, strength or the quality. This can be injection molded and hence easy to make. Bulk volume replication is quick and proves to be a big saver on cost.
Sen shares: “The USP of CTIS is that it offers the strongest sealing system to tyres because it continuously gauges the air pressure while sustaining the speed even as it undergoes harsh applications. This is designed specifically for super critical work conditions where the vehicle cannot stop. We are showcasing an upgrade of CTIS which is much easier to assemble.”
Another of Trelleborg’s unique selling proposition is that it has been one of the forerunners in the digital revolution in the sealing business.
Sen opines: “We have started using AR, VR and HoloLens in our manufacturing to be able to show how products are made. Our customers can already experience our plant, processes and products through these digital platforms. These are a few more ways to bringing our customers closer.”
Another point of difference is that Trelleborg has already started offering their customers a digital interface that is aimed at eliminating the in-built delay in a non-digital system.
Sen shares: “This is called a self-service portal which is secure. The OEM customer is given a login of his own where he can go an order, receive a quote, see the confirmation order and get the delivery commitment. He will also be able to pay online.”
Plans Ahead
Trelleborg in India is planning to enter the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) market and also initiating their work on distribution network in India.
Sen gives insights: “We have come across customers who get substandard products only because they are unaware that they can get the original, quality products from us. So, we are rectifying it by expanding our reach. We will do direct sales of our branded products to the distributors for the end users.”
EV Focus
The engines for EVs need a special range of seals and Trelleborg is already there with products.
Sen says: “EV motors have to sustain high speeds, undergo low friction levels generating temperature-related complications. Then, the enclosed batteries and sensors need high degree of protection from water, dust and dirt. And we make the various types of gaskets that they need for sealing.”
Trelleborg Philosophy
The Trelleborg Group philosophy is to disseminate knowledge to the maximum extent possible.
Sen agrees: “The reason behind this philosophy is that if the clients find growth using this information, it proves to be a win-win equation for all involved.”
Truly golden words to go by because they are made tangible by the performance of the products that are trusted by Trelleborg’s discernible customers.
EXCON Highlight
Trelleborg is excited about the numerous interesting discussions at EXCON 2022 with serious business visitors and is looking forward to the great potential for fruition.