Q. UCAM being the key player in rotary table space, Please brief us about recent initiatives undertaken in machine tool space? Which are your focus areas?
Being a leading manufacturer in rotary tables arena for more than 25 years, UCAM has always focused on innovation and new technology developments. To cater to the need of machine tool industry for high speed and high efficiency rotary tables, UCAM’s innovative product is the Direct Drive Rotary (DDR) Tables. These Rotary Tables reduce the component machining cycle time significantly and are known for their high speed and dynamic performance. The High-Tech Direct Drive Rotary Tables with the backward integration of Torque Motors provide customer total solutions for both indexing and rotary interpolation applications.
Customers are also looking for sophisticated high speed machines which will give them better accuracies and reduces the cycle time. In the global market the trend is moving towards 5 Axis machines from 3 axis machines. To address this market need, UCAM’s effort are to bring in new integrated 5 axis machining solutions like Cantilever Tables, Direct Drive Tilting Head, and Deep Tilting Direct Drive Tables for the machine tool builders and also Large Size Rotary Tables for India and International market.
UCAM has also ventured into new verticals under the Brands of Nimble Machines and Nimble Electric. While the Nimble Machines focus on manufacturing high tech high performance Machine Tools such as CNC Gear Hobbers, the Nimble Electric offers Torque and Specialty Motors for the Machine tool and allied sectors.
Q. What are the market opportunities for UCAM products in India? How do you plan to position these producs?
We hold the maximum market share for CNC Rotary Tables for all segments of the Machining market. We are very well accepted and dominate the mid to high segment. Our R & D has now developed products for the premium market. Our 5 axis units which were predominately exported till now are now being sought by the domestic clients too. Actually it is interesting to track the changing market demands. These changes indicate how the Indian Industry is maturing from just 3 axis to 4Axis, and now to 5 axis. Also the 4th axis performance expectations are also moving upwards.
UCAM products add value with tailor made solutions to existing 3-axis machines and OEM’s machines respectively. With the Make-In-India initiative ushered in by the Government, and the estimated growth in defense, aerospace & infrastructure sectors, manufacturing in India will experience a positive trend.
Q. What is your marketing strategy for India?
It is really an exciting period for UCAM’s growth plans and products and we looking forward to significant growth prospects and serve our customers with timely value additions. Clear strategic plan are afoot for the next 5 years and I am unable to share our excitement at this juncture.
Q. Product innovation through R&D is vital to be forrader in the competition, as per your opinion how does R&D plays the role of catalyst in the success process?
R&D is for us more than a catalyst, I would say it is the key to stay abreast of competition and meet ever-raising expectations/demands of Customers.
UCAM’s R and D arevery well recognized and contribute immensely. Our annual spend on R and D is clearly budgeted and is above Indian industry average. We believe that Innovation is key not only for product design, but for processes as well as key functions like marketing. Direct Drive Rotary(DDR) Tables, 5 Axis Rotary tables are some of the results of our sustained efforts in the area of R & D.
Indian Machine Tool Industry is much ceased with in applying DDRs and I am sure you will see more results from Indian Machine Tool Producers.
Q. Quality standards are benchmarked by the product performance; please brief us how do you maintain the quality norms since from product manufacturing to implementation?
First of all we have stringent quality management system in place, which is continuously monitored and upgraded. Quality starts right at the design stage itself. For the subcontracted parts UCAM has quality certified vendors who adhere to UCAM standards. Critical components are subjected to strict tolerance so as to match the quality standards of the product. All parts are 100% inspected for acceptance. We employ all modern tools to find and resolve problems and complaints.
UCAM products are continuously benchmarked with globally leading brands and also we follow industry laid down standards. UCAM can truly boast the investment it has made into quality and testing infrastructure.
Q. Could you brief us on Indian & Global perspective of CNC rotary table industry?
India is just maturing from a consumer of typical 3-axis machine to 4 and 5 axis machines, whereas western world pre-dominantly uses, only 4 and 5-axis Solutions. There is still a lot of scope for Indian machine tool users to adopt more and more of 4 and 5 Axis integrated machines. As of now machines available in India are with add on 4th & 5th Axis solutions. There is a huge opportunity for UCAM to export its special products to International machine tool builders for integrating it into their machines and we are making good head way in this. We expect to be one of few dominant players in the next few years in this product segment
Q. According you what are the factors affecting to your business?
Our business growth is directly linked to consumption of Machining centers in India and export push. We can see positive signs of revving up of the Machine tool industry.
In the international market we are facing challenge because of being Indian brand.Our products will definitely break the barrier and pave the way for our country being recognized for quality machine tool products. We have a great responsibility and need to build our brand and prove our quality and reliability apart from being cost effective.
Q. What are the key technological trends that are driving your industry?
There is an increase in the popularity among Machine Tool Builders for Multi-axis machining solutions, where one can complete all machining operations in one set up. Also they offer high precision and improved reliability. There is a gradual increase in demand for high speed and accurate Direct Drive Rotary Tables across various industries.
Q. What is your vision for your company?
To be one among the top five preferred companies globally in the rotary table manufacturing space in the next 5 years.
Q. Please let us know the issues you need to address that are related to your industry?
Logistics and Supply chain still remains a serious area of concern which machine tool companies are focusing fighting to resolve. Skill and Manpower is another area, which needs to be addressed. We need to also nurture high quality sustainable vendors to make our products as a preferred global brand at par with countries like Japan and Germany.
Q. What is your advise to the Indian SMEs to achieve global competitiveness?
Step one: SMEs need to expose themselves and benchmark against good producers across the world, in their area of business.
Step two: Adopt, continually work and improve their QMS. Also important is to clearly demarcate their products and services offerings. Consider people management as an area for innovative practices.
