GROB is synonymous with 5-axis machine tools

Mr. L. J. Naidu, Managing Director, Grob Machine Tools India Pvt Ltd

Q. What precisely is your niche in Machine Tools & Metalworking?

GROB is not manufacturing ‘commodity Machine Tools’ for the mass market. GROB is synonymous with universal 5 axes Machine Tools which are at the leading edge of technology, as well as fully automated system solutions in series production of complex workpieces, supported by turnkey projects and simultaneous engineering in the automotive, aerospace, engineering, medical and die mould industries. Our presence in the 5 axes machining niche with the proven G-module technology satisfies the flexible requirements of the machine shop market along with high precision and productivity.

Q. What makes you the trendsetter in your field?

In the nineties when the bulk of machine building focus turned towards Vertical Machining Centres, GROB developed robust horizontal machining centers and stayed committed to serving traditional automotive industry and continue to associate in a big way with German, and American car makers including a substantial presence in Hyundai Chennai. Our customers benefit from the global networking of our multiple subsidiaries, facilities and manpower strategically located in all continents. A huge number of service technicians far outnumbering the sales force are deployed worldwide round the clock, 360 days a year and this gives a unique strength for the dependability of our solutions.

Q. What are the innovations you have showcased recently?

Grob 5-Axis Machining Center G-350

Research & development and engineering have always been the driver of continuous innovations in GROB. Introduction of modular G-modules was a path- breaking innovation which continued its refinements to an unprecedented level of perfection. With the introduction of ‘Generation 2’ in universal machines, the already established 5 axes technology of universal machining centers with very high dynamic performance and the modular G-module design has become a great success. They are flexibly adaptable and extendable for every application, whether it is a milling and turning option, a rotary pallet storage system, or with or without a pallet changer, automation or trend-setting GROB4Pilot operator panel. New versions have extended maximum tool length, optimum chip fall behavior, and limitless options of turning and milling of different materials. The innovation of the GROB rotary pallet storage system extends the G-module to a flexible manufacturing cell, providing optimum entry to highly efficient automated manufacturing.

Q. What are your major strengths that help you make a differentiated offer to the end-user?

In our system business, GROB necessarily fosters a close relationship with its customers, providing a point of contact for all strategic matters. This is the reason why all big German and American automakers depend on GROB for state-of-the-art technology and all-round hand holding.

For standard universal machines, the Technology and Application Centre at Mindelheim acts as the central testing and trial facility for innovative technologies and there is barely any material which has not been machined on one of the GROB standard machines at some time or other at TAC.

As far as India is concerned, a large service set- up with ultra-modern diagnostic equipment and big manpower that covers even neighbouring Asian countries is a definite unique differentiator from our Indian customers’ point of view.

Q. What’s the most exciting development at your end that you want the world to know?

Apart from GROB’s highly visible and successful system lines and universal machines, we have now entered the exciting area of Electromobility as the whole automotive world is now looking at the prospect of building Electric cars as a mainstream production. GROB is one of the very few mechanical engineering manufacturers in the world, fully geared up to the manufacturing ecosystem of electromobility. Starting with building complete line for the production and assembly of components such as stator, rotor and complete assembly with flange mounted gear box, GROB is associated proudly with Volkswagen. Like already happening in many parts of the world, in India too, we are looking forward to get associated with this paradigm change in automotive production scenarios, backed by technologies from the acquired partner DMG Meccanica.