Founded in 1945 by Friedrich SCHUNK as a mechanical workshop, SCHUNK, the company has developed into a competence and world market leader for clamping technology and gripping systems. Over 2.500 employees in eight plants and 30 subsidiaries as well as distribution partners in more than 50 countries ensure an intensive market presence for SCHUNK. With 11,000 standard components, the company offers the world's largest range of clamping technology and gripping systems.

The customer base includes, among others, the who's who of machine and plant construction, robotics, automation and installation, and all well-known car brands and their suppliers. Since 2012, German goalkeeper legend Jens Lehmann has been part of the SCHUNK team, acting as band ambassador for precise gripping and holding.

The company commenced its India operations in 2001 and since then has been machine tool manufacturers’ first choice when it comes to clamping and gripping technology. “The sentiments for SCHUNK are very high in India and we want to turn the same into reality. We have been constantly improving our performance in this part of the world. Since past couple of years, we have witnessed a steep growth in our sales and would like to keep it that way. We are very positive and optimistic about our growth,” the Managing Director of SCHUNK Intec India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Satish Sadasivan said while speaking to Bhalchandra Chorghade, the Editor of CNCTimes.com.

Queried about current trends in Indian market as regards manufacturing industry, Mr. Sadasivan said, “The Indian market is very strong and patriotic. It is focused towards betterment of its people. The manufacturers here are eager to contribute towards developing the infrastructure and boost the economy.”
“Besides, the Indian manufacturers are capable enough to meet the global challenge. Nobody wants to pay high prices that are offered by global players. So, they are ready to absorb the latest technological know-how and boost manufacturing in India. This way, the global standards are met in a cost-effective way,” Mr. Sadasivan said.

When asked whether Indian market is sensitive towards pricing, he replied in the affirmative. “Indeed Indian market is price sensitive, but that sensitiveness is towards producing cost-effective material and not technology. Indians know that technology comes at a cost so they are ready to pay for the same. All they want is quality manufacturing that can stand the global competition,” Mr. Sadasivan quipped.

Stating that SCHUNK India has ambitious growth plans in the years to come, Mr. Sadasivan said, “All we are looking for is four-fold growth laced with value addition to our existing as well as prospective customers besides strong channel partnership.”

“Currently, we are following the system of application-based direct sales strategy. But, we need to change that over a period of time. We are in the process of appointing channel partners across India who will be responsible for promoting and selling SCHUNK products. This way, we will always be accessible to our customers and will be in a position to offer quality solutions at a better price,” Mr. Sadasivan said and concluded that automation will certainly play a big role in India in the years to come as manufacturers here are accepting and absorbing automated solutions in a big way.”

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