SLTL is a global leader in CNC laser services: Mr Maulik Patel, Business Development - International, SLTL Group
Sahajanand Laser Technology Limited (SLTL Group) is the company that has defined what is called a "Trailblazer". The innovation is in the foundation of this organization, as just after its establishment in 1989, SLTL has invented fiber laser the cutting machine. A machine, which went on to become the game changer for the metal forming industry.
The company has explored and ingrained in multiple disciplines across the spectrum which is: Laser Cutting, Marking, Welding, Micro Machining, Solar Cell Scribing/ Cutting, Diamond processing and scanning. We have explored all of these mentioned domains keeping Laser at the center of our deliverable. SLTL is a global leader in Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Laser services, a highly advanced service facilitates by a few manufacturers internationally. Apart from industrial laser machines, SLTL Group is a manufacturer of diamond processing machines with lasers, medical stems, renewable energy, solar thermal based equipment’s, radio frequency, and microwave absorbers. As a conglomerate, we are present in 30 countries, and we are growing at a rapid pace. We spend around 10% of our revenue every year on research and development.
In your opinion, what is the current market scenario?
The market scenario in India is growing at a good pace. There is stiff competition from imported machines like Chinese machines that are now penetrating the Indian market. These machines even though low in cost are deficient in quality. Even then, these machines are swiftly gaining a market in India, as the Indian machine tool buyer is mainly focussed on the price of the product rather than the quality or the technology.
Can you shed light on the buying pattern of customers in India?
Indian customer wants “Accha, Sasta and Tikau”, which means they want good quality products at a lower price. The Indian customer wants the machine to perform at its peak for at least ten years but are not ready to pay a premium price. Price has been one of the most significant challenges because a big price war is on due to the entry of Chinese machines into the Indian market. However, the quality of those products is not on par with the quality we produce. When a customer compares specifications of Chinese make and Indian make machines, everything looks similar on paper. Specifications should not be the only criteria for making a purchase. The focus should be on the overall integration and the performance of the machine. Putting a Ferrari engine into any Ford car or a Fiat car is not going to make it a Ferrari. The core engineering and the design make all the difference. Our 500-watt machine is faster than their 1kw machine. We can prove to the customers that even though the specifications of the imported machine might be higher, but our machines work faster and better. When you compare the overall performance, we are beating them. The customer is not educated on these aspects and hence there is stiff competition.
Has the implementation of GST and demonetization impacted the market and if yes, to what extent?
GST did not make much of an impact on our company’s performance. The business has been quite reasonable. The real impact has been felt by the SME’s. Demonetisation did not affect our business as all transactions are routed via bank and no cash transactions are involved.
Do you think initiatives like Make in India are helping you in selling your technology?
Make in India concept is very important, as I believe, it is the most crucial aspect of our country’s growth. The make in India concept will increase the growth trajectory of India’s economy, helping it to grow our GDP, which in turn will help us to be in the top five world economies.
Make in India involves incentivization in some industries, without that I think competing against the developed countries will be little challenging. We support the “Make in India” campaign and as it will take India to a different level in the global market.
Do you think that Indian make technology is at par with the global players?
Few of the products, companies, and technology are far more superior to that of products manufactured in Europe, Japan or Korea as well. We are ahead in terms of technology. We are the world’s first manufacturers of the fiber laser cutting technology. Today, if you see, you will find only fiber laser cutting machines. We displayed the first fiber laser cutting machine in India, at IMTEX 2008. At that time, other companies were manufacturing CO2 laser cutting machines.
What is unique about your technology and what technology have you planned to display during AMTEX?
At Amtex 2018, SLTL Group is presenting Infinity F1 series machine which comes with modular design. The machine is designed considering modular concept in mind. The Infinity F1 is a powerful high productivity laser cutting system. The power models come in a range of 500 watts to 2kW. Infinity series comes in with eight different variables designed such as to meet your variable needs.
With all new Infinity F1, it is possible to integrate other features with growing time and need. The machine could be upgraded with other systems and could perform laser cutting and tube cutting simultaneously. The machine is a perfect fit for growing businesses.
For the lower power range, we are showcasing Laser Marking System ‘Ultra’ – the perfect companion to mark from small to larger components.
What is the USP of SLTL Products?
We are the only company in India which is manufacturing laser machines which is a challenge and a USP. We are continuously innovating to ensure that our customers stay well ahead of their competition. One of our focus areas is to improve the productivity and efficiency of the machines.
How are you adopting the current buzzword "Industrie 4.0/ IIOT" in your product line?
Some of our machines are IOT and Industrie 4.0 compliant. These machines have specific features which are already catering to the IoT, smart factory or industry 4.0 needs. We are continuously doing R&D to make sure that there is a reduction in machine breakdowns thereby minimizing maintenance costs.
Where do you see yourself after 5 years?
We are continually innovating and creating new products. We have entire sheet metal fabrication range which includes laser cutting machines, bending machines to storage solutions.
We have a laser specialty solution that is doing very well. Laser micromachining, laser drilling, laser cladding and laser hardening is the upcoming vertical which we are focusing on at the moment, as we feel that it will have a big market in future.