Coolants will keep the game going for us with growing EVs in auto sector

  • Interviews
  • Dec 29,23
Incorporated in the year 1987, Fleetguard Filters Private Limited is a leading manufacturer and supplier of filtration products comprising of air, lube, fuel, hydraulic and water filtration to coolants and chemicals. In this interview with Ayushi Khandelwal, Niranjan Kirloskar, Managing Director of Fleetguard Filters tells how company has achieves a well-established supply chain system while maintaining the quality of its filters throughout the years.
Coolants will keep the game going for us with growing EVs in auto sector

How has the filtration industry evolved in recent years, and what trends are shaping its future? Is the growing EV industry will affect the future of filtration industry in automobile sector?
Looking back 25 years, our filtration methods were limited to cloth filtration, metal meshes, and oil bath filtrations. However, as time progressed, their efficiency proved lacking, leading us to explore alternative filtration media. Today, our focus is on advanced technologies involving synthetic materials, polymer fibres, nano nets, and the emerging trends in membrane filtration, fuelled by developments in hydrogen ice and fuel cell technologies.

A significant shift in the industry involves the continuous reduction in filter sizes, paving the way for a future where we can breathe the exhaust from an engine without concern. Sustainability is poised to shape the industry's future, with ongoing efforts to develop technologies compatible with alternate fuels and ready for potential transitions like India adopting BS6 or BS7 standards.

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the absence of oil, traditional fuel, and air is notable. However, the need for coolants to maintain optimal motor temperature remains a constant. As EVs become more prevalent, the demand for coolants ensures that the filtration industry will remain a key player in supporting these advancements. Filtration has undeniably played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the automotive industry and other industrial usage.
             
Can you highlight any recent innovations or product developments?
We've initiated the provision of modules for fuel and lube filtration. Our approach involves consolidating all filter components, such as casting heads and special sensors, and delivering them as a comprehensive package. Specifically for wet filters, we offer modules designed for both BS6 and BS4 vehicles. In the realm of air filters, we go beyond by supplying the complete air intake system, encompassing approximately 15 distinct parts. This strategic initiative is aimed at enhancing the value we deliver to our customers.

How does Fleetguard Filters ensure the quality and reliability of its filtration products?
To ensure the delivery of the best quality, our primary focus is on investing in top-notch machinery designed to meet our quality specifications. Some of our machineries are our sourced globally and some we either development in-house or collaborate with Indian suppliers. Another crucial aspect is the establishment of robust processes. Our dedicated team of experts oversees this, implementing well-defined systems and methodologies to meet specific filter specifications. Upon the arrival of machinery, a meticulous setup is carried out, followed by a trial run lasting at least a month. Only after successful trial runs do the machines proceed to mass-scale production. Additionally, we adhere to stringent quality systems such as QoS and ISO, which are already integrated into our operations. 

Supply chain has been a major issue faced by the industry nowadays. How do you look at this issue?
In this domain, our primary approach diverges from traditional forecasting and schedules. Instead, we embrace a consumption-based system. Our operational framework incorporates a buffer system, featuring strategically positioned warehouses that directly cater to customer needs. With a network of five warehouses strategically situated across the country, we establish seamless connectivity with our customers. The system ensures that whatever they consume is manufactured within a swift two-day timeframe and subsequently dispatched for delivery on the third day. So, our lead time to our customer is only the transportation time from the warehouse to their point of usage.

Can you provide insights into Fleetguard Filters' future plans?
We are exploring opportunities to enter new sectors such as the food and beverage industry and the pharmaceutical industry. We believe that the technology employed in our automotive segment can be effectively applied to these industries. Additionally, we are in the looking to expand into water filtration, and while progress has been made, but it is all still in its nascent phase.

Related Stories

Smart Manufacturing
Zen Mobility unveils game-changing manufacturing hub for Zen Micro Pods

Zen Mobility unveils game-changing manufacturing hub for Zen Micro Pods

Zen Mobility unveiled a production facility for their flagship electric cars, the Zen Micro Pods, designed for city commuters.

Read more
Auto & Auto Components
Hyundai Motor and Kia partner with Exide Energy for EV battery localization

Hyundai Motor and Kia partner with Exide Energy for EV battery localization

Partnership with Exide Energy enables Hyundai Motor and Kia to equip future electric vehicles in the Indian market with locally produced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries

Read more
Auto & Auto Components
Electric vehicle sales in India zoom

Electric vehicle sales in India zoom

Backed by supportive government policy and low running costs, sales of electric vehicle (EV) grew across all segments in India in 2023, says Bloomberg New Economy Forum report.

Read more

Related Products

Tata Motors unveils facilities for development of Hydrogen propulsion tech

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors, India?s largest automobile company, unveiled two state-of-the-art & new-age R&D facilities for meeting its mission of offering sustainable mobility solutions. The unveilings constitute of Read more

Request a Quote

Tata Motors plans petrol powertrain for Harrier and Safari SUVs

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors is in the process of developing a new petrol powertrain for its premium sports utility vehicles, the Harrier and Safari, as confirmed by a senior company official. Currently, these models Read more

Request a Quote

Electric Vehicle Charger

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

RRT Electro is engaged in manufacturing of customized Power Electronic Products over two decades having capability to Design, Develop, Prototyping, Regulatory Compliance testing & Certification, Manuf Read more

Request a Quote

Hi There!

Now get regular updates from IPF Magazine on WhatsApp!

Click on link below, message us with a simple hi, and SAVE our number

You will have subscribed to our Industrial News on Whatsapp! Enjoy

+91 84228 74016

Reach out to us

Call us at +91 8108603000 or

Schedule a Call Back