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Cooper Corp sees big opportunities in aerospace & defence sector: Farrokh Cooper
Interviews- Aug 29,24
In this interaction with Rakesh Rao, Farrokh Cooper, CMD of Cooper Corporation Pvt Ltd, highlights challenges and opportunities before the Indian manufacturing sector, and the company's plans to tap emerging trends in the industry
A firm believer in the tenet of Make in India, the 79-year-old Farrokh N Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director of Cooper Corporation Pvt Ltd, is the doyen of industrial excellence and the epitome of business practices which place customer satisfaction and social good at the core. Under his leadership, the 100-year-old Satara (Maharashtra) based Cooper Corporation has emerged as a pioneer in the field of manufacturing world-class engines, gensets and auto components which cater to Indian as well as global customers. In this interaction with Rakesh Rao, Farrokh Cooper highlights challenges and opportunities before the Indian manufacturing sector, and the company's plans to tap emerging trends in the industry.
How do you see the journey of Cooper Corporation over the years?
Cooper Corporation’s journey has been one of consistent growth, global expansion, and innovation. Since its inception in 1922, the company has evolved from producing diesel engines and ploughs to becoming a diversified engineering leader with a wide product portfolio, including engines, gensets, and automotive components. Today, Cooper Corporation exports to over 30 countries, establishing a strong international presence. The company’s growth is underpinned by significant investments in advanced manufacturing facilities and a relentless focus on research and development (R&D).
Cooper’s cutting-edge technology and industry-leading innovations in fuel efficiency, emission control, and performance optimisation have positioned it as a trailblazer in its field. As it looks to the future, Cooper Corporation remains committed to expanding its product offerings and global footprint. The upcoming launch of a state-of-the-art tractor is a clear testament to its forward-thinking vision and dedication to delivering advanced, high-quality solutions that meet the needs of an ever-changing market.
In February this year, Cooper Corporation expanded its manufacturing capabilities in Satara (Maharashtra). What is the significance of this move for your company?
The expansion of our manufacturing capabilities in Satara earlier this year marks a significant milestone for Cooper Corporation. It underscores our commitment to scaling up operations to meet growing domestic and global demand while reinforcing our focus on innovation and quality. This move enhances our production capacity, enabling us to cater to a broader market and introduce more advanced products across our portfolio. By expanding our facilities, we are better equipped to integrate cutting-edge technologies, streamline processes, and maintain the high standards of precision engineering we are known for. Additionally, this expansion supports our efforts in boosting exports, allowing us to further strengthen our presence in international markets, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia and the US.
Ultimately, this development reflects our vision for long-term growth, not just in terms of scale but in our ability to continuously push the boundaries of engineering excellence. It positions Cooper Corporation to seize new opportunities, stay ahead of industry trends, and drive sustained success in a competitive market.
What has been the contribution of automotive and other industrial sectors to the company’s order books?
The automotive sector, including off-highway vehicles, has been a significant contributor to Cooper Corporation’s revenue and order books. Our precision-engineered engines, components, and gensets have found wide applications across this sector, driving a substantial portion of our business. The demand from the automotive industry has been consistent, supported by our strong focus on delivering high-performance, fuel-efficient solutions that cater to stringent emission standards and diverse operational needs.
Similarly, the industrial sector, spanning segments like defence, railways, and power generation, has played a pivotal role in our growth. Our products cater to a wide range of applications, ensuring a balanced revenue stream across various sectors. The synergy between these automotive and industrial segments has been crucial in driving sustained business growth, enabling us to maintain a healthy and diversified order book. As these industries continue to evolve, we remain focused on enhancing our offerings to meet their emerging requirements, contributing to our overall financial stability and future growth trajectory.
How do you see the future of the transportation sector? What are your plans to tap these changes?
The transportation sector is evolving rapidly, driven by shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable fuel options and advancements in engine technology. We anticipate a growing emphasis on hybrid and electric powertrains, alternative fuels (like CNG and hydrogen), and engines that comply with stringent emission norms. As the industry transitions, the focus will increasingly be on energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and innovative engine solutions. To align with these changes, Cooper Corporation is actively investing in R&D aimed at enhancing our product portfolio.
Our goal is to stay at the forefront of these trends, providing cutting-edge solutions that cater to the diverse needs of the evolving transportation sector. By integrating advanced technologies and adapting to regulatory shifts, we aim to continue delivering high-performance, reliable, and eco-friendly engines that align with industry demands. This proactive approach ensures that Cooper Corporation remains a key player in the next generation of transportation solutions.
Cooper Corporation provided vital components for Chandrayaan 3 mission. What kinds of opportunities are you exploring in the aerospace & defence sector going forward?
Cooper Corporation’s contribution to the Chandrayaan 3 mission underscores our capabilities in delivering high-precision components for critical applications. Building on this success, we see significant opportunities in the aerospace and defence sectors. These industries demand cutting-edge technology, reliability, and precision—areas where Cooper Corporation excels.
Going forward, we aim to expand our presence in these sectors by focusing on developing advanced components and systems that meet the rigorous standards required for aerospace and defence applications. This includes high-performance engine components, specialised gensets, and precision-engineered parts designed for military vehicles, aircraft, and space exploration initiatives.
As we deepen our expertise, we look forward to forging strategic partnerships and collaborating with key players in the aerospace and defence industries to further establish Cooper Corporation as a trusted partner in these high-growth areas.
With industries looking for decarbonisation strategies for growth, how is Cooper Corporation helping its customers in this transition?
Cooper Corporation is dedicated to helping its customers transition toward decarbonization by offering energy-efficient, low-emission engines that meet stringent global standards, along with exploring alternative fuel options such as hydrogen, biofuels, and hybrid solutions. The company’s gensets and power systems are designed with enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning with sustainable growth strategies. Additionally, Cooper Corporation’s significant investments in R&D drive innovation in cleaner technologies and green manufacturing processes, ensuring that its products actively contribute to a more sustainable future while supporting industries in achieving their decarbonization goals.
Government has launched various initiatives under AatmaNirbhar Bharat scheme. Are you seeing the effect of these initiatives on the ground?
Yes, we are already witnessing the positive impact of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, on the ground. These initiatives have created a more favourable environment for domestic manufacturing, encouraging greater investments, and boosting production capabilities across various sectors. For Cooper Corporation, the PLI scheme has provided a strong incentive to enhance our production capacity, focus on high-quality local manufacturing, and increase our competitiveness in global markets.
Additionally, the government’s push for self-reliance has spurred innovation, enabling us to explore new opportunities, expand our product range, and contribute more actively to critical sectors such as defence, aerospace, and automotive. The emphasis on local sourcing and indigenous development is fostering collaboration within the industry and helping us strengthen our supply chains. Overall, these initiatives are driving growth, improving efficiency, and reinforcing the country’s industrial base, aligning with our long-term vision for expansion and technological advancement.
For the Indian manufacturing sector, what are key challenges to growth at present?
The Indian manufacturing sector holds immense potential, but several challenges are currently hindering its growth. Infrastructure and logistics continue to be significant bottlenecks, affecting the seamless movement of goods and increasing operational costs. Although we have seen progress, the sector still struggles with inefficiencies in supply chains and transportation. Another pressing issue is the shortage of skilled labour. While India has a vast workforce, there is a gap when it comes to specialised skills required in advanced manufacturing, automation, and modern technologies. This gap must be bridged if we are to fully embrace Industry 4.0 and compete at a global level.
Regulatory complexity also poses challenges. Despite efforts to simplify processes, manufacturers still face delays and hurdles in navigating various approvals and compliance requirements. Additionally, access to capital remains difficult, particularly for SMEs, which often face high borrowing costs and limited credit availability.
Technology adoption is another area where we lag. Integrating digitalization, automation, and other advanced technologies requires significant investment and a mindset shift within the industry. Many businesses are hesitant or lack the resources to make this transition effectively. Global supply chain disruptions have also exposed our vulnerabilities. Dependency on imported raw materials and technology continues to pose risks, especially during crises. We need to focus on building resilient, localised supply chains to mitigate these challenges.
Finally, with growing emphasis on sustainability, manufacturers face increasing pressure to meet environmental regulations. While necessary, this shift demands considerable investment in cleaner technologies, which can be a challenge, especially for smaller players.
Overcoming these challenges will require a collaborative approach between industry stakeholders and the government. By focusing on skill development, infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and technological advancements, the Indian manufacturing sector can unlock its full potential and achieve long-term growth and global competitiveness.
How is Cooper Corporation gearing up to tap emerging trends in the industry?
We are seeing key trends like sustainability, digital transformation, and localised supply chains shaping the industry. There’s rising demand for cleaner, fuel-efficient solutions, and Cooper Corporation is responding by developing low-emission engines, exploring alternative fuels like hydrogen. The adoption of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 is critical, and we are modernising our facilities with automation and data analytics to enhance efficiency and quality. Additionally, the focus on compact, lightweight engines is growing, and we are meeting this need with high-performance solutions for automotive, defence, and off-highway applications. By aligning with these trends and prioritising R&D, Cooper Corporation is well-prepared to seize emerging opportunities and drive continued growth.
What are your growth plans for Cooper Corporation?
Our growth plans for Cooper Corporation are centred on capacity expansion, product diversification, and tapping into new markets. We are significantly enhancing our manufacturing capabilities in Satara to meet rising demand across various sectors. On the product front, we are focusing on launching advanced engines and gensets tailored for emerging applications in automotive, defence, and industrial segments, while also exploring alternative fuels like hydrogen and hybrid solutions.
Diversification is a key priority as we aim to expand our portfolio into newer domains such as alternate fuel powertrains, alongside exploring opportunities in the aerospace and defence sectors. Export growth is another vital focus area, where we plan to increase our footprint in international markets by offering high-quality, cost-competitive solutions.
With investments in R&D, we are committed to continuous innovation, ensuring that our products remain at the forefront of technological advancements. By aligning our expansion and diversification strategies with global trends, Cooper Corporation is well-positioned for sustained growth and leadership in the industry.
Cooper Corporation
aerospace & defence
Farrokh Cooper
Make in India
Indian manufacturing sector
diesel engines
engines
gensets
engine components
Rakesh Rao
Automotive
electric vehicles
railways
Maharashtra
auto components
engine technology
electric powertrains
hydrogen
Chandrayaan 3 mission
PLI scheme
Industry 4.0
automation
alternate fuel powertrains
precision engineering
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