Ajay Kumar Sureka, Director, Elequip Tools Pvt Ltd, shares the company’s updated product line in a conversation with IPF.

What are the new recent additions in your range of products?

We have joined hands with one of the very renowned brand ‘Kabelschlepp Germany’. Kabelschlepp has now integrated with the Tsubaki Group (Japan) and is responsible for worldwide cable carrier systems business. The company is 10 years old in India and from more than 40 years, both companies have been close co-operative partners and have been expanding the business of drag chain in Europe, Asia, America. Kabelschlepp GmbH now Tsubaki Kabelschlepp Germany was the inventor of cable carrier in the year 1954. With more than 55 years of experience, 11 subsidiary companies and representation in over 40 countries, Kabelschlepp is the technology leader for its award winning product innovation and continuous improvement of proven cable carrier technologies.

What are the applications of cable drag chain systems or cable carrier systems?

Cable drag chains are now an integrated part of the machine or a material handling equipment which gives un-interrupted supply of power, data and control signals to the machinery. They also convey media like air, fluid and water in large diameter hoses. They are a technological upgradation over the conventional systems like festoon system, cable reeling drums and bus bar systems. The cable carrier systems can be found in use worldwide, ranging from standard applications like machine tools, cranes, car-wash systems and medical and laboratory technologies, to more complex applications such as industrial robots, offshore oil rigs and even aerospace. Industry wise this product is applicable and used in various functions and applications in steel Mill, tyre industries, printing press, automation machine making industries, glass making, food and beverage industry and many others.

What are the advantages of using cable carriers over conventional systems?

The cable carrier system not only protects the cables during the machine in motion but also has following advantages - Short cable lengths, approximately the cable lengths are half the total travel length; no separate motor/power required for operating the cable carrier; long cable service life as there is no stress/strain on the cables; no direct exposure of cables to environment as the cables are covered and secured inside the carrier, no contact with coolants, oils, chips or to atmosphere; no running or maintenance cost as it is fully integrated to the moving part; single system can be used for conveying data, power, signal and media hoses such as water, oil and air; easy to assemble/dis- assemble and maintain; reduced noises compared to other conventional systems. These ad-on advantages are making this system popular in various industries these days.

What is the product line or varieties in drag chain that you are providing?

Every application presents different demands of the cable carrier system. To deliver a system that is perfectly fit to the application, Tsubaki Kabelschlepp produces cable carrier systems in different materials. According to the application, either full-plastic, hybrid (sideband made of plastic and stays made of aluminium) or steel/stainless steel cable carriers can be installed.

How do you place this product along with your other brands and products you deal with?

Elequip Tools Pvt Ltd has been recognised as solution provider for Material Handling. Addition of Kabelschlepp brand in our portfolio gives us immense pride and confidence. My existing product line which includes chain pulley blocks, hoists, logistics equipments and crane accessories, the cable drag chain also fit in well with it.

What are your plans and strategy to reach the market for these products?

We are in search for dealers for our products in Eastern Zone. We are also expanding our boundaries to neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal for supplying of these materials.

We are also finding out ways to reach new customers and make our service team stronger in different locations. We are very positive of the coming years especially with the new investments by the government in projects and infrastructure. We plan to use digital technologies and means to register complaints and service requests and also collect feedback. Continuous innovation and complete customer satisfaction is what we believe in.