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.

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