Kindly give us an overview of Patil Automation.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Pune, Patil Automation (PAL) is a leading provider of turnkey automation solutions, specialising in robotic welding, assembly lines, and special-purpose machines. PAL didn’t just grow; it matured through specific phases of industrial capability. It has become a vibrant example of an Indian "garage-to-global" success. 

The company moved up the value chain, executing its first international projects in 2016 and crossing the Rs 1 billion revenue milestone in the year 2023-24. 

In recent years, we have transitioned from being an automotive-centric supplier to a multi-sector powerhouse. Our growth has been robust; in H1 FY2025, we reported a 23 per cent increase in net profit and a 21.6 per cent rise in total income, reaching Rs 735.5 million, driven by high repeat orders from major OEMs.  

Recently, Patil Automation inaugurated a new facility in Maval. What strategic objectives does this expansion serve, and how will the additional capacity strengthen your ability to deliver large turnkey automation projects? 

The new 59000 sq ft facility in Sadumbre, Maval, which represents a strategic investment of Rs 5.5 billion, is aimed at further strengthening our foothold towards achieving a long-term growth objective and increasing stakeholder’s value. Our primary objective is to scale our engineering ecosystem to meet the surging demand for high-precision systems. This plant is located near our existing units to optimise logistics and shared resources, allowing us to handle significantly larger, innovative and technically advanced turnkey projects. 

With the new plant (Maval), what specific capabilities or product lines will see the most significant scaling-up, and how will this benefit your customers across industries such as automotive, EV, railways, defence, heavy engineering, etc? 

The Maval facility increases our annual installed capacity from 2,304 units to 3,454 units. We are specifically scaling our production of advanced robotic welding lines and Industry 4.0-enabled automation cells. For our customers in the EV, defence, and railways sectors, this means doubled throughput, significantly reduced lead times, and access to more sophisticated, data-driven manufacturing platforms. 

We are not stopping here. PAL recently acquired 60 per cent stakes in Pentaco Automation Private Limited and MII Robotics Private Limited. These moves were strategic "tech-grabs" to enhance our capabilities in high precision vision systems and servo press technology.  

With these new acquisitions, we have not just strengthened our product offerings but also adopted a key strategy of diversification/integrating business approach to sustain growth. 

Unlike many integrators who outsource design, PAL has in-house design facility. The company use advanced tools like Siemens Process Simulate and Catia to "prove" a production line virtually before a single bolt is turned. PAL has recently built a world-class 160-seat Design and Engineering Centre in Chinchwad, Pune which will be operative effective 2nd week of January 2026. 

The company’s vision is anchored in the idea of de-skilling the process. By creating systems that reduce manual dependency, they aim to make Indian manufacturing globally competitive. 

What is the status of the manufacturing sector at present? Which end-user industries key demand drivers for automation? Which emerging sectors will be crucial to propel automation solutions demand in the coming years? 

The Indian market is price-sensitive. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) often prioritise low initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) over long-term Return on Investment (ROI). Many Indian manufacturers operate with legacy machinery and non-standard processes. Automation partners provide bespoke solutions for every client, which is difficult to productise and scale. There is a shortage of multi-disciplinary talent—professionals who understand the intersection of mechanical engineering, electronics (mechatronics), and software (AI/ML/IoT). India still relies heavily on imports for critical automation components like sensors, high-precision motors (servos), and PLCs from Germany, Japan, or China.

However, India is at a pivotal ‘Make in India’ inflection point. Currently, the Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and the modernisation of Indian Railways are the primary drivers of automation in these sectors. There is immense potential in Defence and Renewable Energy, where precision and scalability are non-negotiable.

There is a surge in automotive, electronics, and pharma production, requiring faster and defect-free assembly and consistent output. Industry 4.0 adoption is enabling flexible, data-driven, and modular line configurations.

What challenges do Indian automation solution providers face as they attempt to scale up? 

The main challenges involve scaling skilled talent and managing the high design costs associated with customisation. While technology is available, integrating it into bespoke solutions that offer a clear ROI for the customer is a complex task. This is why we are focused on creating 200 new jobs for skilled professionals at our new plant to build a robust internal talent pipeline. 

What emerging trends do you see shaping the next wave of growth for the industrial automation market in India? 

We are seeing a major shift toward decentralised robotic cells and the integration of AI for predictive maintenance. Manufacturers are no longer just looking for machines; they want "intelligent" lines that can communicate data in real-time to optimise energy consumption and minimise downtime. 

What is your outlook for the manufacturing automation ecosystem in India, and where do you see Patil Automation positioned over the next five years? 

Our outlook is extremely bullish. Over the next five years, we envision Patil Automation moving from being a "solution provider" to a "strategic technology partner" for global OEMs. We aim to significantly increase our footprint in the non-automotive sectors, while also maintaining our existing strong hold on the automotive sector, ensuring we are a resilient and globally competitive leader in the automation space.