Sarda Magnets Group, which started its first factory in 1961 as East Coast Enterprisers Ltd, is pioneer in manufacturing of magnetic work-holding, clamping, separation, lifting systems and other magnetic equipment. In this interview, B K Sarda, Chairman, East Coast Enterprisers Ltd, explains the importance of machine tools in the growth of Indian economy and applications of magnetic equipment in metal cutting. 

 

How would you describe the growth of your company over all these years?

Sarda Magnets is pioneer in designing and manufacturing of magnetic lifting, magnetic work-holding, magnetic clamping, magnetic separation systems and other magnetic equipment and tools. 

 

We are in the field of magnetics since 1958 and with advanced design, outstanding performance and unsurpassed reliability for magnetic solution or tools performance, along with unparalleled service to industry we are growing and serving all customers regularly throughout the world. 

 

How important is machine tools industry for the growth of manufacturing sector?

Indian machine tool industry is growing at a steady pace because of domestic as well as international demand and acceptance of Indian engineering products. This is supported because of favorable Government initiatives like Make in India, Skill India, defense, infrastructure and development projects, along with increasing consumer product demands. Over all, because of several factors, Indian machine tool industry (especially metal cutting) is poised to grow, as it plays important role in engineering for SME industry.

 

What is the role of magnets in metal cutting industry? 

SARDA Magnets is at the core of metal cutting to improve process time, reduction of time, machine hour wastages, etc. Its products like heavy duty milling magnetics work-holding devices help to improve machines efficiency and improving RoI (Return on Investment) for any company. 

 

With India’s growth story, demand for precision, repeatability, process development investment on good machines, CNC, automation etc is growing. As a result, to SARDA Magnets & its products help to improve overall efficiency for a company or reduce cycle time. 

 

Who are the major users of your products & services?

Our products like power magnetic chucks find applications in vertical milling machines, which are used in engineering tool room, foundry, etc. Other products like clamping solutions and lifting range have wide applications in sectors like steel plants, fabrication, shipbuilding, construction equipment, PEB and others. With rise in automation and industries moving towards Industry 4.0 or robotics, our automation solutions for pick & place is also generating demand. 

 

How is the demand for your products from serve automotive & auto component industry?

Our products are used in various automotive & auto component manufacturing companies like in Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland etc for automation or in assembly lines. Several sheet metal or auto component manufacturing companies are using our magnetic clamping devices for higher production with precision. 

 

What is driving the demand for your products?

With less dependence on manual interference and higher automation requirements, the demand for our magnetic range of products is increasing.

 

What are new developments witnessed in the industry?

Achieving higher cutting speed with good tooling life, artificial intelligence (AI), Industry 4.0, etc are some of trends towards which most industries in developed nations are moving.  

 

What are your expectations from IMTEX 2019?

It is one of the most important platforms in India for metal working. We have been part of evolution of IMTEX for several years and we expect high standards are set even in this year’s expo.

 

Period of IMTEX has always been important for our products. We are working towards future trends.  

 

What are your growth plans for the company?

With favorable policies and several opportunities in different sectors, our road map is being aligned to keep with India’s growth story.