August R?ggeberg develops, produces and markets tools for surface finishing and cutting materials under the brand name PFERD. The company started producing tools over 213 years ago, 1799 to be precise. Since then, this family owned company has become one of the leading manufacturers in the tool industry. Innovative ideas and products are the key to success. The product range comprises more than 30,500 tools for a diverse range of applications ranging from cutting, rough grinding, texturing to mirror polishing. PFERD is represented in Indian by Bangalore-based SWIT. Mathew Jacob, Chief Technical Officer, SWIT, responded to the IPF Questionnaire for the Special Section on IMTEX 2013. Excerpts:

What are the products you are bringing at IMTEX 2013?

We will be showcasing our latest grinding technology called CC-Grind Solid, Polifan Freeze, and Polifan Curve.

What are the applications?

CC-Grind solid is a high efficiency surface grinding wheel; Polifan Freeze is special type of wheel designed for stainless steel, and high temperature alloys; and Polifan Curve is another unique product from PFERD for fillet grinding.

Why should the customer opt for these?

These latest grinding technologies will vastly improve the economic efficiency, lower the noise levels by more than 50%, reduces dust by more than 80% and much lower vibration levels.

How strong/effective is the after sales service?

We have a nationwide network of German trained Sales and Service Engineers, with a availability factor of 24x7.

How does the cost of ownership over the life cycle compare with competition?

This is where PFERD excels competition and unmatched technical know how gained from the past 213 years always helped us to maintain this lead.

How is the present business environment?

There is some slowdown in certain industrial segments, but for us due to our diverse range of applications we could focus our energy more into emerging sectors, to over come the slowdown.

What are the future plans?

One challenge we face for the market is how to create awareness of selecting the right tool, tool drive, working pressure, working posture, etc.

For this, we would like to set up more regional training centres where clients can walk in and get short training.

(SWIT, 467, B-Block, AECS Layout, Kundalahalli PO, Bangalore 560 037. Mobile: 097414-81117. Tel: 080-42187117.)