How has been the journey so far?
In order to grow, all companies need to perform better with every passing year and ensure that they achieve higher and bigger milestones. Gandhi Automations has had its share of achievements and milestones through its life. Since inception in 1996, Gandhi Automations has continuously strived for innovation and changing the scenario for the entrance automation, logistics and warehousing industry. Over the years, we successfully completed European collaborations, set up state-of the-art manufacturing and warehousing facility, started manufacturing rolling shutters, high speed doors, clean room high speed doors, dock levelers, aircraft hangar doors, sectional doors, and industrial doors. The company achieved ISO: 9001, ISO: 14000, OHSH and CE certifications for our products and also started exporting and installing aircraft hangar doors overseas and India. We continued with further advanced certification and manufacturing production to meet the increasing demand. Today, we have worldwide presence.
Gandhi Automations is known for its research and development, quality and commitment towards customers. We have catered to industries like chem-pharma, food, automotive, logistics, warehousing, shopping malls, marine, aviation and many more. Our customers’ trust has helped us to grow by demanding challenging requirements. We, hence, invested in research and development, factory-trained sales and service team PAN India, 24×7 customer care, factory and warehouse to achieve those challenges. Our constant efforts towards innovation with focus on latest technology have acknowledged our products and solutions for reliability and sustainability.
What are the products offered by the company catering to HVACR industry, particularly, cold chain and food processing industry?
Many manufacturing industries nowadays need a controlled environment in which you limit the amount of dirt and dust in the manufacturing premises. Medical instrument manufacturer, electronics and computer manufacturer, food industry, pharmaceutical industry and some military applications are but a few of the examples that have strict requirements for maintaining the dust-free environment.
High-speed doors have, thus, become an integral part of all these industries. Prime High-Speed Doors benefit various operations, including areas with special requirements for temperature control, hygiene, storage and handling of frozen foods. Atex rapid doors are required in explosion-proof areas; deep freezer automatic roll-up doors fulfill the needs in cold storages, warehousing, loading bays and on conveyor systems. Prime Reset features a special advanced self-repairing system.
It has been 22 years that Gandhi Automations is in the Entrance Automation systems. So, what are the evolutions that you have witnessed over the years in the industry?
The world of logistics is moving to an on-demand model called as an ‘Uberized’ model where owning traditional assets is no longer a requirement to be a viable logistics company. A competitor to a traditional logistics service provider needs not just be another LSP, but can be any platform provider, industrial automation or technology company that can aggregate supply and demand, as well ease logistic solutions in one place and meet a customer’s requirement. This could look ideal or theoretical to a few but it is not impossible. To compete, companies need to be equipped with the best possible technologies, including an integrated automation system, to manage all of the logistical and business complexities found in the supply chain.
Gandhi Automations has been an effective service provider being able to tailor services so as to minimise the impact of market dynamics on a client’s supply value chain. We also are able to proactively ensure compliance at all junctions of business operations. Emerging technology and the proliferation of digital technologies have opened up avenues for new business models and service delivery frameworks. We leverage such technologies in providing value added services to the clients.
The emerging trends which are becoming very popular are remote operated high-speed doors and rolling shutters. However, the challenges are sustainability and access. The opportunities to the Indian industry with automation is to maintain an efficient production cycle, safe inventory, cutting-edge technology, speed of movement, functionality and safety- are the must-haves for this line of Gandhi automations products. If we add the high quality of design with personal touch, they become unique elements necessary for daily logistics operations and for the visibility of customer identity.
Which are the most selling products of the company? How do your products help to achieve the goal of energy efficiency?
Our high-speed doors and dock levelers are relatively more popular in the logistics industry as its main focus is to maintain seamless operations and minimal downtime while meeting its manufacturing, storing and supplying needs.
There are several products where our research and innovations have resulted in curating a state-of-the-art product which has not just delivered efficiency but also additional safety. For example, our adjustable Radius lip dock levelers help adjust itself to move up and down for smooth loading and unloading from containers. Telescopic Lip Dock Levelers are perfect for cold storage.
Inflatable dock shelters provide perfect sealing by inflating themselves around the docked vehicle, which makes them ideal for applications within the food industry. They are suitable for a wide range of vehicle sizes and provide continuous weather protection throughout the entire loading and unloading operation.
High-Speed Freezer Duo can be used in cold storage and Load-out doorways, where speed and good insulating properties are a critical requirement. These doors have a revolutionary soft bottom edge and sensor combine to ensure operator safety at all times. These manufactured by Gandhi Automations are sturdy, dependable and an ideal fit for maintaining temperature control. To prevent ice formation during intensive cooling, they have a functionality of partial and full opening. Its intelligent dual curtain technology – simultaneous open and close operation has blower or dryer to maintain temperature balance.
What are your growth plans for the next fiscal?
We are number one in the domestic market. There is huge untapped international market for our products. Our products meet international safety standards and with right kind of product portfolio. We are ready to meet the demands of this huge international market.
With increased globalisation and countries opening up for business, we see a great opportunity in neighbouring countries also. For instance, in Myanmar, last few years foreign investments have increased from few million to several billion dollars (300 million-dollar 2009 to 5 billion 2014). The Myanmar Government has relaxed import restrictions and abolished export taxes. Such policies boost our confidence and we will venture in such countries. Our current target for export is Gulf countries and European Countries. In coming years, we will be aiming neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and few African countries. I have visited few of these countries and we have better products to offer them, than the ones they are currently using. We are targeting 50 per cent revenue from export in 2019.
