Interview with Hemant K Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director of Elegar Kerpen Kabel India

An exclusive interview with Hemant K Mehta, the Chairman and Managing Director of Elegar Kerpen Kabel India PVT LTD

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mr. Hemant K Mehta, the esteemed Chairman and Managing Director of Elegar Kerpen Kabel India Pvt Ltd, to this exclusive interview. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Mr. Mehta has been a driving force in the success and growth of the organization.

His leadership has propelled Elegar Kerpen Kabel India Pvt Ltd to new heights in the cable and wire industry.

He is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the industry. A second-generation entrepreneur, his knowledge and industry expertise have helped Elegar Kerpen build a solid foundation.

As the company chairman and MD of Elegar, Mr. Mehta is responsible for strategic decision-making. His strategies and guidance impact the overall operations and functionality of Elegar significantly.

In this interview, we have the unique opportunity to delve into Mr. Mehta’s wealth of experience, gain insights into the company’s journey, and explore his perspectives on the evolving landscape of the industry.

Can you provide an overview of Elegar Kerpen’s journey and how the company has evolved in the cable manufacturing industry?

Hemant K Mehta: Elegar Kerpen, formerly LEONI Cable Solutions (India) Pvt Ltd, has undergone significant transformation since September 2022. The company’s evolution started with acquiring the Indian subsidiary of Leoni AG, a German MNC, enhancing its expertise and reputation in the cable industry, particularly in the oil and gas sector, Solar & Railways. The rebranding to Elegar Kerpen symbolizes a focus on innovation in the electric field, building on the technical excellence of Leoni AG.

We’ve incorporated advanced German technology in our manufacturing, notably an E-beam twin line with hybrid crossfire technology, enhancing our production capabilities. Our expansion has been global, reaching markets in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Australia, emphasizing exports and adapting to various market demands. This growth has solidified Elegar Kerpen’s position in the cable manufacturing industry

Additionally, this strategic expansion and technological integration have not only broadened our operational scope but also reinforced our commitment to delivering high-quality cable solutions. As a result, Elegar Kerpen has steadily built a reputation for reliability and innovation, aligning with the evolving needs of the global market.

Elegar Kerpen is known for utilizing European technologies in its manufacturing processes. Could you elaborate on the specific technologies employed and how they contribute to the company’s success?

Hemant K Mehta: Elegar Kerpen’s success in cable manufacturing is significantly attributed to our adoption of advanced European technologies, notably the E-beam twin line with hybrid crossfire technology. This technology, unique to our operations in India, uses electron beam processing to enhance cable insulation, improving durability, heat resistance, and stability, crucial for demanding environments like renewable energy and transportation sectors.

Beyond the E-beam technology, we utilize a range of European-engineered machinery, ensuring high-quality output and performance. Our insulation machines are from KMB Germany, ensuring precise insulation application.

The stranding machines from Quiens and sheathing/jacketing equipment from Rosendahl contribute to the robustness and reliability of our cables. Additionally, our double twist and bunching machines from Niehoff and wire drawing machines from Frigeco are integral to our manufacturing excellence.

These machines, representing the industry’s best, coupled with our team’s training in Germany, ensure superior product quality and performance. This combination of cutting-edge technology and skilled expertise is central to our ability to meet the diverse and complex needs of our global clientele in the cable manufacturing industry.

What unique challenges and opportunities does the cable manufacturing industry present, and how does Elegar Kerpen navigate these dynamics?

Hemant K Mehta: In the cable manufacturing industry, Elegar Kerpen navigates a landscape defined by technical complexity and evolving market demands through strategic agility and technological innovation.

Key challenges include the need for continuous innovation to match technological advancements and maintaining high safety and quality standards, especially for sectors like oil and gas, renewable energy, and transportation.

One of the challenges is the fluctuation of copper and polymer prices and intense cost competition. We tackle these by optimizing our procurement strategies and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Opportunities in the industry include market expansion and product diversification. Elegar Kerpen capitalizes on these by targeting various industries, including defense and OEMs, and expanding its global presence, with significant exports across multiple continents.

This strategic approach to technological excellence, market adaptability, and global expansion keeps us competitive and growing in this dynamic industry.

Sustainability is a growing concern in various industries. How does Elegar Kerpen approach sustainability in its manufacturing processes and contribute to environmental responsibility?

Hemant K Mehta: Our approach to environmental responsibility includes recycling initiatives, where we responsibly dispose of materials like PVC, PE, copper, steel wire, and aluminum foil by handing them over to recyclers.

A key focus in our sustainability journey is the adoption of energy-efficient processes. We utilize advanced German technologies, such as the E-beam twin line with hybrid crossfire technology, which is more energy-efficient compared to traditional methods like water or steam curing and Continuous Catenary Vulcanization.

This not only enhances the quality of our cables but also reduces energy consumption, contributing to our overall environmental goals.

We prioritize using eco-friendly materials in our manufacturing, aiming to minimize our carbon footprint and ensure the safety and sustainability of our products for end-users. Our commitment to producing longer-lasting cables also plays a significant role in reducing waste and resource consumption over time, as it lessens the need for frequent replacements.

Waste reduction and recycling are integral to our operations. We continuously explore ways to minimize waste production and implement effective recycling strategies, contributing to resource conservation and supporting a circular economy.

Additionally, we are mindful of the varying environmental regulations in the different markets we operate in. Our compliance with international environmental standards, including producing Halogen Free and Smoke Retardant products, is a testament to our dedication to meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

Elegar Kerpen’s approach to sustainability encompasses the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, waste reduction, recycling, and adherence to global environmental standards. We believe this multifaceted commitment is not only beneficial for the planet but also crucial for the long-term viability of our business.

As the Chairman, what strategic initiatives have you implemented to foster innovation within the company and stay ahead in a rapidly changing technological landscape?

Hemant K Mehta: As the Chairman of Elegar Kerpen, my strategic initiatives for fostering innovation are streamlined across three key areas: technological advancement, team synergy, and market expansion.

We prioritize investing in advanced technologies. This focus on advanced technology not only enhances our product quality but also ensures they align with the evolving needs of diverse industries. Continual technological upgrades are essential for maintaining our competitive edge and commitment to innovation.

I emphasize the importance of collaborative innovation within our team. By encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and the free exchange of ideas, we create a dynamic environment where creativity and problem-solving thrive. This approach is instrumental in developing new and innovative products and processes, setting us apart in the market.

Expanding into new market segments and industries is a significant aspect of our strategy. By diversifying our product range and targeting a broader audience, we not only expand our business but also encounter new challenges and opportunities for innovation. Our extensive export operations, spanning regions like the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Australia, demonstrate our adaptability and success in various markets.

These strategic initiatives ensure that Elegar Kerpen remains at the forefront of the cable manufacturing industry, adeptly responding to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The cable industry is influenced by technological advancements. How does Elegar Kerpen stay abreast of emerging technologies and integrate them into its manufacturing processes?

Hemant K Mehta: At Elegar Kerpen, staying ahead in the technologically driven cable industry involves a focused approach to integrating emerging technologies. Our primary strategy is to invest heavily in research and development (R&D), with a dedicated team exploring new technologies and methodologies for integration into our manufacturing processes.

This commitment to R&D ensures continuous innovation in our product development. Collaboration with technology leaders and innovators in the industry is another key aspect. These partnerships provide insights into emerging trends and access to new technologies, which we adapt and incorporate into our processes.

Furthermore, we emphasize continuous learning and development for our team, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest technological trends and techniques. This approach fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability, enabling us to swiftly integrate new technologies.

Overall, our approach to staying abreast of emerging technologies in the cable industry involves a blend of adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, ongoing R&D, strategic collaborations, and continuous team development, ensuring our leadership and innovation in the field.

How does Elegar Kerpen prioritize employee development and well-being, contributing to a positive corporate culture within the organization?

Hemant K Mehta: At Elegar Kerpen, employee development and well-being are central to our corporate culture, likely manifesting in several key initiatives. Continuous learning is emphasized through regular training programs and workshops, enhancing professional skills and keeping the team updated with industry trends.

Health and safety are paramount, with strict safety protocols and regular training to ensure a secure working environment.

Flexible working arrangements are encouraged to support work-life balance, reducing stress and boosting productivity. Employee engagement is fostered through an open and inclusive environment, with regular feedback sessions and surveys to understand and address employee needs.

Additionally, recognizing and rewarding employees’ hard work and achievements is likely a significant aspect, possibly through performance-based bonuses and recognition programs.

These combined efforts in professional development, safety, work-life balance, engagement, and recognition contribute to a positive and productive corporate culture at Elegar Kerpen.

In the context of a globalized supply chain, how does Elegar Kerpen manage logistics and ensure a seamless flow of materials and products?

Hemant K Mehta: At Elegar Kerpen, we manage our globalized supply chain efficiently by integrating barcode technology through ERP. Barcodes enable precise tracking of materials and products throughout the supply chain, enhancing real-time visibility and reducing errors and delays. ERP system from SAP streamlines various business processes, providing a centralized view of operations and ensuring departmental synchronization.

Furthermore, our location advantages, being near the country’s biggest port and an accessible airport, significantly enhance our logistical capabilities. These geographical benefits, combined with robust partnerships with leading logistics providers, ensure swift and efficient transportation of goods.

This strategic positioning and collaboration enable us to effectively manage the complexities of a global supply chain, ensuring timely delivery and optimal supply chain performance in various market conditions.

What are your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Hemant K Mehta: I’ve discovered that success is a blend of vision, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. First and foremost, innovation is at the heart of my approach. Keeping a finger on the pulse of industry trends and technological advancements has enabled me to stay ahead of the curve. I’ve learned that resilience is key; treating every setback as a learning opportunity has helped me grow stronger and more focused.

Building a cohesive and motivated team has been central to my journey. I invest time in understanding their strengths and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. This has not only enhanced our productivity but also created an environment where innovative ideas thrive.

Risk-taking is inevitable in entrepreneurship, but I ensure that every risk is calculated and informed by thorough research. This balance between boldness and prudence has been crucial in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Effective communication and leadership have been vital in my journey. Being able to articulate my vision and inspire my team has been essential for driving our collective goals forward. Networking, too, plays a critical role. Building relationships within the industry has opened up new avenues for collaboration and growth.

Lastly, a customer-centric approach is the lifeblood of my business. Understanding and anticipating customer needs has been key to developing products and services that resonate with the market. This holistic strategy, encompassing innovation, resilience, teamwork, sustainability, calculated risk-taking, effective communication, networking, and customer focus, is the blueprint for my entrepreneurial success.

In conclusion, our interview with Mr. Hemant K Mehta has provided a fascinating glimpse into the visionary leadership that has shaped Elegar Kerpen Kabel India Pvt Ltd.

His strategic acumen and commitment to excellence have not only steered the company through challenges but have also positioned it as a market leader. As we express our gratitude to Mr. Mehta for sharing his valuable time and insights, we are left with a deeper understanding of the dynamism within the cable and wire industry.

It is clear that under his guidance, Elegar Kerpen Kabel India Pvt Ltd will continue to thrive, innovate, and contribute significantly to the sector’s growth. We extend our best wishes to Mr. Hemant K Mehta and the entire team at Elegar Kerpen Kabel India Pvt Ltd for their continued success in the years to come.

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