“The key focus of Kessels has always been on product differentiation based on better, superior technology,” says P. K. Batra, Joint Managing Director, Kessels Engineering Works (P) Ltd.
Cogeneration due to its production of both power and steam will be the key in long-term sustainability and profitability of large corporations. It will be also vital for the growth and expansion of the small-scale process plants and mills that constitute the backbone of the Indian economy. In an interview with EPR, P. K. Batra shares how Kessels Engineering is leaving its mark.
Cogeneration market scenarioThe Indian cogeneration market is certainly optimistic and looks promising for both immediate and long-term future. The new government and its perceived policy making mechanism and transparency have been the driving force behind this optimism and attracted investment.
The concept of cogeneration is vital for process driven industries (manufacturers of sugar, paper, rice, ethanol and edible oil) to be sustainable, profitable and independent of the utilities provided by the government. As the industry flourishes in these sectors, the cogeneration market is poised to grow along with it proportionately.
Staying ahead of competitionKessels is one of the top players in the market for cogeneration through the use of steam turbine generator sets in such process-driven industries.
Over the past 27 years, Kessels has grown to become the market leader in certain industries and segments in India. In general, it has become a global player, competing regularly with the European, Japanese, Chinese and American manufacturers for an increased presence in the overseas market. Export orders dominate and constitute more than 60 per cent of its current order book. The domestic Indian market, however, tends to look bright, and Kessels might expect the balance to shift back to a majority of domestic orders very soon.
Focusing on trendsThe key focus of Kessels has always been on product differentiation based on better, superior technology. Investing in technology and development of new frames and models always helps maintain an edge over the domestic competition while keeping Kessels abreast with the global players. It is due to this continuing effort of delivering a product with a better value proposition that companies around the globe are now starting to look towards India for their requirement of steam turbines and other cogeneration equipment.
Going globalIn fact, Kessels is always proud to inform its prospective clients that the first steam turbine to be utilised in South America for geothermal power generation purposes is going to be a Kessels make, designed and manufactured in India. Apart from being the first manufacturer in India to supply a back pressure steam turbine for geothermal use, Kessels is only manufacturer to have successfully designed, manufactured and installed a single-stage condensing type steam turbine as well as a steam turbine for heavy water application (nuclear plants). These projects along with many others highlight that Indian companies too can be at the forefront of design and innovation. They also highlight that these companies can compete and succeed in securing business for technology intensive products such as steam turbines on a global scale.
Kessels and future Going ahead, Kessels believes that cogeneration due to its production of both power and steam will be the key in long-term sustainability and profitability of large corporations and equally vital for the growth and expansion of the small-scale process plants and mills that constitute the backbone of the Indian economy.
