Hypertherm designs and manufactures the world's most advanced plasma cutting systems for use in industries as diverse as shipbuilding, manufacturing and automotive repair. The company's product line includes handheld and mechanised plasma cutters and consumables, as well as CNC motion and height controls.
Does the company have a long-term commitment in India?
Yes, we have a long-term commitment to India. In future, we may even plan to have a warehouse in India; this will ensure short turnaround time of supply. Currently, we have a warehouse in China and Singapore. But our long-term goal will be setting up a warehouse in India.
Will Hypertherm set up production units in India?
At the moment all our production units are in the US. Although, we understand that there are advantages of manufacturing in Asia, especially India and China. But the company as a policy prefers to keep manufacturing expertise in one location. This ensures that our product quality and performance remains good. But our marketing and service teams will be based in India. We will have two marketing-cum-service offices, one in Delhi and another in Chennai.
Will Hypertherm's worldwide product launch be simultaneous with India?
Our product launches in India will be simultaneous with the rest of the world. It may only be a couple of weeks late because of shipping time from the US. But in terms of announcement, it will be global.
How is plasma technology advantageous?
Plasma cutting is a new technology and different from others. The major benefit of plasma is that it can cut very thick materials. Our latest offering is plasma cutting; we do have other forms of cutting also. The company has launched two new plasma cutters that address virtually all types of metal cutting needs in Asia.
What is the current penetration of plasma technology?
In most Indian shipyards, it is fairly common as it can cut thick materials and other materials also. In fact, we have 70 per cent market share in Indian shipyards and about 90 per cent market share in China. In this sector, for example, the plasma presence is very strong.
But we need to bring plasma technology to small, medium-scale industries; people who do a lot of hand-cutting. The smaller, medium-scale companies still use mechanical cutters, not realising the benefits that plasma technology can bring them.
Is Indian industry technologically on a par with the West?
I would not say that they are on par, probably one generation behind, but slowly reaching there. Larger Indian companies are already there.
Source : www.projectsmonitor.com
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