In India’s die and mould industry, Setco Spindles India Pvt Ltd has built its name on reliability. Since 2002, the Pune-based company has worked closely with manufacturers to keep spindles performing at their best through expert reconditioning services. With the strength of its global parent company behind it since 2012, Setco has also expanded its presence in the market with a growing range of new spindle products. At the upcoming TAGMA Die & Mould Exhibition, Setco Spindles will once again take the floor, and Director Rajesh Mandlik is looking forward to every conversation.
From a 400 Sq Ft Shop to a National Footprint
Rajesh Mandlik’s journey in the industry is a story of engineering passion turning into entrepreneurial purpose. A 1989 production engineering graduate, Mandlik began his career with SKF India Limited before moving into hydraulic seal sales domain in 1994. By 2002, armed with industry experience and a clear vision, he co-founded Ultra Precision Spindles alongside business partner Pradeep Vaghela. The starting point was modest: a 400 square foot workshop, just the two of them, reconditioning spindles.
A decade of consistent quality work caught the attention of Setco of USA, which acquired Ultra Precision Spindles in 2012, renaming it Setco Spindles. Importantly, the acquisition brought global credibility without disrupting local operations. “No one from the US sits in India,” says Mandlik. “The entire operations and all other business activities are carried out by our Indian management itself.”
Today, Setco Spindles operates from three industrial centres: Pune, which serves as the central plant for both spindle reconditioning and manufacturing; and fully equipped repair service centres in Chennai and Manesar. Critically, the company’s services are not restricted to Setco-brand spindles, any machine tool spindle can be reconditioned at their facilities.
A Loyal Face at TAGMA
This year’s participation is Setco Spindles’ eighth or ninth appearance at the TAGMA Die & Mold event, a streak spanning roughly 15 to 16 years. That consistency is no coincidence. “The TAGMA members are die and mould manufacturers, and naturally these manufacturers have very high-end machines,” Mandlik explains. “Usually it all starts with 3-axis machines, but they also have 5-axis machines. Apart from that, they also have big-size machines like double column VMCs or horizontal boring machines. So naturally, all manufacturers of die and mould can be our customers for the spindle repair business.”
For Setco, the exhibition is as much about visibility as it is about business. “We participate in every TAGMA to make our presence felt, so that our customers know about our offerings,” says Mandlik. “Our name should reach across the industry as far as die and mould manufacturing is concerned.”
What to Expect at the Setco Booth
This year, Setco’s exhibition focus will revolve around three key offerings: Spindle Reconditioning Services will be showcased prominently, including a virtual representation of the company’s state-of-the-art reconditioning facility. Visitors will get an insight into the infrastructure Setco has built and the refurbishment processes it has developed to bring spindles back into action with minimum turnaround time. Second is Onsite Taper Grinding Machine, a unique offering targeted at die and mould manufacturers which allows customers to benefit from on-site capabilities, helping them save significant costs. Mandlik sees this as a compelling value proposition specifically suited to the TAGMA audience. Lastly, Setco will also display its own product range: belt-driven spindles and direct drive milling spindles will be physically on the floor, while high-end offerings such as built-in motor spindles and milling heads will be represented virtually. These products are aimed particularly at machine tool builders who may be among the exhibition visitors.
Why Industry Professionals Should Visit
Mandlik has a clear message for die and mould professionals walking the exhibition floor: “Visitors should come to understand the unique services we provide, particularly the spindle reconditioning process. Setco has been a leader in this business for many years. Visitors can understand what kind of infrastructure we have built and what kind of different refurbishment processes we have adopted to bring their spindles back in action with the minimum repair time.”
He also highlights the broader value of the exchange: “Whether visitors are direct customers or indirect customers, we can have different kinds of exchange of thoughts on the spindle repair process and on our new product offerings. Setco Spindles offers a unique blend of repair services and new product offerings.”
For those in the market for machine tools, Mandlik offers this perspective: “The spindle is the heart of the machine. If someone wants to buy machines for their product, they can consider Setco as their preferred product for machine tool building.”
