German Gujarat Bearing, a subsidiary of LFD Group, is set to make its mark in the Indian manufacturing sector by participating in the upcoming LOGIMAT INDIA 2024 event organized by Messe Stuttgart India from 28th February to 1st March in Greater Noida. The company, already a prominent player in Europe and the US, is poised to extend its operations into South Asia, beginning with a strategic focus on India.
Established in 1978, the LFD Group stands as a family-run enterprise with a global footprint. Their automated production lines manufactures over 100 million ball bearings annually. In addition to bearings, the LFD range also has ball joints and bearing blocks. Leveraging production facilities and a well-equipped test laboratory, LFD also customises products to meet specific customer requirements such as service life, noise level, maintenance, temperature resistance, rotation speed, or extreme load conditions. The globally accepted LFD bearings, crafted in accordance with German standards, find applications across diverse sectors.
In an exclusive interview with Tushar Shah, the CEO of German Gujarat Bearing, we talked about the company’s objectives, product offerings, and its plans for the Indian market. As the manufacturing industry witnesses a shift, German Gujarat Bearing is gearing up to be a key player, challenging the dominance of Chinese imports in the Indian ball bearing market.
Mr Shah outlined the company’s vision for the next few years, highlighting a planned approach to establish a strong presence in India. In 2024, the primary goal is to build a strong customer base, with plans to set up a manufacturing plant in Ahmedabad by mid-2025. “The move is aiming to capitalize on the significant market share currently dominated by Chinese imports, especially in the ball bearing sector, where more than 80% of products come from China” said Mr Shah.
What sets German Gujarat Bearing apart is its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company plans to develop the entire supply chain within the country, avoiding the common practice of importing components for assembly. This approach aligns with the Indian government’s push for indigenous manufacturing, encouraging partnerships with local suppliers and contributing to the growth of the domestic industry.
German Gujarat Bearing’s participation in LOGIMAT INDIA 2024 holds importance as it marks the company’s formal entry into the Indian market. Mr Shah stressed that the decision to join the event comes from the strong partnership between LFD Group and LOGIMAT worldwide. This participation aims not only to showcase the company’s products but also to establish a presence in the minds of potential customers and industry players.
As Mr Shah explained, “The main purpose of participating in LOGIMAT is to let people know we are here. Before, many customers wanted LFD bearings, but the import process and lack of clear contacts hindered their choices. With our presence in India, customers will have direct access to our products and services.”
German Gujarat Bearing is set to showcase its flagship product, the Deep Groove Ball Bearing (DGBB), with a specific focus on this segment due to the significant demand gap in the Indian market. Recognizing the potential for growth, the company aims to provide customers with a viable alternative to existing international brands, ensuring superior quality at a more competitive cost.
Additionally, the company plans to offer customers live demonstrations and data analysis services for better decision-making. The technical service and research and development centre in Germany will play an important role in supporting Indian customers in choosing the right bearing solutions for their applications.
While German Gujarat Bearing currently has an extensive catalogue of 15,000 products, Mr. Shah mentioned that the company is open to developing new solutions based on customer demand. The ongoing trials with select customers in Pune showcase the company’s commitment to ensuring its bearings stand out in terms of lifespan, noise reduction, and vibration control compared to competitors like SKF or Schaeffler.
In discussing the future, Mr Shah highlighted the importance of focusing on quality and cost reduction in the Indian manufacturing sector. He marked the need for increased adoption of automation and AI technology to compete effectively with Chinese manufacturers, signalling a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.
Reflecting on the growth and development in the Indian manufacturing sector, Mr Shah acknowledged progress but stressed the need for increased speed in comparison to competitor nations. While optimistic about the future, he urged a faster adoption of automation and AI technology to compete effectively on a global scale.
Regarding the logistics and intralogistics industry, Mr Shah recognized its symbiotic relationship with manufacturing. As one industry progresses, the other automatically follows. He expressed confidence in the increasing professionalism within the sector and noted the positive trajectory, particularly in the conveyor industry.
Mr Shah concludes by outlining the expectations from participating in LOGIMAT INDIA 2024. Apart from creating awareness about German Gujarat Bearing’s presence in India, the company aims to connect with potential customers and understand their needs. The event will serve as a platform to measure customer preferences, facilitating future manufacturing plans and product development.
The CEO emphasized, “Our goal is for customers to know we are the subsidiary of LFD Group, and we are in India for the long term. We want to establish relationships, understand customer requirements, and tailor our future manufacturing plans based on the demand we witness.”
German Gujarat Bearing’s participation in LOGIMAT INDIA 2024 signifies a crucial step toward shaping the future of ball bearing manufacturing in India. With a focus on quality, cost-effectiveness, and customer-centric solutions, the company aims to contribute significantly to the nation’s industrial landscape. At the LOGIMAT INDIA 2024 industry players and customers will have the opportunity to witness first-hand the commitment of German Gujarat Bearing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and its dedication to delivering bearing solutions.
