Rotolok Valves Private Limited was established in 2015 under the visionary Make in India initiative, It has become a key player in bulk material handling solutions. As a subsidiary of the UK-based Rotolok Group, the company has successfully localized manufacturing, eliminating the need for imports and contributing to India’s industrial growth. With a facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, Rotolok India is setting new benchmarks in cost-effective and high-quality valve manufacturing.
Prasanna Veeraraghavan, Director of Rotolok India, has played a crucial role in this journey. With a background in mechanical engineering and business administration, his passion for manufacturing and greenfield projects has been instrumental in Rotolok’ s success. “Our goal was to ensure that all raw materials and processes were completely indigenous, making our products truly ‘Made in India,’” Mr Veeraraghavan shares.
Rotolok’ s journey began with the realization that supplying bulk handling valves from the UK to India was not cost-effective. This led to the strategic decision to establish a manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The company registered its India operations in 2012-13, and after extensive site evaluations, finalized its location in collaboration with Sri City Management. By 2015, the pilot manufacturing phase had commenced, followed by full-scale production in 2016.
Veeraraghavan, who joined Rotolok in 2015, brought with him extensive experience from TVS and Sanmar Engineering. His expertise in setting up and managing manufacturing units made him the ideal choice to oversee this greenfield project. “We started with a vision to make high-quality, locally manufactured valves for the Indian market. Today, we are not only fulfilling domestic demand but also competing in the Southeast Asian market,” he says.
A Diverse Product Portfolio Catering to Multiple Industries
Rotolok India specializes in manufacturing valves used in powder and bulk material handling across various industries. Their products cater to sectors such as cement, chemicals, power, paper, and FMCG. These valves are essential for handling materials like fly ash, lignite, cement, chocolate powders, milk powders, spices, and pharmaceutical ingredients. The company ensures strict plans to global quality standards, positioning itself as a trusted supplier for major industries.
With a global presence, Rotolok operates in the UK, the US, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The decision to establish an Indian facility was driven by the vast market potential and cost advantages of local production. Today, Rotolok India serves some of the country’s biggest names, including Ultratech Cement, Hindustan Unilever, and Kellogg’s. The company has also made significant inroads into the Southeast Asian market, strengthening its position as a regional manufacturing powerhouse. The company also prioritizes sustainability in its operations, incorporating environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and optimizing energy usage. This commitment to eco-friendly practices aligns with global industry trends and makes Rotolok India’s reputation as a responsible corporate entity.
As Rotolok India approaches its 10th anniversary, the company is poised for further expansion. The Make in India initiative has played a crucial role in their success, providing the necessary support for manufacturing excellence. “The journey so far has been fruitful. We are now focusing on expanding our reach and strengthening our position in the Southeast Asian market” Mr Veeraraghavan shares.
Achieving a rewarding 38% compound annual growth rate since 2016 indicates a strong future. Expansion plans will be determined based on the financial results for the current year. Mr. Veeraraghavan shares his experience, “We are in a phase where we are evaluating our next steps. The goal is to scale our operations while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Rotolok India’s decade-long journey is an example to the power of localization, strategic planning, and industry expertise. Under the leadership of Mr Veeraraghavan, the company has successfully built a robust manufacturing ecosystem, contributing significantly to India’s industrial landscape. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Rotolok India is set to continue its growth trajectory, reinforcing its position as a leader in bulk material handling solutions.
Rotolok’s success is deeply rooted in its philosophy and values. The company prioritizes high-quality products that offer good value for money and continuous innovation. By providing customers with tailor-made, bespoke solutions and working closely with them as partners, Rotolok ensures seamless collaboration. The company is committed to maximizing throughput while minimizing plant downtime, product loss, and product degradation. Additionally, Rotolok focuses on energy efficiency in plant operations, aligning with sustainability goals and industry best practices.
Looking ahead, the company remains dedicated to strengthening its manufacturing capabilities, expanding market reach, and maintaining its commitment to excellence. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Rotolok India is well-positioned to shape the future of industrial manufacturing in India and beyond. As it continues to evolve, Rotolok India’s success story serves as an inspiration for indigenous manufacturing, proving that with the right strategy, expertise, and vision, India can become a global leader in industrial production.
