Oerlikon, a global leader in surface solutions and advanced manufacturing technologies, is celebrating a significant milestone—30 years of successful operations in India on 12 October 2024. Over the past three decades, Oerlikon India has supported key industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and tooling through its innovative surface coatings, additive manufacturing technologies, and polymer processing solutions. Their commitment to enhancing the performance and sustainability of components has established them as a trusted partner for Indian manufacturers.
As Oerlikon India celebrates its 30th anniversary on 12th October 2024, the day holds a profound significance beyond the milestone. When Oerlikon began its operations in India on 12th October 1994, the auspicious occasion of Navami and Dashami coincided, marking an extraordinary start. Three decades later, on 12th October 2024, the exact celestial alignment repeats, with Navami and Dashami falling together again. This rare and meaningful coincidence makes the celebration even more special for the Oerlikon India team, a perfect day to honour their journey and share joy with their families.
On the eve of Oerlikon India’s 30th anniversary, Pravin Shirse, Country President for India and Associated Countries, shared exclusive insights with Machine Maker about the company’s remarkable journey in India. Reflecting on their three-decade-long presence, Pravin highlighted the strategic decisions that helped Oerlikon establish itself as a leader in surface solutions. He emphasized the company’s growth, from starting with a single coating machine in Pune to becoming a nationwide leader with 11 service centres nationwide.
Reflecting on Oerlikon’s 30-year journey in India, Pravin Shirse shared, “From the beginning, Oerlikon believed in the immense potential of the Indian market. We introduced advanced technologies to India that weren’t even available in Europe then. Our focus on reconditioning has allowed us to enhance product yield, which is crucial in promoting a circular economy and advancing sustainability in our industry.” The long journey reflects Oerlikon’s strong belief in the potential of the Indian market, having made significant investments to bring cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions to the region since its early days.
A Bold Beginning: First Factory in Pune
In 1993, Oerlikon entered India, recognizing it as an emerging market with immense potential. By 1994, Oerlikon had established its first factory in Pune, strategically chosen for its reputation as an automobile manufacturing hub, fueled by the presence of OEMs and their ancillary units. The company started with just one BAI 730 coating machine and focused on providing high-performance coatings for cutting tools. This innovative service greatly improved tool performance, enhancing both lifetime and productivity.
Pravin Shirse reflects on this early phase: “Our journey in India began with a simple yet powerful proposition—deliver quality coatings that improve our customers’ productivity. Our commitment to excellence and focus on customer needs drove the immediate success we saw.”
By 1998, with the Indian manufacturing industry rapidly growing and demand for Oerlikon’s services increasing, the company was ready to expand. From that point onwards, Oerlikon steadily extended its footprint across North, South, East, and West India. “Expansion wasn’t just a business goal—it was essential to meet the needs of a dynamic and growing market,” says Pravin. “As Indian industries evolved, so did we, expanding our capabilities and offerings.”
Oerlikon’s services grew to include forming tools, automotive and precision components, and thermal spray solutions, keeping pace with the diverse requirements of Indian manufacturers. “Our expansion allowed us to provide holistic solutions across different sectors,” Pravin notes. “Whether improving the performance of forming tools or delivering cutting-edge thermal spray solutions, we consistently sought to push the boundaries of what we could offer.” In just a few years, Oerlikon transitioned from a single coating machine in Pune to a nationwide leader in surface solutions, always guided by a clear vision of delivering excellence to the Indian manufacturing sector.
Building a Legacy: Oerlikon’s Strategic Growth, Innovation, and People-Driven Success
Oerlikon further strengthened its foothold in India through strategic acquisitions, including the integration of Metco facilities. The merging of two Friction Systems facilities, located in Pune and Chennai, into the India OSS organization marked another milestone in solidifying our position in the country. Reflecting on this, Pravin Shirse, shares, “These acquisitions were key to expanding our capabilities and bringing even greater value to our customers. It allowed us to provide a wider range of solutions across multiple industries and helped us grow faster.”
Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Oerlikon India continued to expand, establishing new cutting tool coating centers in Aurangabad and a Thermal Spray Services center in Bangalore. “The pandemic was an unprecedented time, but we remained focused on growth and innovation,” Pravin notes. “Our team’s resilience ensured that we didn’t just survive, but thrived in difficult times, further reinforcing our leadership in surface solutions.”
Today, Oerlikon operates 11 service centers across India, serving industries such as cutting tools, automotive, power generation, and oil & gas. Their partnerships with industry giants like Bosch, Sandvik, Emuge, Emkay, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata, Kennametal, LMT Tools, Gleason, and Seco demonstrate the trust these leading OEMs place in our expertise. “Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has been at the core of our success,” says Pravin. “It’s this dedication that has helped us become the most preferred surface solution partner in India.”
India has become a critical pillar of Oerlikon’s global business, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and profitability. In 2022, they successfully established global offshore support services, including IT infrastructure, high-value engineering, and procurement. “India’s role in Oerlikon’s global strategy cannot be overstated,” Pravin comments. “We’ve moved beyond being a regional player; today, India is a driving force behind many of our global operations.”
Oerlikon’s investment in advanced surface solution technologies, high-end systems, and value-added cutting tool regrinding setups continues to set us apart. “Innovation is in our DNA,” Pravin Shirse emphasizes. “We’re constantly looking for ways to push the boundaries and provide greater value to our customers, not just in India but across the world.”
People have always been at the heart of Oerlikon’s success. They have made significant strides in People Development Programs, ensuring internal promotions, succession readiness, and fostering a culture of excellence. Oerlikon India’s teams have been recognized with multiple awards for Quality Excellence, HSE Excellence, and Best Customer Service. “Our people are our greatest asset,” Pravin adds. “The awards we’ve won are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.”
As Oerlikon India celebrate 30 years in India, Pravin Shirse extend his heartfelt gratitude to their team members, customers, and partners. “It’s been an incredible journey,” Pravin concludes. “We’re grateful for the trust our customers and partners have placed in us, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and innovation for many more years to come.”
Milestones of Excellence: Oerlikon India’s Commitment to Sustainability & Customer Satisfaction
Over the years, Oerlikon India has achieved significant milestones that showcase its commitment to sustainability, customer excellence, and innovation. The Pune site of Oerlikon Balzers India was honored with the prestigious ‘GreenCo Silver’ rating from CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, recognizing the company’s dedication to eco-friendly practices and sustainability. In addition, Oerlikon India’s customer-centric approach has earned it numerous accolades, including awards from industry leaders like Kennametal India for outstanding on-time delivery and exceptional service.
As Oerlikon looks ahead to an exciting new era in India, the future is filled with promise. The company has embarked on the ambitious journey of establishing a mega factory in Tumkuru, near Bangalore, which will integrate all product lines, including Service Tools, Service Components, and Thermal Spray Services, under one roof. The inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility is scheduled for January 2025.
Oerlikon remains committed to leading the way with cutting-edge technology, integrated services, and a relentless focus on excellence. The company also aims to expand its business into rapidly growing sectors such as aerospace, defense, locomotive, 3C, and semiconductors, continuing its legacy of innovation and growth in India.
