- K S Sankaran, Vice-Chairman of Makino Asia Singapore passes away, a huge loss to the Machine Tool industry
- He was instrumental in establishing Makino Asia in India, empowering many automotive industries to machine precision components
- A humble human being, he made a mark with people whom he contacted, mentored many of his colleagues and customers
On 3rd November 2020, the Indian Machine Tool industry started with a loss with the news coming in about the demise of K S Sankaran, Vice Chairman of Makino Asia, Singapore. As the head of Makino Asia, he was not just instrumental in establishing the business in India, empowered many industries to manufacture precision components, mentored many in the industry, who are now in different leadership positions, and in different countries.
“Very sad to know the demise of our Guru Shri K S Sankaran Vice Chairman of Makino Asia Singapore”, posted Manu Ganesh, Managing Director of GPY Machine Tools Private Limited. Manu further added that Late K S Sankaran revolutionized the Indian Machine Tool industry, and through Makino, he made contributions in a big way to the Indian industry through productivity, precision, and reliability. Most of the Indian automotive companies use Makino Machines. “He showed opportunities to many Indian’s, and now these professionals are working in China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Europe, the USA in Makino, or with dealers, competitors just because of him”, remembers Mr. Ganesh.
“Mr. Sankaran was a dear friend of mine. When I visited Makino’s Singapore facility, he took time off to discuss best ways to machine prismatic components and how ‘pull-down clamping’ can make all the difference in precision machining”, remembered Indradev Babu, President of Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers Association (IMTMA), also the Managing Director of UCAM, Bengaluru. He said that Mr. Sankaran was excellent at Customer relations while being a master in modern machine shop practices, a legend and an ear has passed. “A big loss to the Machine Tool Fraternity”, added Mr. Babu.
Many from the industries shared their experience with K S Sankaran and how he made a difference in their lives. “His demise is a big loss for the Indian machine tool industry”, said Amit Salunkhe, General Manager of ZOLLER India & SEA. He added, “I met him more than 20 times in last 5 year’s time, such an inspirational leader, very knowledgeable person with such higher position but very humble and open-minded, whenever I met him I carry a lot of input from him, about the market, future of the industry and many more topics”.
Sandeep Adkar, Chief Executive of Century Technologies remembers, when he visited Makino Asia Singapore office in 2006, how Mr. Sankaran himself picked them from the hotel, took them to a famous Italian restaurant explained the best delicacies, and ordered food for all, such a humble and perfect host. He became emotional talking about Mr. Sankaran, “Great salute to Honorable Sankaran, he is an institution in himself. You don't sell products, you purchase lasting relationships, sales follow. Along with RIP, I request him to come again, we need you. Tears”.
“He is our mentor, great visionary and with his guidance, we are all grown up in our professional life, and his sudden demise is a complete loss. Our Deep condolences to his family, and we will remember his great services to the Machine Tool industry”, said Magesh Boopathy, DGM – Feeler Services at MAG India Industrial Automation Systems. “Very sad to know about the demise, and may God rest his soul in peace. Will always cherish the interactions with him”, remembered Punit Gupta, Managing Director, Blaser West Asia.
Manu Ganesh remembers how Mr. Sankaran showed how to sell expensive machines by giving application support and make the best buys. “Because of his support I could develop an excellent service department which was and is still legendary. Because of him Makino India started making Machines in India”. He adds that Makino started fixture exports in the 1990's itself. Late Sankaran taught how to convert knowledge to win-win for both customers and for Team Makino. “I will be always thankful to him, whatever words I write will be an understatement. You will always Live thru thousands of Makino present and past Employees, Om Shanti”, said Manu Ganesh.