Pharmacy

With an aim to carve a niche in the manufacturing segment, Elektrocraft (India) Pvt Ltd is a dedicated performer in the line of products ranging from centrifuges to stirrers. It currently caters to biotechnology, pharma and several other sectors and is looking to further widen the existing expanse.

Chandreyee Bhaumik

Established in 1977, Elektrocraft (India) Pvt Ltd is committed to manufacturing various types of centrifuges, laboratory stirrers as well as high- speed emulsifiers, magnetic stirrers and vortex mixers for research laboratories,   hospitals,   chemical & pharma industries, educational institutions, etc. Over the years, the facility has come to be identified with credible quality and reliability among industries. With time, the company has affirmed its position as the driving force behind some of India's most significant   scientific   and industrial projects. Further, the primary activities of the company encompass export and import of electric motors, speed reducers & laboratory equipment    for    biotechnology, pharma and food processing industry. Meeting the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) criteria, the motors manufactured here   ensure   that the customers get a wide range of state-of-the-art products.

A reflection of the journey

A centrifuge is a kind of equipment, generally driven by an electric motor that puts an object in rotation around a fixed axis applying a force perpendicular to the axis. The centrifuge functions using the sedimentation principle, where the centripetal acceleration causes more dense substances to separate out along the radial direction (the bottom of the tube). Further, by the same method, lighter objects will tend to move to the top of the tube. Simple centrifuges are used in chemistry, biology and biochemistry for separating suspensions. These very rapidly in capacity and speed.

In 1977, Elektrocraft established itself as a small scale industrial unit at Goregaon for manufacturing of electric motors. In 1981, the company started manufacturing laboratory centrifuges. Later, in 1990, it expanded its products   wing   by   introducing laboratory centrifuges with digital controls     and     manufacturing high-speed refrigerated centrifuges.

In 1993, the company introduced high-volume   refrigerated   blood bank centrifuge. Elektrocraft gradually began expanding and, in 1997, started exporting its products to African and South Asian countries. In 2003, the company established itself   as   'Eitek   International' which is now known as 'Eitek Overseas Pvt Ltd'. The company is involved in the export and import'- of laboratory instruments. This year the company bagged another feather in its success cap. It implemented ISO 9001:2000 and was audited by AQSR, USA. In 2004, the company received   CE   marking   for   its laboratory     products     range.  P Ramachandran, Chairman and Managing   Director,   airs,   "We manufacture   various   types   of electric motors, including AC and DC high-speed motors. We produce gear motors as well." Commenting on the products line of the facility, Ramachandran   adds»   "We   also manufacture laboratory equipment, namely, centrifuges meant for scientific and medical research, especially laboratory mixers."

Spreading wings...

Two   manufacturing   units   of Elektrocraft are located in Vasai near Mumbai. One unit undertakes motor and equipment manufacturing, while the other manufactures motors only. Ramachandran avers, "Initially, all the work was carried at the Goregaon facility, but it has now been shifted to Vasai. We are planning for further   expansion   to   increase productivity   and   also   include more research equipment for start developmental activities in the next financial year." For any venture to Assume an important dimension, a definite and significant investment is   an    essential    requirement. Elaborating   on   the   investment pattern,   Ramachandran   explains, 'Currently, the turnover is about Rs. 7 crore, which includes both facilities at Vasai. And in the next two years we plan to reach Rs. 15 crore."

Success mantra: Innovate to grow

For any entity to flourish and spread its wings with vibrancy, continuous innovations are not only needed but ire also essential. Thus, Ramachandran believes that reaching the success peak requires adding more products to the existing range. Explaining the required and ongoing innovations, Ramachandran comments, "We hope that soon microprocessors would be controlling all research equipment. Thus, the company will also utilize -computerized operations in most its equipment." In few words, is far as the technological advancement and changes are concerned, the company   believes   in   involving improved version of technology for the latest product. Adding to this, Ramachandran avers, "With superior    and    better    quality products, we can increase our exporting services and  improve the Return on Investment (ROI), leading to inflated revenue,

Tie-ups  are  a  common  but strong way for expansion. Commenting on the tie-up strategy, Ramachandran clarifies, "Although there is no formal   talk   on mergers with partners, we plan to tie up with laboratory equipment manufacturers as well."

Dawn over dusk

Every company faces challenges, but countering the hurdle and metamorphosing it into strength is what sets one company apart from others. In short, this is the USP. In   this   regard,   Ramachandran reiterates, "Inevitably, competition arises, but we can create more innovative products by taking advantage of this. We are currently contemplating on this line only," Thus, with a vision of improving the existing product array, the company aims "to achieve a wider market horizon. Commenting on the strategy of extensive growth potential, Ramachandran explains, "We not only need innovative products but also aggressive marketing. Thus, our focus is on both areas. Explaining this, Ramachandran a showcase o) signs off saying, "In the next five years, we plan to achieve a   turnover   of   approximately Rs. 50 crore." In this concern, he adds, "Candidly speaking, Rs. 50 crore is inflated, but we have to focus and be determined to reach there. All these years, the graph has reflected relatively slower growth, but we are now aiming and hoping to reach even higher."