The Textile Magazine
OctoBER 2011
|
13
Textile Magazine: Is this acquisition re-
stricted only to the Indian market or will it have glo-
bal implication in terms of manufacturing and sup-
plies?
Anuj Bhagwati: SKF India will be transferring the
complete knowhow and equipment to A.T.E. Once the
transfer is completed, A.T.E. is free to sell the prod-
ucts in other markets as well. We are also free to set up
manufacturing facilities in other countries if we want
to do so. However, we do not have any such plan as of
now. The main market for SKF India has so far been
India. We expect that India will remain a major market
for A.T.E. as well, though we will also be searching for
export sales shortly.
TM: When will you start commercial production
at your plant in Ahmedabad?
AB: We expect to start sales by around January 2012
using the stock transferred from SKF. We expect to start
commercial production by around April 2012.
TM: Are you transferring the entire production
line from SKF? Is there further addition of new ma-
chinery and production lines?
AB: Yes, we will be transferring the entire production
base for textile components from SKF. We will examine
fresh investments after the transfer is completed and all
equipment is commissioned.
TM: What will be the total capacity manufactur-
ing capacity?
AB: The annual plant capacity of the SKF Textile
Business Unit on three-shift working basis for Top arms
for ring frames is 480,000 units, Top arms for speed
frames is 144,000 units, Top rollers is 12, 00,000 and
Spindle inserts is 18, 00,000 units
TM: Does this move signify the group’s intention
to move towards manufacturing? Are you looking
for more such opportunities in the future?
AB: A.T.E. has been involved in manufacturing for
several decades, especially in textile engineering. In the
past few years, we have invested in product develop-
ment and manufacturing primarily in the clean tech area.
We are open to investment opportunities in the areas of
textile engineering, clean tech, and print and packing.
TM: Will this involve transfer of technology?
AB: Yes, the technology for textile-related products
will be completely transferred by SKF to A.T.E. SKF
will handhold A.T.E. during the entire process and for
several months after start of commercial production, so
that A.T.E. becomes fully independent.
TM: How do you see this acquisition contribut-
ing or adding value to the overall business of A.T.E.
Group?
AB: Worldwide, there is a huge installed base of ring
frames and speed frames. Their productive life and
also the product quality can be signifcantly enhanced
through the use of quality components. From our pres-
ence in the market, we feel our customers would wel-
come a committed partner making quality components.
Therefore, we are confdent we will add value for them
and consequently for A.T.E. We will in the long term
also be investing in building-up new and complemen-
tary components to our portfolio through research, prod-
uct development and partnerships.
w
Corporate news