Elgi Electric is a name synonymous with innovation and quality in the textile industry. Renowned for pioneering the concept of automated overhead traveling cleaners (OHTCs) in India, the company has consistently expanded its horizons, introducing cutting-edge products that cater to the evolving needs of the textile sector. Beyond textiles, Elgi Electric has also made a significant mark in high-efficiency electric motors and traction-changing point machines, serving both Indian and global railways.
In an exclusive interview, Nikhil Govind Ramamurthi, Director and V.S. Balasubramanian, President of Elgi Electric, delved into the company’s rich history, innovative product lineup, unique selling propositions, research and development (R&D) focus, aftermarket service support, and ambitious plans for the future.
A legacy rooted in vision and innovation
The story of Elgi Electric’s founding, in 1963 is as inspiring as it is intriguing. According to Nikhil, the journey began with his grandparents’ frequent visits to Europe. “They were captivated by the advanced technologies in European textile mills, many of which were absent in India. Their exposure to these innovations coincided with the establishment of our sister concern, Super Spinning Mills,” he shared.
One technology that particularly caught their attention was the OHTC. “We were the first to introduce this groundbreaking technology in India through a strategic collaboration. Over time, we began adding complementary products to our portfolio, always with a focus on enhancing value for the textile sector. This also marked the beginning of our venture into motor manufacturing,” Nikhil added.
Balasubramanian elaborated on the company’s steady expansion: “We entered into a collaboration with Siemens to manufacture point machines for the railways, which added another dimension to our business. In textiles, automation has always been our priority, with new products introduced roughly every decade.”
The OHTC revolution: a game changer
The introduction of OHTCs proved transformative for Elgi Electric. “It was a major milestone that not only established us as a leader in textile automation but also paved the way for diversifying our offerings,” Balasubramanian said.
What sets Elgi Electric’s OHTCs apart is their unwavering focus on quality and innovation. “While we initially acquired the technology from Europe, we’ve continuously upgraded the features and prioritized quality to cater to some of the most discerning global customers,” he noted.
The latest evolution of this product is the ‘Smart Clean’ OHTC, launched in 2023. Unlike traditional OHTCs, which focused on basic suction and blowing functions, Smart Clean uses inverter-driven technology for intelligent operation. “It can adjust suction and blowing based on the amount of dirt detected, making the system significantly more energy-efficient. With IoT integration, users can monitor energy consumption and optimize performance,” Balasubramanian explained.
Looking ahead, Elgi Electric is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its OHTCs. “The next-generation machines will feature advanced dust detection capabilities, enabling real-time adjustments. We plan to launch a premium version with enhanced features by the end of this year,” he revealed.
New products on the horizon
In addition to OHTCs, Elgi Electric offers a wide range of textile solutions, including bobbin transport systems, yarn conditioning systems, and metal & fire detectors developed in collaboration with Argus USA.
“We are also working on three new products: an automatic cone packing system, an automatic cone transportation system, and a lap transportation system. These, along with our upgraded OHTC, will be launched by the end of the year,” Balasubramanian shared.
Motors: powering new frontiers
Elgi Electric’s motor division has carved a niche in manufacturing point machines for railway track changes. “We are proud to be the sole contract manufacturer for Siemens in India, with our machines also being supplied to global markets, ”Balasubramanian said.
The company is also diversifying its general motors division, focusing on AC motors for the open market. “Our motors have applications beyond textiles, and we aim to leverage this versatility to grow our brand,” he added.
A strong R&D backbone
Innovation at Elgi Electric is driven by a dedicated 30-member R&D team, led by an experienced mentor. “We’ve recruited top talent from prestigious institutions and made significant investments in R&D infrastructure. This ensures our products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability,” Nikhil emphasized.
The team’s efforts have not only enhanced existing products but also paved the way for new innovations that align with market demands and emerging technologies.
Next-Gen leadership
Nikhil Govind Ramamurthi represents the next generation of leadership at Elgi Electric. After earning his Master’s in Finance from the University of Dallas and interning with leading companies, he joined the family business in 2023. “I’ve always wanted to contribute to our legacy. My focus is on scaling the company by increasing revenues, improving profitability, and introducing new products. We are also exploring diversification opportunities,” he shared.
Strengthening global presence
Over the years, Elgi Electric has expanded its reach to international markets. “Our strongest markets are Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Turkey, but we’ve also supplied to countries like Iran, Egypt, and Vietnam. While the market is currently facing challenges, we’re optimistic about expanding our global footprint as conditions improve,” Balasubramanian said.
Exploring opportunities beyond spinning
Indian manufacturers have excelled in spinning but remain underrepresented in other segments of the textile value chain. When asked about Elgi Electric’s plans in this area, Balasubramanian said, “Venturing into new product categories requires either in-house technological capabilities or the right collaboration partners. We’re always open to exploring opportunities, especially in post-spinning.”
Comprehensive service support: A key differentiator
Aftermarket service support is a critical component of Elgi Electric’s value proposition. “We have a skilled team dedicated to installation and service, continuously trained to handle multiple products. Every issue is closely monitored to ensure prompt resolution, with major complaints escalated to my level daily,” Balasubramanian explained.
The company is also investing in smart technologies to enhance customer support. “For instance, our OHTCs now offer real-time performance monitoring. In the future, all our products will be connected to a centralized software system for seamless maintenance and service support. This robust service framework has been a key factor in our consistent growth,” he added.
Vision 2030: A roadmap for excellence
Sharing his vision for the future, Nikhil said, “By 2030, we aim to be recognized as a top-tier producer with products that match or surpass European standards. Our goal is to expand our portfolio in textile automation and strengthen our presence in the open market for motors. Quality and innovation will remain the cornerstones of our growth strategy.”
From revolutionizing the textile industry with OHTCs to establishing a strong foothold in motors and railway solutions, Elgi Electric has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. Guided by a legacy of excellence and a clear vision for the future, the company is well-positioned to achieve greater milestones in the years ahead. With its strong leadership, robust R&D focus, and commitment to quality, Elgi Electric is not just a market leader—it is a trailblazer shaping the future of industry and automation.