'We are showcasing our full breath of solutions in Elecrama'

Syed Sajjadh Ali, Managing Director - India, Electrical Sector, Eaton

How India lags behind other countries in adopting grid automation technologies?
The gap seems to be reducing, and the pace of new technology adoption will accelerate over the next few years. However, the power pricing policy creates distortions impeding an environment where newer technologies can be implemented. Additionally, there needs to be more work to enable critical infrastructure upgradation by the distribution companies (DISCOMS). The government has done well in terms of outlining a Smart Grid Vision, but timely implementation and investment are the key.

What is the market share of unorganised sector among domestic manufacturers?
The unorganised sector continues to have significant share in India, along with its share of problems. Quality will continues to differentiate between organised multinational companies (MNCs) and unorganised players. Our efforts will be relentless in addressing critical challenge of making power management more efficient, safer, more reliable and sustainable through our technologies and commitment to quality. Eaton in India does not depend on imports alone as we have enlarged our manufacturing foot print through localisation, adopting contemporary manufacturing technologies and deploying LEAN principles.

What is your contribution to R&D for these products?
Eaton views India not just as a strategic growth market, but also as a global hub of innovation with its highly talented workforce and good stable socio-economic environment. Eaton recently has set-up one of its five, state-of-the-art global innovation centres in Pune. The Eaton India Innovation Center (EIIC) is a strategic program that is focused on enhancing organisational capabilities by leveraging high-end engineering talent and best-in-class infrastructure. EIIC is a vertically-integrated engineering organisation that will deliver complete product design lifecycle management solutions - from concept to prototyping and testing - for Eaton's global businesses. The innovation center currently employs more than 1,500 engineers. It is an integral part of our global growth strategy.

When do you see new orders coming your way?
Eaton is focused on improving the quality of life and the environment with the host of our power management technologies and solutions. Our electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. In India, Eaton is responding to some of the most critical electrical power management challenges that the country faces today and we wish to continue this quest, partnering with key customers and industry stakeholders. Given the push by the government to increase power generation and need to modernise India's distribution infrastructure, the company's products and services provide a solution to manage power across utility, commercial, industrial and residential markets.

We have already seen success in our switchgear portfolio with significant wins in the automobile sector. We are positioning ourselves as an effective and efficient solution provider perfecting our licensed panel builder model.