WIKA’s Role in Advancing Measurement Technology and Local Manufacturing
Insights from Mr. Prashant Sinha, Head of Marketing, WIKA India.
www.wika.com
Pressure Gauges
Q1: Can you provide a brief overview of WIKA Group globally and the company’s main product groups for sensing and measurement?
Established in 1946 and cementing its reputation as a global leader in measurement technology, WIKA Group is a trusted partner for high-quality sensing solutions across different industries. Its subsidiaries operate in over 45 countries and employ more than 12,000 people, recording impressive annual sales in euros.
Some of the most demanded products in the company’s broad catalog are:
- Pressure Gauges and Sensors: Precision instruments to monitor and control pressure in industrial applications.
- Temperature Instruments: Including dial thermometers, digital pressure gauges, and high-precision temperature sensors.
- Level Indicators: Reliable solutions for fluid level monitoring in diverse environments.
- Force Transducers: Instruments tailored for accurate force measurement.
- Flow Measurement Devices: Designed for precise flow analysis.
- SF6 Gas Solutions: Specialized tools for gas density measurement in critical applications.
These products reflect WIKA’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the specific requirements of its global clientele.
Q2: The India operations began in 1997. How has the company grown since then and what is the present status in terms of local manufacturing facilities and product portfolio? Are there any products manufactured exclusively in India for the world?
WIKA’s journey in India began in 1997 with the establishment of its first facility in Pune. Since then, the company has experienced exponential growth, expanding its operations and acquiring new production facilities in Chennai, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. These state-of-the-art plants adhere to international quality standards and integrate advanced technologies to ensure exceptional product performance.
Today, WIKA India plays a crucial role in the company’s global supply chain, producing pressure gauges, temperature instruments, and calibration tools that serve domestic and international markets. Some products, like hygienic pressure and level gauges, sensors, flow RTDs, switches, diaphragm seals, and temperature calibrators, are exclusively manufactured in India, showcasing the country’s strategic importance within the WIKA ecosystem.
Q3: Data has always been important and more so in measurement. How is this helping in the design of contemporary products, specially tailored for the present trends of digitalisation and decarbonisation?
In an increasingly data-driven world, WIKA leverages advanced analytics to design products that address modern industrial challenges. Digitalisation and decarbonisation have redefined industry standards, and WIKA’s solutions are aligned with these trends. For instance, digital pressure gauges and temperature sensors feature IoT capabilities, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. This real-time data collection helps in predicting risks and minimizing the chances of accidents or fatal incidents.
By integrating data-driven insights, WIKA enhances operational efficiency and sustainability. These innovations not only improve the functionality of the instruments but also support industries in achieving their decarbonisation goals. This approach underscores WIKA’s ability to evolve alongside its customers’ needs, ensuring that its products remain relevant and impactful.
Q4: What are the primary industries or sectors that WIKA Instruments India caters to?
WIKA Instruments India serves a wide range of industries with its measurement and instrumentation products and solutions. Key industries include:
1 Oil & Gas
WIKA’s products, such as pressure, temperature, and level measurement solutions, enable safe and efficient process monitoring in refineries and chemical plants.
2 Food & Beverages
Solutions like pressure sensors, level indicators, and CIP/SIP tools are widely used in breweries, dairies, and food production facilities.
3 Power Generation & Distribution
WIKA supports conventional power plants (thermal, nuclear, and hydro) and renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and hydrogen with specialized products.
4 Chemical and Petrochemical
Pressure, temperature, and level gauges designed for corrosive and high-temperature environments enhance operational safety and efficiency in chemical plants.
5 HVAC & Refrigeration
WIKA provides energy-efficient pressure and temperature measurement solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
WIKA’s team also customizes solutions based on specific customer needs, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and client satisfaction.
Q5: What are the key challenges and opportunities that WIKA Instruments India sees in the Indian market, and how is it addressing them?
The Indian industrial landscape presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for WIKA.
Challenges:
- Diverse Market Demands: Catering to various industries requires a wide range of products.
- Highly Customized Solutions: Meeting unique customer demands is resource-intensive.
- Digitalisation: Staying competitive necessitates frequent product innovation.
- Sustainability: Balancing production efficiency with environmental responsibility.
- Price Sensitivity: Aligning costs with revenue in a competitive market.
Opportunities:
India’s focus on infrastructure development, renewable energy, and automation offers significant growth potential.
Solutions:
- Investing in localisation to tailor products for Indian industries.
- Strengthening customer relationships through end-to-end support.
By addressing these challenges proactively, WIKA positions itself as a trusted partner in the Indian market.
Transmitter
Q6: Can you elaborate on the WIKA calibration facilities in India and the standards and accreditations?
WIKA operates accredited calibration laboratories in India, adhering to international norms such as DKD/DAkkS. Key offerings include:
- Calibration Services for Pressure and Temperature Instruments: Ensuring accuracy and operational consistency.
- On-Site Calibration Solutions: Enhancing efficiency by minimizing downtime for customers.
These facilities reinforce WIKA’s reputation for precision and reliability in the measurement sector.
Q7: Are there any ongoing or future R&D projects in India aimed at developing innovative solutions for pressure and temperature measurement?
Innovation is integral to WIKA’s operations in India. The company’s R&D efforts focus on:
- Enhancing the durability and efficiency of instruments for demanding applications.
- Integrating IoT capabilities into traditional measurement tools for smarter operations.
Annual market research helps WIKA identify potential segments and customer needs, ensuring its products remain relevant and forward-thinking.
Q8: Are there any plans for strategic partnerships, collaborations, or acquisitions to drive growth or expand capabilities?
Strategic partnerships and collaborations are central to WIKA’s growth strategy. The company aims to:
- Expand its product portfolio through technological partnerships.
- Strengthen its presence in emerging markets by leveraging local expertise.
While acquisitions are not the primary focus, WIKA remains open to opportunities that align with its vision of delivering exceptional measurement solutions.
About the Speaker
Mr. Prashant Sinha is the Head of Marketing at WIKA India. With extensive experience in measurement technology, he drives the company’s strategic marketing initiatives and enhances its brand presence in the Indian market, focusing on delivering innovative solutions tailored to customer needs. In this interview, he has answered the questions providing valuable insights into WIKA's operations and vision.
Contributed by Lekshman Ramdas
www.wika.com
