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Machine Tool Influencers 2024

Mr. Skanda Magal, Product Manager, Deratech Machines India Pvt. Ltd., Discusses Cutting-Edge Sheet Metal Machinery from Belgium to India

Company Profile

1. Company Name:Deratech Machines India PVT Ltd
2. Year Established:2020
3. Headquarters Location:Belgium-waasmunster
4. Number of Employees:global 300 +
5. Website: www.deratechindia.com

Influencer Profile

1. Name of Influencer:Skanda N Magal
2. Current Position – Product manager
3. Years of Experience in the Industry:2
4. Educational Background:** mechanical

Industry Insights

Can you describe the key trends currently shaping the machine tool industry?
Key trends shaping the machine tool industry today include:
Smaller Batch Sizes and Greater Variety: Manufacturers are increasingly producing smaller batch sizes with a wider variety of parts, demanding greater flexibility from machine tools.
Advanced Product Design: As product designs become more sophisticated, manufacturing processes must rapidly adapt to keep pace. This evolution puts the electromechanical capabilities of machines to the test.
Cost Efficiency: The cost per component has become a critical factor, driving the need for more efficient and precise manufacturing solutions.

What innovative technologies or solutions is your company implementing to stay ahead in the market?
To stay ahead in the market, we are implementing several innovative technologies and solutions:
Advanced Press Brakes: We have introduced top-tier hybrid and fully electric press brakes, featuring capabilities such as angle measurement, dynamic adaptive crowning, robotic integration, and Industry 4.0 compatibility.
Versatile Turrets: Our turret systems range from 1250×2500 mm to 2000×4000 mm, equipped with multiple auto-indexing and multitool capabilities, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of a single machine tool.
Laser Cutting Innovations: Our laser technology allows for cutting directly from the coil to the blank, significantly reducing material acquisition costs and improving overall efficiency.

How is your company addressing the challenges faced by the machine tool industry today?
To address the challenges faced by the machine tool industry today, we focus on understanding and meeting the specific needs and applications of our customers. We operate a comprehensive demo center and employ a dedicated application team to demonstrate our capability to produce the required parts on our machines. By clearly communicating our capabilities and limitations, we ensure that neither our customers nor our team waste time, fostering a more efficient and effective solution process.

What role does sustainability play in your manufacturing processes and strategies?
Sustainability plays a crucial role in our manufacturing processes and strategies. Our hybrid press brake technology is designed to be highly energy-efficient, saving up to 78% of power compared to conventional press brakes. Additionally, we minimize the use of oil and lubricants, further enhancing our commitment to sustainability. These efforts reflect our dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting more sustainable manufacturing practices.

One of our most notable achievements is supplying over 60 machines equipped with automation solutions to BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer in China. This project highlights our advanced capabilities and significant impact on the industry. Over the past decade, we have grown to become one of the largest sheet metal machine tool manufacturers globally, underscoring our success and influence in the market.

Machine Tool Influencers 2024

Future Outlook

What do you foresee as the major developments in the machine tool industry over the next five years?
Over the next five years, I anticipate significant developments in the machine tool industry driven by advancements in IoT and Industry 4.0, leading to more data-driven decision-making. The integration of GPU technology, 5G, ChatGPT, and open-source development will likely boost demand for sophisticated application software that complements machine tools. In India, I expect a rise in cell and transfer line automation setups and greater adoption of protocols such as KANBAN, JIT, Six Sigma, and Taguchi’s loss function methodology. This period will bring a shift toward specialization and could result in substantial disruptions in the Indian manufacturing sector.

How is your company preparing for these future trends and challenges?

To prepare for future trends and challenges, we maintain a highly agile approach with a flat organizational structure and hands-on management. We foster a culture of ownership at every level of the organization, ensuring that all team members are actively engaged and responsible. Our emphasis is on practical solutions rather than adhering to rigid protocols, allowing us to adapt quickly and effectively to emerging trends and challenges.

What advice would you give to emerging companies in the machine tool industry?
For emerging companies in the machine tool industry, I advise focusing keenly on understanding customer needs and remaining agile in your operations. Avoid getting entangled in organizational politics and hierarchy, and instead, concentrate on delivering high-quality products at a fair price. By doing so, you will earn respect in the market and build a strong reputation for your company.
Personal Insights

What motivates you in your work within the machine tool industry?
My motivation in the machine tool industry stems from a deep passion for machines and technology. The excitement of working with cutting-edge innovations and witnessing the tangible impact of advanced machinery drives me to continually engage with and advance within this dynamic field.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in your career?
My biggest inspirations in my career have been my parents and my seniors at work. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and values, while the guidance and example set by my seniors have greatly influenced my professional growth and approach to the industry.

What key qualities do you believe are essential for someone to be a successful leader in this industry?
To be a successful leader in the machine tool industry, it’s crucial to set aside personal ego and address problems with objectivity. A deep understanding of the fundamentals and knowledge of both technology and its commercial applications are essential. Effective leaders should also be willing to engage directly on the shop floor, demonstrating a hands-on approach. They must lead by example, aligning their actions with their words, and possess exceptional learnability and adaptability to navigate the evolving industry landscape.

About Deratech Machines India Pvt.Ltd
Deratech is specialized in designing and manufacturing sheet metal working machines. The Deratech headquarters for research, design and assembly are based in Belgium. Subsidiaries all over the world (India, Australia, China, Germany, Netherlands, Thailand,…) and carefully selected partners provide a world class advice, sales installation and service.

Shanghai Deratech CNC Machine Tool Co. Ltd, is the new production & technology center of Deratech – Belgium in China. The advanced European design, quality and technology of our R&D center in Belgium together the experienced engineering team of Shanghai Deratech will result in high quality production of sheet metal working machinery. All processing is designed in 3D by our technical department to obtain a high precision on all the manufactured machine parts.

Deratech Group headquartered in Belgium is pleased to announce the incorporation of Deratech Machines India Pvt.ltd in the year 2020 to cater to the India market and located in the hub of machine tool activity in Bangalore.

Deratech Machines India Pvt.Ltd with its team of professionals head quaterd in bangalore will extend sales/service support on Pan-India basis through its professionally trained channel/ service partners.
Deratech is your partner for sheet metal working machinery offering a wide range of solutions under one roof.