Tracing the Journey of Netalkar Power Transmission: From Traditional to Technological Excellence

Exploring the Evolution of Precision Engineering with Mr. Satish Netalkar, Partner & Promoter Netalkar Power Transmission

Can you take us through the Journey of Netalkar Power Transmission ?
Every new venture has a rich backstory. In 1991, in Belgaum, Karnataka, a visionary combined traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology to establish Netalkar Power Transmission (NPT).
The journey traces back to 1965 when Late Shri. Digambar Netalkar, father of Satish Netalkar, initiated Netalkar Engineering Works, diversifying from jewelry manufacturing. Recognizing the potential in the niche crankshaft manufacturing industry, Shri. Digambar ventured into this precision-centric field, starting with a modest setup equipped with just one conventional lathe.

Satish Netalkar officially joined Netalkar Engineering Works in 1979, following a brief stint in jewelry crafting. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant milestones, including the introduction of its first crankshaft GCS-500 Grinder in 1981 and ascending to a Tier 1 supplier to Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in 1984.
In 1991, fueled by a vision for automation, Satish founded NPT. The company’s prowess in machining high-precision fillet radii garnered international attention, epitomizing Indian excellence. Embracing innovation, NPT introduced its first Computerized Numeric Control (CNC) driven turning center CNC-500 in 1996, setting new standards in the industry.

NPT’s journey expanded from the tractor division to automotive, garnering prestigious clients like Tata Motors Ltd, SAME Deutz-Fahr, Italy, and Isuzu Motors India, among others. Collaborations with global giants like General Motors Ltd and Ford Motors Corporation underscored NPT’s reputation for excellence.

Today, NPT stands as a beacon of consistent growth, boasting enduring partnerships with clients across diverse industries. With a trajectory marked by expansion and diversification, NPT is poised for further success in varied sectors.

How do you ensure that the company’s commitment to technical excellence is reflected in every aspect of its operations, from production to customer service?
Ensuring that our commitment to technical excellence is reflected in every aspect of our operations is a top priority at our company. From the production floor to customer service interactions, we maintain high standards to deliver superior products and experiences. Our production processes are guided by rigorous quality control measures and adherence to industry-leading standards, supported by continuous employee training and development initiatives. We prioritize efficient supply chain management to ensure the availability of high-quality raw materials and components. Additionally, our customer-centric approach drives us to understand and address customer needs effectively, while responsive customer service ensures ongoing support and satisfaction. By integrating these strategies into our operations, we uphold our commitment to technical excellence, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality products and services.

NPT boasts a state-of-the-art facility. Could you provide our readers with more details about it?
A world-class facility forms the cornerstone of high-quality precision manufacturing, and at NPT, we prioritize investing in cutting-edge technology to achieve excellence. Our state-of-the-art machinery serves as the heart of our operations, embodying a perfect fusion of dedicated and flexible solutions. We understand the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements, which is why we continually invest in the latest equipment and tools available. This commitment to innovation enables us to deliver superior products and services to our customers while maintaining efficiency and reliability throughout our manufacturing processes. With a focus on leveraging the best that technology has to offer, we ensure that our facility remains a hub of excellence in the realm of precision engineering.

Quality holds significant importance in the manufacturing process. How does your organization ensure the quality of its products?
Quality plays a pivotal role in manufacturing, and ensuring the quality of products within the organization is paramount. We employ a multifaceted approach to uphold quality standards throughout the production process. This begins with stringent quality control measures implemented at every stage, from raw material inspection to final product testing. Additionally, we invest in cutting-edge technologies and equipment to enhance precision and accuracy in manufacturing. Our highly skilled workforce undergoes regular training and development programs to ensure adherence to quality protocols and best practices. Moreover, we maintain a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback from customers and internal evaluations are leveraged to refine processes and address any quality issues promptly. Through these comprehensive measures, we strive to deliver products of exceptional quality that meet or exceed customer expectations.

How does your company attract top talent, and what measures are in place to ensure upskilling and professional development opportunities for employees?

Our HR strategy prioritizes internal talent development alongside selective external hiring based on business needs. We’ve implemented detailed Individual Development Plans (IDPs) across all organizational levels, providing learning opportunities tailored to each individual. Additionally, we’ve established a robust Training & Development (T&D) System, continually reviewed and aligned with our business objectives. Within our organization, we’ve cultivated a culture of promotion from within, exemplified by our in-house trained Supervisors who initially joined as Operators. Through on-the-job training and continuous mentoring by our experienced management team, these individuals have progressed to leadership roles. Notably, we’ve introduced a unique tier of Team Leaders positioned between Operators and Supervisors, facilitating smoother production processes. Our operations are guided by system-driven processes, supported by an ERP-enabled production system. This comprehensive approach ensures seamless tracking and management of components throughout the production lifecycle, empowering our employees to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Could you provide insights into the future growth prospects of the company?

Netalkar Power Transmission is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with several key strategies in place to drive expansion and success. The company aims to diversify into new markets while continuing to innovate and develop cutting-edge products to meet evolving customer needs. Embracing Industry 4.0 technologies and prioritizing sustainability will further enhance the company’s competitiveness and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Overall, Netalkar Power Transmission’s future growth prospects look promising, driven by its strong commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

In what ways do you envision Belagavi evolving as a manufacturing hub?
Belagavi has the potential to grow significantly as a manufacturing hub due to several key factors. Firstly, its strategic location provides easy access to major cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Goa, facilitating efficient logistics and transportation networks. Secondly, Belagavi boasts a skilled workforce, supported by renowned engineering colleges in the region, ensuring a steady supply of talent for the manufacturing sector. Additionally, the city’s supportive ecosystem, including industry associations, government incentives, and infrastructure development initiatives, fosters a conducive environment for business growth and investment. As Belagavi continues to leverage these advantages and capitalize on emerging opportunities, it is poised to emerge as a thriving manufacturing hub, attracting investments and driving economic development in the region.