Burckhardt Compression
Burckhardt Compression is located on the outskirts of Pune. After a short video introduction, the Managing Director, Narasimha Rao, introduced the company: Looking back on a 170 years old history, Burckhardt offers reciprocating compressors as well as compressor components and services, being the only supplier for these specific products in the world. They guarantee compressors that run a lifetime. Their core values are lowest lifecycle costs, long running times and highest availability. It is crucial for them to work hand in hand with their customers to fulfil their expectations. 66% of their business includes the production itself while 34% is providing services. To provide the best service possible on site of their customers, they can rely on their global network.
Having entered the Indian market 24 years ago, Burckhardt Compression has grown to a workforce of about 250 people in Pune itself. Pune as their production site was chosen due to different advantages of the city:
– Skilled manpower
– Good access to the market
– Growth opportunities
– Proximity to Mumbai (international airport and port)
After this interesting insight into the business, the delegation was invited to a company tour, where they could see the different workshops. During the tour, one could feel the safety awareness of this company. Several measurements such as safety work wear, specific processes, and a safety chart could be seen while walking through the work-lines. Their aim is to have no accidents throughout the whole year. The last three months they have reached this goal.
Especially to mention is a special project, which took place at their company: Taking Switzerland as a role model, they want to introduce an education like the apprenticeship in Switzerland; a system, which is not common in India. In the near future, Burckhardt Compression plans establishing their own institute in order to train people with no adequate degree.
(Article by Alexandra Borner and Lorena Coletti)
Sulzer Chemtech
After an interesting visit to Burckhardt Compression in the morning, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Vinit Padalkar, Assistant Manager Manufacturing, in the headquarter of Sulzer Chemtech India. The company visit started with a short briefing, which included the advanced safety management policies at Sulzer Chemtec. Due to the application of strict safety guidelines, Sulzer obtains a very low accident rate. Mr Harshad Karkhanis informed the delegation about the implementation of safety awareness in a daily manufacturing environment. As an example, he mentioned the yearly safety week and other incentives, such as a quarterly employee award for the most innovative ideas regarding the enhancement of safety in the factory.
Afterwards, Sanjay Pv, Head of Materials, Logistics & Subcontracting, presented the history and the development of the Sulzer group globally and the reasons why Sulzer entered the Indian market. Two of the main reasons were a huge talent pool and low language barriers in India. In addition to that, India functions as a good test market for emerging economies. Regarding the sustainable development of Sulzer Group, he mentioned concentrated Solar Power, Bio fuels, CO2 capture and storage, rainwater harvesting, school building construction and rural computer literacy. To ensure quality and standardised proceedings, people in managing positions are trained in Switzerland.
The introduction was followed by a tour through the plant; every delegation member was equipped with security shoes and goggles. The Focus India members gained an insight into the different production processes. It was really impressive to see how every single employee followed the strict safety rules. To emphasise this high standard, posters of “do’s and don’ts” reminded the employees on the importance of this subject.
As a last part of a fascinating company visit, newly employed graduates answered questions of the delegation and provided first-hand information about their traineeship at Sulzer Chemtech. The panel discussion resulted in a lively exchange about work experience and education systems in both countries.
(Article by David Stutz and Yanick Steiner)