Hensel Electric : We start where others stop!!!

Passion for Power – Hensel’s new slogan symbolizes its commitment to make life safe and easy for electrical technicians Worldwide. Engineering Review in conversation with Mr. R. Rajesh.

Q. Hensel Electric is being one of the leading providers of electrical power distribution systems & has significant market share for distribution products, how did Hensel Electric managed this bounteous growth?
We have been in India for the past 12 years and have focused on a very specific target segment instead of trying to cater to all sectors. Our electrical power distribution systems have found widespread acceptance in Industry for its quality and reliability. In addition to the quality of the products, we ensured a high quality technical support to customers backed by easy availability of products nationwide. Instead of trying to do extraordinary things, we kept our goals simple but focused on them. All these years we listen to our customers and try our best to meet their requirements. I believe that this was and is the key to our success.

Q. What is the overall outlook for Hensel Group & brief us about Hensel group’s global & domestic presence?
The parent company Gustav Hensel GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1931. During the last 80 years, the company has grown significantly with market leadership in its product segments. Hensel now has a combined turnover of Euro 100 million. In addition to the 3 subsidiaries in Germany, Hensel has subsidiaries in India, China, Russia, Middle East, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Turkey with 800 employees worldwide. The Indian operations started in 1999 with a Liaison Office based in Chennai. This was later upgraded to the subsidiary – Hensel Electric India – in April 2003. Hensel now has a vast network of marketing engineers as well as distribution partners covering all major industrial centers in the country.

Q. How about Hensel Electric’s initiatives in electrical power distribution space? Which are your focus areas?
Our focus areas are industrial power distribution in difficult environments. This means that all areas where there exist problems with dust, moisture, corrosion, chemical activity etc are typical segments where Hensel provides reliable solutions. We have a complete solution for distribution of power upto 630A in such environments with all products made of high quality thermoplastics. We are the only company in India with such a comprehensive range in IP 65 / IP 67 degree of protection. Our quick build modular distribution board systems are the only product in thermoplastics to be type tested at CPRI as well as ASTA certified.

Q. What are the market opportunities for electrical power distribution products in India? How do you plan to position these products?
The Indian market is full of opportunities for all companies who have a business plan that gives priority to the quality of its products and service. A country with peak power deficits and growing appetite for energy is a big market for any serious player in this business. Our products offer a safe and reliable installation in areas where normal solutions are inadequate. To this extent, we are specialists in this “small” field.

Q.What is your marketing strategy for Indian market?
As already explained, our target customers are industries with difficult environments. We like to listen to our customers who have a lifetime of experience in such conditions and try to offer solutions that meet their requirements. We see ourselves as solution providers for safe and reliable installations in such environments.

Q. Can you please elucidate the contribution of R&D in the success of electrical power distribution products?
Research & development activities are the key drivers for a successful company. We continue to invest in research and innovation on a permanent basis. Market proximity is a decisive factor in this success and every innovative product is based on maximum efficiency and optimum advice received from actual users. In short, apart from the design competence of R&D staff at Lennestadt, Germany the inputs from our subsidiaries, partners and the most important export markets are factored into product development. The innovative product range of modern installation and distribution systems has made Hensel into one of the market leaders in the low voltage sector.

Q. Brief us about the quality policy for the business?
Our quality policy is to manufacture and supply high quality products to meet the requirements of the low voltage electrical distribution systems industry and to continually improve to achieve customer satisfaction through an established quality management system with measurable quality objectives and employee involvement.

Q. Can you brief us more about Hensel Electric’s top line product range?
We have a focused product line that targets a market niche and finds their scope in difficult environments. Every product designed and manufactured by Hensel is an outcome of the feedback from our esteemed customers. What make them successful is that they offer the highest safety levels and provide practical solutions to problems on the field.

The core products marketed in India are :

Enycase: DK Thermoplastic Insulated Cable junction boxes with IP 54-67 degree of protection upto cable size 240 sq mm (Aluminium as well as Copper conductors)

Enyboard: KV Small type distribution boards or MCB Enclosure Systems with IP 65 degree of protection upto 63A

Enystar: FP Quickbuild modular enclosure panel systems made out of Thermoplastic Polycarbonate with IP 65 degree of protection upto 250A. Type tested as per IEC 439-1

Enymod: Mi Combinable and modular thermoplastic polycarbonate panel systems with IP 65 degree of protection upto 630A / extendable upto 1000A. ASTA certified / Type tested at CPRI as per IEC 439-1.

Enyfit: Cable entry systems consisting of cable glands, stepped glands, grommets upto IP 67 degree of protection.

Enycon: Innovative solutions for the assemblies required for temporary power in maintenance or construction site projects with a very high IP rating (IP 65) in Insulated and shockproof modular enclosure systems as per IEC 439-4 (Requirements for assemblies for construction sites).

Enysun: Safe product solutions for Photovoltaic plants conforming to IEC 60 439-1 standards. In addition Hensel in India represents a gamut of quality solutions manufactured by specialist German companies that include;

Walther Werke: Insulated Industrial plug socket and combination systems upto 125A in IP44 and IP67 as per IEC 60309 – 1 / 2

Schill GmbH & Co. KG: Insulated & Shock proof Synthetic Rubber Cable drums, Automatic cable and Hose Dispensers.

Schlegel Elektrokontakt GmbH: Control Units with IP 65 degree of protection
Agro AG: Synthetic Cable Glands upto IP68 degree of protection.
Emiter: IP44/IP54, GRP Enclosures for Feeder Pillar and Metering Panels

Q. According to you what is the forecast for the power distribution industry?
High demand and low generation has resulted in a power deficit in excess of 10%. This deficit is expected to widen further as power require- ments are outpacing the generation. This could put a serious brake on the eco- nomic progress of the country if remedial steps are not taken. Therefore in addition to ramping up generation capacity of conventional power plants, the union government has shown that it is thinking of bridging the gap with other po- tential sources of energy.

Q.According you what are the factors af- fecting to your business?
The general business climate affects us as much as everybody else. One of the major factors that we like to insulate ourselves is the volatility in the exchange rates.