“Innovation is paramount for us, and we invest significantly in both resources and effort to stay ahead. While having the best product is crucial for competitiveness, constant evolution is equally vital to avoid becoming outdated. This underscores the importance of our Research and Development (R&D) efforts.,” says Pascal Forrer, Global Sales & marketing Director and Member of the Executive Board, REGO-FIX AG in conversation with Nishant Kashyap, Editor, ToolingTales.
So, to start with, if you could just talk about Rego Fix as a group and this facility that you have started and what you plan to do India in future.
Regofix, a Swiss company established in 1950, boasts over 70 years of expertise in the tool holding segment. While having subsidiaries globally, we identified a need in the Indian market. Initially, we operated through a distributor network, which served us well. However, with increasing demand in India, we decided to enhance our services. Our primary goal in establishing a facility in India is to improve product availability with a substantial local stock, efficient INR billing, and enhanced technical support from our skilled manpower.
Would you like to elaborate on your thoughts regarding the Indian manufacturing and machine tool industries, and discuss your approach to tapping into this expanding market in India?
In my observation, the Indian market has experienced exponential growth over the past decade. Having been a frequent visitor to India, I’ve witnessed a notable transformation, marked by an influx of new investments across various sectors. The manufacturing industry, in particular, is undergoing rapid expansion, attracting numerous global companies to establish their presence in India.
Remarkably, sectors such as Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and Aerospace are witnessing substantial growth in the country. The emergence of global Tier-I suppliers further solidifies our confidence in the potential of the Indian market. Given our strength in high-precision industries, we believe India’s dynamic landscape aligns well with our expertise. As we foresee sustained growth in these sectors, our optimism about the Indian market remains high.
You mentioned catering to industries like EMS and Aerospace, where precision is paramount. The requirement for high-quality products in such industries is evident. Could you delve deeper into your Research and Development initiatives to shed light on how you ensure the superior quality and precision of your products?
Innovation is paramount for us, and we invest significantly in both resources and effort to stay ahead. While having the best product is crucial for competitiveness, constant evolution is equally vital to avoid becoming outdated. This underscores the importance of our Research and Development (R&D) efforts. Switzerland has long been recognized as one of the most innovative countries globally, and as a Swiss company, we strive to emulate this reputation, particularly in our mechanical solutions for tool holding.
When we embark on the development of a tool holding system, our focus revolves around two key parameters. Firstly, the accuracy of the system is of utmost importance. Secondly, we prioritize clamping force, which denotes the transferable torque on the cutting tool. In essence, these two fundamental parameters, viewed in a basic technical context, encapsulate our R&D endeavors. We push the boundaries of what is physically possible to ensure that our customers receive the best product from us.
What are the new technological trend you see in the tool holder technology?
One prominent trend we’ve identified is tool identification, often referred to as the digital twin. Beyond adhering to documentation standards like ISO 13399 and Dean 4000, our focus extends to providing customers with technical data alongside the hardware and holder. This concept, termed the digital twin, ensures a comprehensive approach to information delivery.
Another noteworthy trend involves monitoring the intricacies of the manufacturing process. This encompasses the utilization of sensory tool holders and smart tool holders, a significant advancement from mere process analysis in the past. These tools not only analyze but also supervise the entire process. The noteworthy shift lies in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the machinery.
With AI-driven processes, the machine gains the capability to autonomously intervene in the manufacturing process without human interaction. This could involve preemptive machine stops before tool breakage or real-time adjustments in speed and feeder rates in response to excessive wear. Such nuanced interventions are poised to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape in the coming years.
Alright, you highlighted the evolving landscape of manufacturing industries, which undoubtedly impacts customer demands. In your observations, how do you perceive the demand dynamics in developing countries such as India and Vietnam compared to developed nations like Germany, Switzerland, and Japan? Could you elaborate on the distinct patterns in demand between these two geographical categories?
I believe the expectations differ across markets. In manufacturing hubs like Germany and Switzerland, the emphasis is often on minimizing labor costs to the greatest extent possible. This trend is also noticeable in emerging markets like India, albeit not solely due to cost considerations but also because of a scarcity of skilled labor. There’s a changing dynamic where fewer young individuals are inclined to perform manual tasks alongside machines. Instead, they aspire to engage in smart and innovative processes. These cultural shifts are occurring globally, necessitating our readiness and preparation. Fortunately, we have the right solutions in place to address these evolving demands. So, I would say, the kind of industries we serve we do not see much difference in demand irrespective of the geography.
You mentioned your service to aerospace, medical, and EMS industries. Considering that the automotive industry is traditionally the primary customer in the machine tool sector, what other emerging sectors do you foresee that could offer significant business opportunities for tool holder manufacturers like yourself in the future?
In the context of India, I believe one rapidly expanding segment is the mould and die industry. Historically, many moulds were imported, but today, India is actively manufacturing them for various reasons—striving for independence and possessing the necessary technology. The mould and die sector holds significant importance for tool holding. This segment spans multiple industries, including automotive, plastic injections, and more, all of which have exhibited exponential growth in recent years. Furthermore, the mould and die industry is commonly referred to as the “mother industry,” signifying its integral role in producing goods across various sectors. With the overall growth of industries in India, we anticipate significant opportunities within the mould and die sector, aligning with our strategic focus.
What are your future plans overall for the Indian market?
Now, we’re seeking feedback as we navigate the learning curve. Having established our company and built our network, the next twelve to eighteen months are crucial for refining our customer service. We are evaluating what’s working well and identifying areas for improvement. This learning phase will inform the development of necessary processes for future enhancement, and we are committed to investing in this endeavor. Although we currently operate with a small team, we recognize the need to expand our on-ground presence. With solid infrastructure and an optimal location, this marks the beginning for us, and we look forward to a promising future.
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