Kalidas Bhangare, Managing Director, Testo India Pvt. Ltd.

Testo, with a history and reputation spanning over 6 decades, is a global leader in the field of measurement technology, recognized for its innovative products, exceptional precision, and its ability to cater to plethora of applications in diverse sectors. The company’s commitment to pushing boundaries and improving efficiency continues to shape its direction, and its legacy is a reflection of Testo’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence, discovers Engineering Review in an exclusive interview with Kalidas Bhangare, Managing Director, Testo India Pvt. Ltd. Excerpts:

Q. Testo has a remarkable legacy spanning over six decades. How has the company evolved from its first electric thermometer to becoming a market leader in measurement technology?

Testo’s remarkable legacy of over six decades is a testament to innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing measurement technology. The company’s story began in 1957 when it first introduced the electric thermometer—a groundbreaking device that laid the foundation for what would become an industry-leading brand. At that time, Testo was focused on providing simple, precise solutions for temperature measurement, which was revolutionary for its era.

Over the years, Testo’s commitment to quality and accuracy allowed it to expand beyond just thermometers. By continuously evolving with the changing needs of various industries, the company began diversifying its product range. This included developing advanced measurement instruments for parameters like humidity, pressure, gas emissions, air velocity, and much more. Testo understood that as industries grew more complex, so too did the need for more sophisticated, reliable, and user-friendly measurement tools.

By investing heavily in research and development, Testo stayed ahead of emerging technological trends, incorporating digital technologies, and eventually moving into the world of smart measurement solutions. One significant milestone was the development of wireless measurement devices and the integration of cloud-based solutions, which revolutionized data analysis and remote monitoring for clients in industries ranging from HVAC and environmental monitoring to food safety and industrial manufacturing.

Today, Testo is a global leader in the field of measurement technology, recognized for its innovative products, exceptional precision, and its ability to cater to an ever-expanding range of sectors. The company’s commitment to pushing boundaries and improving efficiency continues to shape its direction, and its legacy is a reflection of Testo’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

 

Q. With a diverse customer base ranging from local businesses to global pharmaceutical giants, how does Testo tailor its products and services to meet the specific needs of different industries?

At Testo, we understand that each industry has its own unique set of challenges and requirements. That’s why we take a highly tailored approach to meet the specific needs of our diverse customer base, from local businesses to global pharmaceutical giants.

We focus on providing cost-effective, user-friendly solutions that streamline operations and improve efficiency of businesses. Our products are designed to be easily integrated into their existing systems, and we provide expert support to ensure that they get the most out of our technology.

We also recognize the importance of precision, compliance, and data integrity. In the highly regulated sector like pharmaceutical, we offer advanced measurement solutions that help maintain strict quality control, validate processes, and comply with industry standards. Our products are customizable and scalable, ensuring they can grow with the business and support global operations.

Across all industries, we offer exceptional customer service, personalized consultations, and ongoing technical support. We work closely with each client to understand their specific needs and deliver solutions that provide real value, whether it’s enhancing product quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, or improving operational efficiency.

By aligning our products and services with the demands of each sector, Testo stands out as a trusted partner that understands both the big picture and the fine details of every industry we serve.

Q. Innovation is a key focus for Testo. Can you share some of the latest technological advancements or solutions the company has introduced in the field of measurement and monitoring?

Innovation is truly at the core of Testo’s philosophy. We’re constantly evolving and introducing state-of-the-art solutions to meet the demands of our customers. Some of our most exciting recent advancements include:

Food BT Line: One of our newest product families is the Food BT line, designed specifically for professionals in the food industry. These Bluetooth-enabled devices help monitor critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and food safety conditions. With wireless connectivity to smartphones and tablets, they streamline the process of ensuring compliance with food safety regulations while also improving operational efficiency & SOPs.

Testo 174 BT Data Loggers: The Testo 174 BT is a compact, easy-to-use data logger that allows for precise temperature and humidity monitoring. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows users to conveniently transfer data to their mobile devices, making it an ideal choice for industries where maintaining proper environmental conditions is vital, such as HVAC/R, pharma, food storage and transportation. The logger also offers a long battery life and flexible mounting options, ensuring reliable performance in various settings.

Testo 558s Digital Manifold: The Testo 558s is our latest digital manifold, designed to simplify refrigeration and HVAC system diagnostics. The touchscreen operation and large colour display make configuration, control and documentation much easier.For maximum safety, the manifold is also compatible with Class A3 and A2L flammable refrigerants. With a wide selection of 96+ refrigerants, all common refrigerants are stored in the manifold.This smart device measures high-precision parameters like pressure and superheating/subcooling, offering real-time data monitoring on your smartphone or tablet. It’s built to increase efficiency and accuracy, helping professionals identify and resolve issues faster while improving system performance.

Testo 565i Vacuum Pump: For HVAC and refrigeration professionals, the Testo 565i Vacuum Pump is a game-changer. This smart, Bluetooth-enabled pump provides real-time vacuum measurements and performance data directly to your smartphone or tablet, offering precise control and enhanced troubleshooting capabilities. It’s designed to improve efficiency and make the evacuation process quicker and easier, contributing to better overall system performance.

Testo 860i Thermal Imager: The Testo 860i is a powerful pocket-sized thermal imaging camera that combines high-resolution infrared imaging with Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s ideal for building diagnostics, electrical inspections, and equipment maintenance. With the ability to transfer data to your smartphone, the 860i allows for easier documentation and sharing of findings, making it a fantastic tool for professionals who need to quickly identify issues and share results with clients or team members.

At Testo, we’re committed to developing innovative solutions that empower professionals across industries to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently. These advancements reflect our ongoing dedication to providing high-performance measurement and monitoring tools that are as intuitive as they are effective.

Q. Accuracy and reliability are crucial in industries like food safety, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. How does Testo ensure the highest quality standards in its products and services?

We fully understand that accuracy and reliability are not just important, they’re essential, especially in critical industries like food safety, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. These industries rely on precise measurements to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with regulations.

Testo products are designed and manufactured to comply with the highest international standards, such as ISO, CE, and IEC certifications. These certifications verify that our products meet stringent safety and performance requirements, ensuring that professionals in regulated industries have the tools they need to meet legal and industry standards. We also stay ahead of emerging regulations by continuously updating our products to meet evolving requirements, particularly in industries like food safety, where regulations are constantly updated to ensure public health.

Our after-sales support is just as critical in maintaining reliability over the long term. That’s why we provide ongoing calibration, repair, and maintenance services, ensuring that Testo instruments remain fully operational and accurate.

We are always striving to enhance the quality of our products and services. Through continuous research and development, we keep pushing the boundaries of measurement technology to introduce more accurate, reliable, and user-friendly solutions. Testo’s innovations, such as smart probes that connect directly to mobile devices, not only offer convenience but also ensure that measurements are more accurate and easier to manage, allowing businesses to quickly respond to any issues that arise.

We believe in a customer-centric approach to quality assurance. We work closely with our customers to understand their specific requirements and challenges. Their feedback is crucial in helping us refine our products and services. Whether it’s ensuring that our instruments provide consistent readings in demanding environments or offering tailored calibration solutions, we take every piece of feedback seriously to uphold our high-quality standards.

Q. Beyond selling instruments, Testo emphasizes providing complete measurement solutions. Can you elaborate on the calibration and service support you offer to customers?

At Testo, we understand that precision and reliability are key for professionals who rely on measurement instruments, which is why we go beyond simply selling top-of-the-line instruments. We provide comprehensive service and calibration support to ensure our customers’ instruments continue to perform accurately and efficiently throughout their lifecycles.

Here in India, we operate a state-of-the-art NABL-accredited service and calibration lab located at our Head Office in Pune. This facility allows us to offer local calibration and servicing of instruments, ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality support right here in India, while adhering to international standards.

One of the key benefits of our calibration services is that we can service instruments of any brand or make. We don’t just calibrate Testo instruments; we provide calibration solutions for a wide range of measurement instruments across various industries. Whether it’s temperature, pressure, humidity, or other measurement parameters, our lab is equipped to handle a variety of instruments with precision and accuracy.

We undertake calibration jobs for temperature: contact as well as non-contact, humidity, pressure, air velocity, RPM, sound, flue gas & dew point instruments.

At Testo India, we’re proud to offer this local calibration and service support, which provides customers with convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a level of service that adheres to the highest international standards.

Q. Testo operates in a highly competitive market. What sets the company apart from its competitors, and how does it maintain its leadership position?

Testo has always been at the forefront of the measurement and monitoring industry, and while the market is indeed highly competitive, we believe it’s our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-centric solutions that truly set us apart from our competitors. We don’t just focus on delivering instruments, but also focus on delivering complete, reliable, and intuitive solutions that empower our customers to succeed.

We offer a broad portfolio of measurement solutions that cover a wide range of industries and applications. Unlike many competitors who may specialize in just one area, Testo provides complete measurement solutions for temperature, humidity, pressure, sound, air velocity, and flue gas, among others. This allows us to be a one-stop solution provider for our customers, ensuring they can rely on us for all their measurement needs. Whether a customer is looking for a handheld instrument or an IoT-based monitoring system, Testo has a solution tailored to meet those needs.

Testo’s commitment to customers goes far beyond simply providing high-quality products. As already mentioned, our customer-centric approach means that we actively listen to our customers, understand their challenges, work closely with businesses to tailor solutions that fit their specific needs, whether it’s in food safety, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing.

In addition to our technological innovations, Testo is also committed to sustainability. We recognize the importance of developing environmentally responsible products and offering solutions that help businesses minimize their ecological footprint. For example, our energy-efficient solutions help businesses reduce energy consumption in HVAC systems, and our smart sensors provide more accurate data that can lead to reduced waste, eliminate paper trail with digital record, and better resource management. As sustainability becomes a more significant focus for businesses worldwide, Testo is positioning itself as a partner in helping our customers meet their environmental goals.

Lastly, Testo has a strong brand legacy built on over 60 years of experience in the industry. Our reputation for delivering high-performance measurement tools, combined with our expertise and innovative solutions, allows us to maintain a strong presence and leadership position in the market. Customers trust Testo because they know we’re a company they can rely on—both for cutting-edge products and the support to back them up.

At Testo, we don’t just compete—we lead. By focusing on innovation, quality, customer support, and a wide range of tailored solutions, we consistently provide value that sets us apart.

Q. Looking ahead, what are Testo’s future plans for expansion, product development, and innovation in India?

We are really excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. The country’s rapid growth across sectors like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food, and HVAC presents a unique opportunity for us to further expand our presence and continue providing cutting-edge measurement and monitoring solutions. Our focus on product innovation, customer support, sustainability, and local expertise will ensure that we continue to lead the way in measurement and monitoring solutions. We look forward to supporting India’s growing industries and playing an integral role in their continued success in the years to come.