Is India self-reliant when it comes to machines? The answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Yes because we have the best brains and the engineering capability to design and manufacture any complex machine tool. No because there are still huge imports of machine tools into the country. Shubhline Automation is working on a missionary zeal to develop indigenous machines at affordable price so that imports can be slashed and the nation can save its precious resources. Excerpts from an interview:

Rajendra Dudhe, Managing Director,
Shubhline Automation Pvt. Ltd.

Q. Shubhline started as a machine tool reconditioning company in 2006 and has grown into India’s first heavy-duty double-column machining center manufacturer. Could you walk us through this incredible journey and the pivotal milestones along the way?

Shubhline Automation Pvt Ltd began its journey in 2006 as a machine tool reconditioning company with the vision of contributing to India’s manufacturing sector. Our early years were focused on refurbishing existing machinery to enhance their performance and extend their lifecycle. Over time, we identified a gap in the market for robust, high-precision machining solutions. This realization led to our pivot toward manufacturing heavy-duty double-column machining centers.

Key milestones include:

• 2019: Conceptualization and R&D for our double-column machining centers.
• 2020: Launch of our first model, marking a breakthrough in indigenous manufacturing.
• 2023: Expansion of our manufacturing facility to accommodate larger machine sizes.
• 2024: 60 Installations of double-column machining center with extended travel capabilities across India.
• Today, Shubhline stands as a proud contributor to India’s industrial growth, empowering sectors like defense, railways, and heavy engineering.

Q. Your double-column machining center is recognized for its unique honeycomb structure design. Could you elaborate on the advantages this design brings to structural stability and efficiency?

The honeycomb structure design in our double-column machining centers offers exceptional advantages. The design optimizes weight distribution while maintaining rigidity, ensuring the machine remains stable even under heavy workloads.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced Structural Stability: The honeycomb structure reduces deformation and vibration during high-speed operations, ensuring precision machining.
• Improved Heat Dissipation: The design minimizes thermal expansion, maintaining consistent accuracy during prolonged operations.
• Energy Efficiency: Lighter yet robust structures reduce power consumption, contributing to operational efficiency.

This innovation reflects our commitment to delivering reliable and efficient solutions.

Q. Shubhline emphasizes the ‘Make in India’ mission with its products serving as symbols of India’s self-reliance. How has this initiative influenced your product development and market strategy?

The Make in India mission is at the core of Shubhline’s operations. It has driven us to develop high-quality, indigenously manufactured solutions tailored to the specific needs of Indian industries.

• Product Development: We prioritize sourcing materials and components locally, fostering innovation and reducing dependency on imports.
• Market Strategy: Our focus remains on offering cost-effective, cutting-edge solutions, enabling Indian manufacturers to compete globally.

By aligning with Make in India, we are not just manufacturing machines but also building confidence in India’s engineering capabilities.

Q. You’re on the brink of launching your own foundry. What motivated this decision, and how will having an in-house foundry enhance Shubhline’s capabilities & market offerings?

The decision to launch our own foundry was motivated by the need to ensure consistent quality and timely availability of critical castings for our machines.

Advantages include:

• Better Control: Vertical integration will allow us to oversee every aspect of casting production, ensuring superior quality.
• Cost Efficiency: In-house casting will reduce production costs and improve our competitiveness.
• Customization: The foundry will enable us to design and produce bespoke castings tailored to specific customer requirements.

This strategic move enhances our capabilities, ensuring that we deliver robust and high-performing machines to our customers.

Q. In terms of global outreach, Shubhline aims to become a powerhouse for heavy-duty machine tools worldwide. What are your strategies to penetrate international markets, and how do you address global competition?

To penetrate international markets, Shubhline is adopting a multi-pronged strategy:

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with global distributors and service providers to establish a local presence in target regions.
• Exhibitions and Demonstrations: Actively participating in international expos like IMTEX and JIMTOF to showcase our capabilities.
• Focus on Quality: Competing on precision, reliability, and cost-efficiency to stand out against global competitors.
• Localization: Offering customized solutions to meet regional requirements while providing robust after-sales support.

Q. What industry trends do you believe will most impact the future of heavy-duty machining, and how is Shubhline preparing to adapt and innovate in response?

Key trends shaping the industry include automation, Industry 4.0 integration, and sustainability. Shubhline is actively preparing by:

• Adopting Automation: Incorporating robotics and automated solutions for improved efficiency.
• Smart Technology: Integrating IoT and predictive maintenance features in our machines.
• Sustainability: Focusing on energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

By staying ahead of these trends, we aim to lead the evolution of heavy-duty machining.