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What is the new range of products on in these segments?
The products we have in the metals industry contribute to reducing friction, energy savings and improving finish primarily in cold rolling of flat steel products. We have rust-preventives to ensure there is no corrosion after the steel is rolled. For the benefit of both steel and non-ferrous customers, Quaker Houghton continuously improves our products and develops novel solutions. For the Transportation OEMs, we have fluids that improve process efficiency once steel or iron is used to build a vehicle “ car, 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler bus, or truck.

We have fire-resistant hydraulic fluids for the mining segment. There are numerous hydrocarbon gases in subterranean mines which have a tendency of catching fire. This can cause the entire equipment to be destroyed or damaged in the fire.

The products that are displayed at IMME are fire-resistant hydraulic fluids that not only protect the equipment but also enhance its performance. We are also displaying Dust Suppressants which help to improve the air quality in mines.

How do you look at the growth of the mining industry in India?
I think the mining industry will only keep on growing. We have coal reserves that will last for a long time however if we only mine coal and use it for energy, it will pollute the environment.

We dont have any other sources to meet our base energy requirements. Nuclear power is not an option as we dont have nuclear fuels and managing the waste is an issue. Hydel power is present, but it is small and available in the hilly region only. Other non-conventional sources like wind and solar are not going to give us power.

As India grows, the industry requires coal and I see the mining industry growing for at least the next 15 years.

What are the key digital features and solutions offered by the company?
We have solutions that can provide automation and smart services. However, India has still a long way to go compared to Europe or North America, we are taking baby steps in automation.

Leaving aside mining, if we talk about the steel or automotive industry, how many robots do you see? Also, Indias growth has been driven more by MSMEs as compared to OEMs. The number of investments involved in introducing smart factories is large and may not be a priority of the MSMEs.

Quaker Houghton has digital solutions globally and we can provide them to our customers when they want it

How about sustainability in mining?
Our foundation for growth is sustainability and we have a target to achieve net zero in CO2 emissions by 2030 and Carbon zero by 2050. Whether it is mining, metals, or automobile customers, we are prepared to do introduce solutions to meet these goals. In terms of the utilisation of fossil fuels, our actions will also assist our customers in achieving their sustainability objectives.

In terms of performance, how has been this year for the company? What are your plans for 2023?
For us, 2022 was a good year in terms of revenue. However, because of supply chain disruptions, we faced difficulties in meeting the bottom line. When it comes to the automobile industry, one of our core customer segments there has been disruption with chip shortages. In India, we have leveraged our R&D facility to develop alternative products when our supply centres in Europe could not supply raw materials. We have maintained our supplies to our customers and saved saving money.

In the span of the next five years, we plan to set up another plant in India. This is in the planning in the planning stage now.