IEEMA

Em-Powering the Industry

Here’s a review of the initiatives taken by the apex industry body to boost competitiveness and growth

The micro, small andmedium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) of the electrical industry are gradually getting a level playing field in the country, thanks to IEEMA (Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association), the apex industry association. The body has taken a host of initiatives to make small manufacturerscompetitive and resistant to the recession-prone business environment.

This November IEEMA organised Design Sensitisation Seminar in Bengaluru, in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and National Institute of Design (NID), for MSMEs in electrical spares and instruments manufacturing sectors. The objective of the seminar was to generate an awareness about design and thereby help participants improve their manufacturing competitiveness. At the seminar and through a Design Clinic Scheme, IEEMA has provided MSMEs an opportunity to interact withdesign experts and understand design methodology, and also realise thatbenefits of design in products, processes, services and operations far outweighthe costs.

Also announced in December by IEEMA were the SME Quality Awards (ISQA) 2011 for power equipment manufacturers. In the fourth edition, the awards received over 45 entries from across the country. The winning companies, recognised at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai, were Consolidated Dynamics Pvt Ltd, Formulated Polymers Ltdand On Load Gears under small category; and PRS Permacel Pvt Ltdunder medium category for SME Quality Commendation for Significant Achievement in Quality Systems. For SME Quality Certificate for Strong Commitment to Quality Systems, Forex Fastners Pvt Ltd and Chhabi Electricals Pvt Ltd were felicitated under Small Enterprise category; and Sipra Engineers Pvt Ltd, Nexus Electristeel Limited,and Pragati Udyog were winners under Medium Enterprise category.

While enumerating the objectives of these initiatives, IEEMA president R D Chandak has emphasised the importance of partnerships between large, medium and small enterprises. He has advocated more emphasis on development of SMEs through group participation in overseas trade fairs, delegation visits to countries with substantial export potential,cluster-to-cluster cooperation in association with overseas trade associations, andskill up-gradation through workshopsand seminars.

In another initiative, IEEMA organised CABLEWIRE, a two-day 7th international technical conference on cables and wires. Held in November, the theme of this Mumbai conference was ‘PoweringGrowth Through  Innovations’, and the hot topics of discussion included latest technology trends in manufacturing, new insulating materials, condition monitoring & on-line assessment, new techniquesfor installations and maintenance,enhanced safety aspects, and developments in cable accessories.

CABLEWIRE received 235 delegates including manufacturers, users, R&D institutions, raw material providers and others. Along with Indian delegates, countries including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Netherlands, UAE and USA had their representatives at theconference, which was an indication of the attention that Indian industry is receiving from across the world.

While speaking at the event, Vimal Mahendru, immediate past president IEEMA, highlighted the growth of the electrical industry and activities of IEEMA, and assured that Indian industry was capable of meeting today’s growing demand for innovative and top quality products and services. 

Some 21 papers were presented during the two-day conference, eight of which were by foreign delegates, and the three best papers were awarded mementoes and cash prizes of Rs.50,000, Rs.35,000 and Rs.15,000, respectively. The 1st prize was won by Masahiro Nakaura, J-Power Systems Corporation, Japan. Kirit Rana, CESC Ltd and J P Sheth, ERDA won 2nd and 3rd prize, respectively.