NORD Drivesystems | Exclusive from EXCON 2023
NORD Drivesystems has been developing, producing and selling drive technology for various industries across the world. In this exclusive interview, watch Dhanraj Kalbhor, MD, NORD Drivesystems talk to mojo4industry about the offerings NORD Drivesystem has for the construction equipment segment. Discover about how sustainability and energy efficiency is in the DNA of NORD Drivesystems.
Tune in now to watch the exciting innovations showcased by the company at EXCON 2023.
Could you start by telling us a bit about your company NORD Drivesystems and what you’re showcasing here at EXCON 2023?
NORD Drivesystems is a comprehensive provider of energy-efficient geared motors and power transmission solutions. Our product range includes gearboxes, with our flagship product being a smaller-sized gearbox. We have expanded our offerings to include larger-sized gearboxes, ranging up to 300,000 Newton meters. Additionally, we offer electronic solutions such as variable frequency drives, along with recently launched energy-efficient solutions.
As an organization, NORD Drivesystems is a German company with a history dating back to 1965, making it nearly 58 years old. Globally, we operate through 48 subsidiaries in 38 countries across the USA, Asia, Europe, and Australia. In India, our presence began in 2005, and we established a production plant in Pune in 2008. Over the past 15 years, we have grown significantly, currently operating three plants in Pune, each dedicated to producing gearboxes of different sizes, including geared motors and other related products.
Can you share any specific features or aspects that set you apart from existing solutions in the market?
We prioritize three important considerations in our product design. Firstly, energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of our focus during the design process. Secondly, connectivity is essential in today’s digitalized landscape, with our products designed to align with Industry 4.0 standards and connected to various technologies such as Ethernet and IoT. Lastly, sustainability is gaining increased attention, prompting us to consider factors like carbon footprints in our product development.
Is there any new launch for this exhibition?
In Germany, we introduced the DuoDrive, a high-efficiency power transmission gearbox paired with an IE5 synchronous motor, achieving an efficiency of over 95%. This recent product launch has now extended to India. At the beginning of the year, we commenced the production of industrial gearboxes, starting from frame sizes five to ten. Next month, we plan to introduce frame sizes eleven and twelve in Pune. This expansion in production allows us to manufacture gearboxes locally, a shift from our previous practice of importing them. As a result, our delivery times have significantly improved, reducing from 10 to 12 weeks to a more efficient 4 to 5 weeks.
NORD Drivesystems has been developing, producing, and selling drive technology for various industries across the world. How significant is the construction industry segment for driving business?
We provide support across over 100 different industry verticals, including pharmaceuticals, and more. Focusing on the construction sector is one of our top three customer industries. We engage with significant Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in this sector, such as those involved in crushers, mixers, and other related equipment. Our commitment is to offer tailored solutions to support these customers in their specific needs.
There is a lot of discussion happening on electric-powered as well as hydrogen-powered construction machinery. How will it impact the drives industry?
Initially, I don’t foresee an immediate impact because all the equipment and products we manufacture for power transmission are electrically driven. As a result, we do not rely on fuel or fossil fuels. However, in the long term, there will be a growing emphasis on energy efficiency. The objective is to reduce energy consumption or, at the very least, optimize it. The ultimate goal is to minimize overall energy use. While our industry gearboxes or gear motors may not shift towards hydrogen and similar alternatives, our primary focus is on producing highly efficient products with lower carbon footprints.
What will be the topmost technology trends to watch out for in 2024 as far as your industry is concerned?
My response remains consistent with the previous one. Power transmission involves transferring power from point A to point B, and the goal is to minimize losses in the process. Historically, the primary objective was power transfer, with less emphasis on efficiency and minimizing losses. However, in recent times, there has been increased awareness about losses, and there is a demand for more efficient products.
At NORD Drivesystems, our continuous focus is on manufacturing energy-efficient products. Specifically, we prioritize helical and bevel gears where efficiency can reach 90% and above. With the introduction of new products like DuoDrive, boasting an efficiency of 95% and above, I am confident that these products will prove beneficial in the long run.
Now, for those attending EXCON 2023, what can they expect when they visit NORD’s booth?
We have displayed our entire product range, with our flagship products constituting approximately 70% of our turnover. Additionally, we introduced a new product earlier this year, known as Regular Max Drive, and another variant called XD designed for longer distances. Our focus on these newer products has increased as we recently began manufacturing them, and we have plans to expand production next month.
Our primary focus remains on flagship products, including geared motors, industrial gearboxes, and Maxx Drive, which takes a prominent position in the front. However, we also showcase complementary products like NORDAC PRO, a recently launched electronic product located on the other side of the stall. These electronic products play a crucial role in controlling and modulating the speed of gearboxes, providing a necessary complement to our geared motor offerings.
Lastly, what message do you have for those who are curious about the future of drives?
This vertical holds significant importance in the current landscape, particularly with the ongoing discussions about automation. When delving into the specifics of automation, one realizes that the key components facilitating it are gearboxes and geared motors. The emphasis on automation is growing, and as it becomes more prevalent, the Internet of Things (IoT) will gain importance. This is because the control of these units may need to be managed remotely, and the transmission industry will play a crucial role in facilitating this.
Stay tuned with mojo4industry for more updates from the exhibition and more!
