WEISS sees India as a key growth market
The WEISS Group, a global leader in automation, has been making significant strides in India since establishing its presence in 2017. In this conversation, Uwe Weiss, CEO of WEISS Group, speaks with Subhajit Roy about the company’s journey in India and their ambitious plans ahead. The discussion also features the appointment of Praveen Hosur as the new CEO of WEISS India, who is set to play a crucial role in driving the company’s continued expansion. Edited excerpts:
It has been a few years since you entered the Indian market. How has the journey been so far?
It has been an exciting journey. We first ventured into India in 2017, and by 2020, we established our WEISS campus, which allowed us to set up a solutions company that brings us closer and more flexible to our customers. We’ve gained valuable insights from the market while sharing our 50 years of factory automation experience. It’s been a rewarding experience, and with the market expanding, the excitement continues to grow. Many believe this will be India’s decade, and I am looking forward to being a part of that with our company here.
How has your experience been in the Indian business environment? What challenges or opportunities have you encountered?
The journey has certainly had its challenges, especially due to COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions. However, the geopolitical landscape has changed, placing India in an intriguing position. Many companies are seeking new supply chains and alternatives, and the Indian government has fostered a stable environment for foreign investment. This makes it a perfect time for India and for us to invest here.
What key milestones has WEISS GmbH achieved since entering the Indian market?
The first milestone was setting up a strong local team that understands the Indian industry while also maintaining a strong connection to our headquarters. We’ve brought over 50 years of factory automation experience to add value to our customers through engineering and education. Establishing an education center was crucial, and acquiring Ecotech IT Solutions in Pune—a company with over 20 years in the IT sector— was another significant achievement. Ecotech is now fully integrated into our global operations, facilitating a valuable exchange of technology and expertise between India and WEISS headquarters.
How is the acquisition of Ecotech strengthening your global presence and diversifying your market?
Ecotech enhances our capabilities in technology projects, including enterprise IT, product IT, and engineering IT. Simultaneously, Ecotech is gaining insights from us regarding factory automation and robotics, creating a win-win situation. We aim to offer holistic solutions to our customers, not just mechanical or software solutions, but also data-driven ones. As AI becomes more critical, we aspire to provide fully integrated solutions.
You mentioned setting up an Ecotech in Germany. How do you see this contributing to your business?
We’re very enthusiastic about this initiative. As a typical German Mittelstand company, we take pride in our products and technology, and we’re witnessing a rising demand for software and IT solutions. With Ecotech’s talented workforce from India, we aim to bring these services to the German market, particularly to companies that share our size and culture. There’s a significant opportunity here, especially as German firms are seeking partners that align with their expertise and values.
As you look to the future of the Indian manufacturing sector, what role do you see WEISS playing?
We aim to be a value-added partner, leveraging our expertise and experience from other markets to facilitate the transformation of India’s manufacturing industry. Collaboration and cooperation will be crucial, and we want to remain adaptable and flexible in providing our products and services to meet the unique needs of the Indian market.
With Praveen Hosur now leading WEISS India, what are your expectations for this new leadership?
With the integration of IT and Operational Technology, we have a unique opportunity to create something extraordinary with our two companies in India. I am excited to see WEISS expand, not only in our core business but also through our IT operations, and Praveen will play a critical role in driving this next phase of growth.
👉 Watch now to uncover their strategic goals!
