An Exclusive interface with Mr. Rajesh Hari
A&I: Take us through the journey of “ifm electronic India Private Limited “In India & Company’s Current Operations.
ifm electronic India Private Limited is a part of the global ifm group, which is known for its industrial automation and sensor technology. The company’s journey and current operations in India are marked by several key milestones and developments. ifm electronic, originally a German company established in 1969, ventured into the Indian market to cater to the growing industrial automation needs.
The company set up its Indian subsidiary in 1995, ifm electronic India Private Limited at Kolhapur as Indian HO, to leverage India’s expanding industrial sector in the early years, ifm focused on establishing a robust distribution network and building relationships with key industrial players.
We started with offering a range of products including sensors, evaluation systems, controllers, and other automation technology essential for manufacturing and process industries. ifm electronic India operates across various sectors including automotive, food and beverage, Steel, Machine-tool, and general manufacturing. We have provided solutions for applications ranging from factory automation to process control. ifm has established a comprehensive sales and service network across India with regional Sales & service Office. This network ensures efficient customer support and technical assistance, crucial for maintaining strong client relationships.
A&I: Please brief us About “ifm electronic India Private Limited “Global Network & Infrastructure.
ifm electronic is headquartered in Germany, where it was founded in 1969. The headquarters serves as the central hub for global operations, research and development, and strategic decision-making. ifm has a global presence with 80+ subsidiaries, 5000+ working force in regional offices, and distribution partners across numerous countries. This extensive network allows the company to cater to diverse markets and industries worldwide. ifm has a strong presence across Europe, with offices in key industrial hubs such as Germany, France, Italy, and the UK. These offices handle sales, customer support, and technical assistance for the European market. In the United States and Canada, ifm has established offices that serve the North American industrial sector, providing localized support and solutions. In addition to its operations in India, ifm has a significant presence in other Asian countries including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, addressing the growing industrial automation needs in the region. ifm also operates in South American countries and the Middle East, ensuring a broad geographic footprint and market coverage. ifm collaborates with local distributors and partners in various countries to enhance market reach and provide localized service and support. These partnerships are crucial for navigating regional market dynamics and customer requirements.
ifm operates multiple manufacturing facilities across different continents, including Germany, the United States, and other strategic locations. These facilities are equipped with advanced technology to produce high-quality sensors, Cables & other components. ifm uses centralized distribution hubs in Germany to manage inventory and streamline the supply chain. This system helps in efficiently distributing products to various markets. To enhance service levels and reduce lead times, ifm maintains regional warehouses that hold inventory for local distribution.
A&I: “ifm electronic India Private Limited“is a leading Company in Process sensors & sensors for motion control. What are the solutions offered to the industry.
ifm electronic India Private Limited stands at the forefront of industrial automation with its comprehensive suite of solutions in process sensors and motion control. The company provides cutting-edge technologies for measuring and controlling critical process parameters, including pressure, flow, level, temperature, Vibration, Vision (2D-3D), Code-readers and conductivity sensors on IoT as well. These solutions are designed to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy across various applications, such as manufacturing, automotive, machine-tools, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, ifm offers advanced motion control sensors like proximity sensors, optical sensors, encoders, and speed sensors, safety sensors which are crucial for automation, robotics, and machinery management. By integrating these sensors with smart connectivity options on IO-Link Masters and industrial communication protocols, ifm ensures that industries can achieve precise control, real-time monitoring, and optimized performance in their operations.
A&I: Please brief us on “ifm electronic India Private Limited “latest top line Product Range.
ifm electronic India Private Limited offers a diverse and advanced top-line product range designed to meet the evolving needs of industrial automation. Our latest products include high-precision pressure, Hygienic Flow Meters and Radar level sensors, essential for accurate process monitoring and control across industries like automotive, food and beverage, Machine-tools, Water Industries. They also feature state-of-the-art temperature sensors and conductivity sensors that provide reliable data for critical applications on IO-Link for higher accuracy and resolution & data transfers for Industry 4.0. In the realm of motion control, ifm delivers cutting-edge proximity sensors, optical sensors, encoders, and speed sensors, which are crucial for automation and robotics. Additionally, our product range is enhanced with smart connectivity solutions, including IoT-enabled sensors and industrial communication modules like IO-Link on Profinet, Ethernet IP, Modbus, ensuring seamless integration and real-time data analysis for optimized performance and efficiency which can be monitored & Analyzed on our Software platform Called MONEO.
A&I : Can You Please Brief Us about Your Manufacturing Facilities & R &D Activities in India?
We are yet to have a Manufacturing Facilities in India
Our R&D Activities for software are progressively happening in India through our subsidiary ifm electronic Engineering, Pune
In Germany ifm’s R&D activities focus on developing new technologies and improving existing products. This includes advancements in sensor technology, automation solutions, and integration with Industry 4.0 and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies.
The R&D teams work on creating innovative solutions that address specific challenges faced by industries globally. R&D activities include state-of-the-art testing and validation facilities. These are used to rigorously test new products under various conditions to ensure they meet performance and durability standards. ifm maintains innovation labs where new ideas and concepts are explored and tested. These labs are equipped with the latest technology to support cutting-edge research and development. The labs focus on emerging technologies such as smart sensors, advanced connectivity solutions, and data analytics to drive future product development.
A&I: Which Key Industries do you cater to? Please Share Some of Application Area?
ifm electronic India Private Limited caters to a wide array of key industries by providing advanced sensor and automation solutions tailored to their specific needs. In the automotive sector, we offer various solutions on engine Line, BIW shops, Paint shops and assembly line automation. For the food and beverage industry, ifm provides sensors for process control, quality assurance, and packaging automation. In the pharmaceuticals, their products support precise production control, environmental monitoring, and process validation. The water and waste-water sector relies on their sensors for treatment process monitoring, quality control, and pump management. In Steel Industry we offer solutions across the plant from Melting to final finished product lines. Additionally, ifm serves manufacturing and automation with sensors for factory automation, machine monitoring, and robotics, while our solutions in energy monitoring and utilities focus on Energy consumption in terms of Compressed Air meters, Water consumption optimization using Water flow meters. Each of these industries benefits from ifm’s commitment to innovation, accuracy, and reliability in sensor and automation technology.
A&I: What is Your Future Vision & Growth Plans for “ifm electronic India Private Limited “In India?
ifm electronic India Private Limited envisions a future marked by significant sales growth and innovation as it continues to strengthen its position in the Indian market. The company’s growth plans focus on expanding its product portfolio with advanced technologies such as IoT-enabled smart sensors and Industry 4.0 solutions to meet the diverse needs of emerging industries and closing the gap between OT & IT by offering solutions on both hardware and software. ifm aims to enhance production efficiency and accelerate the development of tailored solutions. Emphasizing sustainability and digital transformation, ifm seeks to drive progress across various sectors while maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation, positioning itself as a leader in industrial automation and sensor technology in India.
A&I: Any special message for our readers.
At ifm electronic India Private Limited, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of industrial automation and sensor technology to meet the evolving needs of today’s industries. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction drives us to deliver solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency (OE) but also empower businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities to further our impact across diverse sectors through advanced technologies, tailored solutions, and a strong local presence. Our goal is to be your trusted partner in achieving excellence in industrial automation, ensuring that you benefit from the latest advancements and best practices in the field of both OT-IT
We value your support and partnership as we embark on this journey of growth and innovation. Whether you are a current customer, a potential partner, or someone exploring the possibilities in industrial automation, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of technology.
Thank you for your interest and engagement. Together, we can drive progress and unlock new potentials in industrial automation.
