An Exclusive Interface with (Mr. Mathew Jacob) Vice President-Sales and Marketing At Rittal Pvt. Ltd.

A&I UPDATE:  RITTAL is globally recognized for driving industrial efficiency and digital transformation. Could you share how Rittal and EPLAN, both companies, complement each other and the key strengths of this combined offering for Indian manufacturers?

It gives me immense pleasure in discussing the incredible synergy between Rittal and EPLAN offers. We are global leaders dedicated to industrial efficiency and digital transformation. Our combined offering delivers a complete, integrated value chain that’s particularly powerful for Indian manufacturers navigating Industry 4.0 deployment. Rittal provides the robust physical backbone—world-class enclosures, climate control, power distribution, and IT infrastructure. EPLAN on the other hand offers cutting-edge software for electrical engineering, automation, and mechatronics design. The magic happens in the seamless data flow linking software to the hardware. EPLAN’s intelligent software creates a “digital twin” of a control panel, enabling precise planning and automated production data. This data then integrates seamlessly with Rittal’s automation manufacturing systems like Perforex, Wire terminal machine etc . For Indian manufacturers, this translates into significantly reduced engineering time, minimized errors, faster time-to-market, and optimized production costs, driving enhanced productivity and quality.

A&I UPDATE:  What are the key factors driving the increased use of industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control, and IT infrastructure automation solutions in India? 

“India is undergoing a profound transformation—industrially, digitally, and economically. As Vice President of Sales, I see the increased demand for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control, and IT infrastructure automation solutions as a direct reflection of this evolution. Several key factors are driving this momentum.”

1. Manufacturing Renaissance

“India’s manufacturing sector is booming, thanks to government initiatives like Make in India and PLI (Production Linked Incentives). As new factories and smart plants emerge, the need for reliable, scalable infrastructure—especially enclosures and power systems—is non-negotiable. Customers are looking for solutions that protect their assets and ensure uptime in demanding environments.”

2. Digital Acceleration

“The rise of data centers, cloud services, and digital-first enterprises has created a parallel surge in IT infrastructure needs. Automation, intelligent monitoring, and climate control are no longer optional—they’re foundational. Our clients want systems that are not only robust but also smart, energy-efficient, and future-ready.”

3. Climate and Compliance Pressures

“India’s diverse climate zones—from humid coasts to arid interiors—pose unique challenges. Climate control solutions are critical to maintaining equipment integrity and operational efficiency. At the same time, evolving safety and sustainability regulations are pushing companies to invest in certified, eco-conscious systems.”

4. Customer Sophistication

“Automation is reshaping every sector—from automotive to pharmaceuticals. With Industry 4.0 adoption accelerating, the demand for intelligent infrastructure that supports real-time data, predictive maintenance, and remote management is skyrocketing. We’re not just selling hardware—we’re enabling transformation.”

A&I UPDATE:  What new innovations have been introduced by “Rittal” in the field of enclosures and power distribution guideways?

Rittal has introduced several cutting-edge innovations in enclosures and power distribution globally. The new AX 3-part wall-mounted enclosures offer enhanced modularity and corrosion-resistant C4-H coatings for harsh environments. Our VX SE stainless steel series combines bayed stability with a compact footprint and IP66 protection.

In power distribution, RiLineX delivers a safe, flexible busbar system ideal for panel builders, while Ri4Power supports modular low-voltage switchgear with optimized airflow and IEC 61439 compliance.

These solutions are designed for faster installation, smarter integration, and future-ready performance—empowering industries to meet evolving demands in automation, safety, and energy efficiency

A&I UPDATE: How does “Rittal” adhere to international standards and certifications in the production of enclosures and power distribution guideways? 

Rittal adheres to globally recognized standards and certifications in our production processes. Our enclosures and power distribution systems comply with IEC, UL, CSA, and VDE norms, ensuring safety, reliability, and performance across markets. Each product undergoes stringent testing by independent institutes and is backed by a robust quality management system. Certifications like UL Listed, CSA Approved, and VDE Conformity Marks validate Rittal’s commitment to excellence. This compliance not only guarantees product integrity but also facilitates seamless global deployment, making Rittal a trusted partner for industrial and IT infrastructure worldwide.

A&I UPDATE: What is Rittal Private Limited’s approach to ensuring ethical practices in its supply chain and production in India?

Rittal Private Limited upholds a strong commitment to ethical practices across its supply chain and production operations in India. I’m proud to say that ethical integrity is embedded in every layer of our operations in India. We follow a globally aligned code of conduct that emphasizes transparency, fair labor practices, and environmental responsibility across our supply chain. Our suppliers are carefully vetted to ensure compliance with human rights standards and sustainable sourcing principles. At our manufacturing facility in Bangalore, we’ve implemented ISO 14001-certified environmental management systems and energy-efficient production technologies to minimize our ecological footprint. We also promote local sourcing and skill development to support community growth. Smart production practices, such as real-time energy monitoring and waste reduction, further reinforce our commitment to responsible manufacturing. Ultimately, our goal is to build trust—not just with customers, but with every stakeholder in our ecosystem—by delivering solutions that are not only innovative, but also ethically and environmentally sound.

A&I UPDATE:  What are the major challenges that “Rittal Private Limited” is facing in the industry and how are they being tackled?

At Rittal Private Limited, we recognize that India’s industrial landscape is evolving rapidly, and with that comes a unique set of challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the need for faster customization and delivery in a market that demands agility. To address this, we’ve invested in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bangalore, equipped with advanced automation and modular production systems that enable quicker turnaround times without compromising quality.

Another challenge is navigating diverse climate conditions and infrastructure limitations across regions. Our engineering teams have responded by developing robust enclosure and climate control solutions—like the Blue e+ series—that are energy-efficient and adaptable to India’s varied environmental demands.

Skilled workforce availability is also a concern, especially in high-tech manufacturing. We tackle this by investing in continuous training programs and collaborating with local institutions to build a future-ready talent pool.

From a market standpoint, price sensitivity and competition require us to deliver not just products, but complete value-driven solutions. Our approach includes offering integrated systems—enclosures, power distribution, and climate control—backed by strong technical support and lifecycle services.

Additionally, sustainability and compliance pressures are growing. Rittal has responded by aligning with global standards like ISO 14001 and IEC 61439, and by implementing smart production practices that reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Finally, digital transformation and Industry 4.0 adoption present both a challenge and an opportunity. We’ve embraced this shift by offering intelligent infrastructure solutions, such as RiMatrix and RiLineX, that support automation, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

A&I UPDATE:  What is your company’s approach to R&D and innovation, and what future technologies or developments are you investing in to stay ahead of the competition? 

At Rittal Private Limited, our approach to R&D is deeply customer-centric and globally aligned. We continuously invest in advanced engineering, digital simulation, and smart manufacturing to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of India’s industrial and IT sectors. Our Bangalore facility is equipped with cutting-edge automation and testing systems, enabling rapid prototyping and agile product development.

We’re actively investing in Industry 4.0-ready technologies, including intelligent enclosures, IoT-enabled climate control systems, and modular power distribution platforms like RiLineX. Our collaboration with EPLAN and Rittal Automation Systems allows us to integrate hardware and software seamlessly, delivering digital twins and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on energy-efficient systems, AI-driven infrastructure monitoring, and edge data center solutions tailored for India’s growing digital economy. Sustainability is also a key pillar—our innovations aim to reduce carbon footprints while enhancing operational efficiency.

By combining German engineering excellence with Indian market agility, we’re not just keeping pace—we’re shaping the future of industrial infrastructure. That’s the Rittal way.

In essence, our strategy is rooted in innovation, localization, and customer-centricity—ensuring that we not only meet challenges head-on but also help shape the future of India’s industrial ecosystem.

A&I UPDATE: Looking ahead, what is the joint roadmap for RITTAL and EPLAN in India—both in terms of product innovation and ecosystem partnerships that align with the future of digital manufacturing?

Looking ahead, our joint roadmap for Rittal and EPLAN in India is squarely focused on accelerating digital manufacturing, aligned with Industry 4.0.

In product innovation, we’re intensifying efforts on end-to-end digital continuity. This means further refining the “digital twin” concept, where EPLAN’s intelligent designs seamlessly translate into Rittal’s automated production. Expect advancements in AI-driven engineering within EPLAN, automating complex design tasks and optimizing panel layouts. Rittal will focus on expanding modular, scalable, and sustainable solutions, particularly for industrial IT and edge computing, along with integrating more IIoT capabilities for intelligent climate control and predictive maintenance.

For ecosystem partnerships, we aim to build a robust support network. This includes deepening strategic alliances with automation solution providers, ERP/PLM vendors, and system integrators to ensure seamless data exchange across the entire manufacturing process. Crucially, we’re committed to academic and research collaborations to foster talent and co-create India-specific solutions. Empowering our channel partner network remains vital, ensuring our advanced, integrated solutions reach manufacturers nationwide, enabling them to confidently embrace digital manufacturing and enhance their global competitiveness.

A&I UPDATE:  What are your upcoming vision and growth goals for “Rittal Private Limited” in India?

At Rittal Private Limited, our vision for India is rooted in innovation, sustainability, and strategic expansion. As a key player in the industrial and IT infrastructure space, we aim to strengthen our position by delivering Industry 4.0-ready solutions that empower smart manufacturing and digital transformation across sectors.

Our growth goals include:

• Expanding our manufacturing footprint with advanced automation and localized production to meet rising demand with agility and precision.
• Investing in R&D and smart technologies, including IoT-enabled enclosures, intelligent climate control systems, and modular power distribution platforms tailored for Indian conditions.
• Enhancing our channel partner network to ensure deeper market penetration and faster service delivery across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
• Driving sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint, optimizing energy consumption, and aligning with global environmental standards like ISO 14001.
• Supporting India’s data revolution through scalable edge data center solutions and integrated IT infrastructure offerings.

India remains a strategic growth engine for Rittal globally. Our commitment is to not only meet the evolving needs of Indian industries but to help shape their future with world-class, future-ready solutions.