—Piyush Shah, Managing Director, Hitachi Hi-Rel Electronics Pvt Ltd
With a standing of nearly three decades, Hi-Rel Electronics Pvt Ltd is amongst India’s leading names in industrial power electronics. In late 2011, Hitachi of Japan invested in Hi-Rel that is now known as
Hitachi Hi-Rel Electronics Pvt Ltd. Piyush Shah, in this exclusive exchange with Electrical Monitor, tells us how the two partners, backed by strong values and expertise, can create a strong platform for power electronics products in India and abroad. An interview by
Venugopal Pillai.
We see the coming together of a Hi-Rel a respected homegrown brand, and a global business conglomerate Hitachi, as a very significant development. Tell us more on the association.
Hitachi is a global brand in technologies. We believe that its highly reliable robust technology, systematic quality and manufacturing systems combined with Hi-Rel’s engineering expertise, value engineering capabilities and market access will create a strong platform for power electronic products in the Indian and overseas markets.
Please elaborate on the new Sanand manufacturing facility and how do you see it contributing significantly to the power electronics business of Hitachi Hi-Rel.
The new manufacturing facilities at Sanand will contribute significantly for enhancing the product basket of Hitachi Hi-Rel. Large-rating variable frequency drives and similar products would be manufactured at the Sanand plant.
HHPEL caters to a broad spectrum of industries ranging from data centres to aviation. In the coming years, which would you consider as your principal demand drivers?
In the coming years, the principal driver would certainly be infrastructure. We see power generation and steel making as areas with high potential. The water management business and exports will be other prime drivers.
Do you foresee the growing role of renewable energy solutions like solar in power backup and conditioning equipment?
Yes, providing solutions in solar power and utility grid stabilization are very important sectors and Hitachi Hi-Rel will play an important role in this market.
Given that there exists a huge market for low-rating UPS systems from homes and small business firms, do you plan to enter this segment?
We agree that low-rating UPS systems for homes and small business firms are large markets but they are served by many small players. Hitachi Hi-Rel will address this market carefully and in a very niche fashion.
Experts feel that government’s e-governance plans could generate a big demand for UPS systems. What is your view? Do you also see education as an emerging market for power backup and conditioning equipment?
E-governance will definitely generate huge demand for UPS systems. It would vary from small ratings to large ratings including data centre systems. Therefore, very good potential exists for everybody in this market.
Multinationals have taken keen interest in Indian UPS companies (apart from Hi-Rel, we have cases like DB Power, Luminous, Numeric Power, etc). What is your view?
India is no longer an isolated market! Therefore, the interests of international companies in the Indian market and also the interests of Indian companies in the international markets are very natural actions. We are part of the global market!
Especially with Hitachi’s association, how do you see the road ahead for Hitachi Hi-Rel in the next, say, 5-7 years?
With our association with Hitachi, we are looking at Hitachi Hi-Rel to grow into a solid high-growth company with excellent manufacturing and quality systems, serving the global market.