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Transforming India’s Power and Steel Sector

Jul 10, 2018 | Published by Transformers & Rectifiers, India | Added by GC Top Technologies

Transforming India’s Power and Steel Sector

Transformers and Rectifiers is already one of the largest transformer manufacturers in the market with a wide range of transformers for power and industrial sectors. With every new order, the company is setting a new benchmark of capability. Now the company is focused on further expanding its product range by investing in new facilities, skilled workforce, and R&D. In an interview with Steel & Metallurgy, Mr. Stefano Talassi, discusses his company’s ambitious plans.

We understand T&R primarily offers transformers two categories i.e. Power Transformers and Industrial Transformers. Could you give us a glimpse of the entire industrial transformer range offered by T&R? In this regard, please mention the products for the steel sector in particular?

T&R has a total installed capacity of 36000 MVA to manufacture Power Transformer upto 1000 MVA, 1200 kV Class, Distribution Transformers from 315 kVA and above, Furnace Transformer upto 120 kA, Rectifier Transformer upto 160 kA DC, Reactors upto 765 kV. As far as the steel sector is concerned we are market leader in India for SAF, together with a growing presence in LF and ARC furnace application as well as Induction Furnace Transformers. Our industrial transformers are installed in steel plants, rolling mill plants as well as in chemical and converter duty projects.

What is the current market share of the products offered by Transformers and Rectifiers in India? Do you have any benchmark target for your market share, let’s say by 2020?

T&R is one of the third largest transformer manufacturers in India and our current market share is aroundat 12%: our target is to reach the 15% level by 2020.

How was the last fiscal in terms of order book and sales?

The last fiscal year was influenced by large 500 MVA transformer rating executions that pushed down the turnover but increased the actual productivity. The total order book stands on around 900 crore INR.

How was the sales and profit scenario during the FY18 and
first quarter of FY19?

The financial performance of T&R in Q4 grabbed a good order flow in the domestic jobs as well as the breakthrough orders with important customer as Abinsk in Russia and SAIL in India. We are expecting a good growth in the Q3 of the FY 19 based on orders already in our hands.

What are your expectations from the current fiscal?

We had good beginning in term of sales in Q1 and order book available in Q3 and good tenders in pipeline in the domestic as well as in the export market.

Mr. Stefano Talassi
COO, Transformers & Rectifiers India Pvt. Ltd
“As far as the steel sector is concerned we are market leader in India for SAF, together with a growing presence in LF and ARC  furnace application as well as Induction Furnace Transformers.“

Energy efficiency and sustainability are major constituents of decision making by a customer prior to new equipment purchase. What kind of cost savings a customer can expect from right selection of energy efficient transformers? Does T&R offer any support to its customer in cost savings analysis?

We are always in close contact with our customer to analyze the best options in capex and cost saving, without any compromise in the quality and reliability of the product. Our R&D department is involved in each aspect of our supply chain to find out the right solution that can suit the needs of the end user and the return of investment.

Power sector is a crucial factor for infrastructure development in a country. In light of this, how do you see the growth power sector in India? How is your company positioned to cater to the power sector in India? What are the investment plans of T&R in transmission sector in India?

India has a huge need of infrastructure development and the power sector is the back bone of the country. For this reason we will expect the key role of the Central Government in terms of investments and projects, especially in the renewable energies and in the National Energy Policy 24/7 power for all by
2022. T&R aims to expand in the sector of GIS equipment as well as HV bushings, CT and PT, becoming the landmark in the transmission sector with high value service for the customer: investments in assets and new technical skilled people have been done so far in these directions.

Please tell us about the R&D initiatives by T&R?

With the aim to focus and strengthen capabilities by factoring stringent quality and reliability benchmarks in every stage of Design and Development of World Class Transformers, T&R India Limited has a dedicated R&D Division with committed professionals and world class facilities. In addition to new product development and design automation R&D Division is working on technology absorption from TLA partners, design analysis & optimization, process development etc. Some of the key projects successfully completed include:

• Development of 333 MVA, 1200 kV Single phase transformer;
• Development and successful Dynamic Short Circuit Testing of 315 MVA 400 kV Auto Transformer;
• Development of Ester filled green power transformers;
• Development of eco-friendly ultra-low noise transformers;
• Development of Aluminum wound power transformer.

Give us a glimpse of your production facilities including workforce. Going ahead, is there any plan to expand your operations?

T&R is located in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) with three different manufacturing facilities in Moraiya, Changodar and Odhav based on the product segmentation with roughly 1,200 people employed. The neighborhood of Mundra port and the International airport gives a value added and delivery time reduction in all our supply chain.

The implementation of new and more efficient testing lab for power transformers is in the pipeline.

Could you please mention some of the major orders executed by your company so far in India?

In the last financial year T&R has been awarded by the breakthrough order and execution of 156 MVA EAF transformer for CIS market, already delivered to the end user in less than 6 months: we have beaten our previous record of 132 MVA EAF transformer manufactured for South America. This achievement is in line with our permanent growth in the market sector of Ultra-High Power furnace transformers and it is the award of our long term investment in the steel sector.

We successfully commissioned in Mexico our 132 MVA in January 2018 and we have been awarded by SAIL with 30 MVA LF furnace that strengthens our presence in the Indian steel sector.

As the COO of Transformers & Rectifiers India Pvt. Ltd. what are your growth plan for your company?

The growth plan for T&R is always focused on new solutions for our customer to cover their needs: this is the reason why T&R is not only a manufacturing corporate but also an engineering company, able to give full service and out of the box arrangements. T&R products are always tailored made for customer requirements avoiding unnecessary expenses, thanks to our team and engineers working every day for new ideas and improvements.

We are always in close contact with our customer to analyze the best options in capex and cost saving, without any compromise in the quality and reliability of the product.

The Biggest EAF Furnace Transformer manufactured in India

Jan 3, 2018 | Published by Transformers & Rectifiers, India | Added by GC Top Technologies

On 3rd January 2018 the 132 MVA – 33 kV EAF furnace transformer went successfully in service at the steel plant of the Grupo Acerero in San Luis Potosi (Mexico): it  have been successfully performed all the commissioning tests in accordance with international standard IEC.

The unit comes with an open delta solution on the secondary side together with a maximum secondary line current of 84 kA for which special measures have been taken to avoid overheating the metallic parts during the on-site operations. The on load tap changer, key and strategic device during the several per day switching, comes from the proven German technology of MR Reinhausen. The water cooling system was designed and supplied in accordance with a European partner.

The Transformer & Rectifier India Ltd. confirmed with this supply to be the leader in India in the manufacture of industrial machines at high current and power for domestic and foreign markets, basing its technology through proven and reliable solutions.

Face to Face with Stefano Talassi – September 2016

Sep 26, 2016 | Published by Transformers & Rectifiers, India | Added by GC Top Technologies

“ We are at the top of the range in both sectors: Power & Industrial transformers ”

Mr. Stefano Talassi, COO, Transformers & Rectifiers India Pvt. Ltd.

Steel & Metallurgy: Could you tell us about some of the major orders executed by T&R so far, both domestically and globally?
Mr. Stefano Talassi: As far as the T&D sector is concerned this year we received an order of n. 14 – 500 MVA 765 kV power transformer from PGCL & n. 5 – 125 MVA 400 kV shunt reactors from TNTRANSCO corporation. This august 2016 T&R has been awarded an order of 132 MVA Arc Furnace transformer for South America, the biggest EAF transformer ever manufactured by an Indian company after the 70 MVA EAF transformer delivered last year in Middle East. We are at the top of the range in both sectors: Power & Industrial transformers.

SM: Briefly mention the range of your product range specifying the sectors you cater to? Also mention the products T&R offers to the steel sector in particular?
ST: We have well diversified product range comprising of Power Transformers right up to 1000 MVA, 1200 kV class, Distribution transformers of rating 315 kVA & more, rectifier transformers up to 160 kA, Reactors up to 765 kV class & other Special Duty Transformers. In the steel sector we offer Arc Furnace transformers up to 200 MVA together with the series reactor, LF transformers, SAF transformers and Induction furnace transformer as well. All the range of our Industrial transformers covers different solutions at site and is tailor made according to the different requirements of our customers.

SM: What kind of market share does Transformers & Rectifiers enjoy? What is your target in this end?
ST: Today the market share of T&R is around 10% with 20,000 MVA of sales but our target is to reach the no. 1 position in India, among the top players worldwide.

SM: How did the last quarter transpire in terms sales? What would you reckon as the major achievements by T&R of late?
ST: The last Q2 showed a raising of 50% compared to Q2 FY15-16 but the most achievement we got in Q1 where we have more than doubled the previous Q1 FY 15-16 result. We are very proud of our efforts in the continuous improvement of performances even after two years of global recession.

SM: How was the last fiscal in terms orders? Where do you expect the fiscal 2016-17 to end for T&R?
ST: Last financial year we closed with 581 crore INR and our forecast for FY16-17 is to end with a turnover of 1000 crore INR, a real breakthrough performance in the history of T&R since its inception.

SM: ‘Make in India’ is a big step towards revolutionizing the manufacturing sector in India. And how does T&R plan to contribute to this mission?
ST: Today there is a great opportunity in India to change the mindset of the domestic entrepreneur and Indian companies. Make in India campaign is not only a Central Government policy to increase the FDI but also the real belief that India can build great and reliable products. It’s time where the Indian customer can trust the Indian product and T&R is Mr. Stefano Talassi, COO, Transformers & Rectifiers India Pvt. Ltd talks about how T&R is well poised to support make in India programme and Goverment’s special focus on Energy and Power sector with its dedicated approach working daily to do that, together with its quality system approach at the top of all ISO standards, together with its high level engineering teams and R&D department, lean management
system and last but not least together with his over the top service 24×7.

SM: Now, talking about the R&D part, how does T&R focus on innovation in process and product development?
ST: In T&R our motto is the courage to evolve, either in each part of our organization and in each single part of our product, without compromising the reliability and the quality. We work very hard to find out the solutions that can improve our process for a better customer experience. We developed transformers with eco-friendly oil and very low sound level in order to match the new high standards in power sector. Last year T&R has successfully tested a 315 MVA – 400 kV with OLTC autotransformer at KEMA laboratory in Holland: a breakthrough leap in designing under short circuit stresses.
That’s it how we do in T&R.

SM: Give us a glimpse of your production facilities. Also, mention your total workforce?
ST: Our total workforce consists of about 1200 people spread over three facilities around Ahmedabad. One unit in Odhav manufactures distribution transformers up to 72.5 kV voltage level, the unit in Changodar manufactures industrial and power transformers up to 245 kV, the last unit in Moraiya deals with units up to 1200 kV voltage level.

SM: T&R is in three locations based around Ahmedabad. Going ahead, is there any plan to expand your operations?
ST: We have already mentioned that our motto is the courage to evolve and in this sense we continue to seek new product line,including the backward integration and new synergies, as the recent technology license agreement signed with Fuji Electric Co. Ltd. in the field of high voltage level shunt reactors.

SM: How do you see the transformers market in India? What is the growth plan for your company?
ST: Energy & Power sector is one of the most critical components of infrastructure affecting the growth of the economy. The Government has planned to provide affordable 24×7 power for all homes, industrial and commercial establishments and adequate power for farms by 2029. Along with generation, the Government has also increased its focus on the T&D sector which is likely to help in improving PLF levels, improving financial health of SEB’s and reducing transmission losses.

This is likely to drive the demand high and T&R collects this challenge raising our productivity rate year to year, decreasing lead time and inventory costs as well as focusing on our most important asset: the human resources.

Read the full article here: Face to Face

Face to Face with Stefano Talassi – June 2016

Jun 26, 2016 | Published by Transformers & Rectifiers, India | Added by GC Top Technologies

“In the steel sector we are the only company in India with the entire references in each type of transformers”

Transformer & Rectifiers, has achieved a milestone by manufacturing the highest arc furnace transformer in India (132 MVA) which is also the first by an Indian company. With the milestone as motivation, T&R is aiming at achieving many such.

As for Indian market, the company is targeting to enrich its portfolio, continue to put up good financial results, as well as increase its market share to 15% by 2020.

Mr. Stefano Talassi, COO, Transformers & Rectifiers India Pvt. Ltd. talks on his company achievements and growth plans.

Steel & Metallurgy: Firstly, congratulations on developing the highest arc furnace transformer in India (132 MVA) which is also the first by an Indian company. Please share with us details about the product and this achievement?
Stefano Talassi: The 132 MVA arc transformer is absolutely the first transformer of this size ever made in India by an Indian company. To achieve this goal, our team overcame many difficulties, starting from the new supply chain till the final layout testing of the unit for which we delivered a special cooling system tower in order to perform a complete heat run test according to IEC standards. All the departments of the company have been involved to the highest level in order to reach this performance, respecting delivery time of the project and the guaranteed contractual performances. After the manufacturing of the 70 MVA EAF transformer for the Middle East market in 2016, the 132 MVA EAF transformer will be delivered and put into service in South America at an important steel group company, allowing T&R to become one of the world’s most important players in furnace transformers.

SM: We understand T&R primarily offers transformers two categories i.e. Power Transformers and Industrial Transformers. Could you give us a glimpse of the entire industrial transformer range offered by T&R?
ST: The T&R portfolio is wide and covers the entire range of transformers in oil and reactors: we manufacture from 250 kVA – 72.5 kV up to 500 MVA – 1200 kV, shunt reactors up to 400 STEEL & METALLURGY JUNE 2017 30 kV, EAF up to 200 MVA, LF and SAF transformers. We are leader in India in supplying transformers for rectifier applications up to 100 kA DC and induction transformers for casting and melt shops.

SM: What is the current market share of the products offered by Transformers and Rectifiers in India? Do you have any benchmark target for your market share, let’s say by 2020?
ST: T&R is one of the three largest transformer manufacturers in India and our current market share is around at 12%: our target is to reach the 15% level by 2020. In the steel sector we are the only company in India with the entire references in each type of transformers, from the step down transformer to the auxiliaries, from the melt shop (arc or induction furnace) till the rolling mill.

SM: How was the last fiscal in terms of sales and order book?
ST: The last fiscal year was the best ever for the T&R group, reaching the turnover of around 800 crore INR with an order book of 900 crore INR.

SM: Please throw some light on the financial performance put up by T&R in Q4 and throughout the FY 17.
ST: The financial performance of T&R in Q4 grabbed a good order flow in the export jobs as well as the breakthrough orders with important customer as Vedanta, Danieli and Aditya Birla Group. We are expecting a further growth in the export market in the Q3 of the FY 17.

SM: What are your expectations from the current fiscal?
ST: The expectation for the current fiscal year is to consolidate our turnover and improving our margins. The transformer’s market is very competitive and it requires acting in each sector of our organization by decreasing the lead time and improving our efficiency, taking under control any single cost in each division.

SM: Power sector is a crucial factor for infrastructure development in a country. In light of this, how do you see the growth power sector in India? How is your company positioned to cater to the power sector in India?
ST: India has a huge need of infrastructure development and the power sector is the back bone of the country. For this reason we will expect the key role of the Central Government in terms of investments and projects, specially in the renewable energies. We were recently rewarded with an order of 250 units for a solar farm project that it keeps T&R in pole position for the renewable market.

SM: Energy efficiency and sustainability are major constituents of decision making by a customer prior to new equipment purchase. What kind of cost savings a customer can expect from right selection of energy efficient transformers? Does T&R offer any support to its customer in cost savings analysis?
ST: The customer will be able to get the ROI into three years together with an energy saving in the system with the recently introduction of BIS standards for distribution transformers. Of course our R&D department works close with our clients in order to study the best solutions that can suit the cost savings and the return of investment.

SM: What are the investment plans of T&R in transmission sector in India?
ST: T&R aims to expand in the sector of GIS equipments as well as HV bushings, CT and PT, becoming the landmark in the transmission sector with high value service for the customer: several investments have been done so far in these directions with new teams and assets.

SM: As the COO of Transformers & Rectifiers India Pvt. Ltd. what are your growth plan for your company?
ST: The growth plan for T&R is always focused on Human Resources: T&R is not only a manufacturing company but it’s also an engineering company, able to give full service solutions to our customers. T&R products are always tailored made for customer requirements avoiding unnecessary expenses, thanks to our team and engineers working every day for new solutions and improvements.

Read the full article here: STEEL & METALLURGY – JUNE 2017