Mr. S. Hari Shankar, Joint Managing Director
Established in 1960, Lakshmi Card Clothing (LCC) reigns as the global frontrunner in the card clothing industry, offering comprehensive solutions for card rooms. The unparalleled success of LCC can be attributed to the relentless dedication of its engineers, who have pioneered groundbreaking innovations and brought top-tier products to the market. Harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, LCC thrives in overcoming market challenges and setting new benchmarks. Operating under the Lakshmi Group of Companies, LCC’s Corporate Headquarters in Coimbatore, India, serves as a strategic base for its worldwide reach. Recognized for transformative innovations, LCC proudly holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification from TUV NORD, Germany.
Recently, TVC Media Team had the honour of conversing with Mr. S. Hari Shankar, Joint Managing Director of Lakshmi Card Clothing Mfg. Co. Pvt. Ltd., shedding light on LCC’s remarkable journey and future endeavours.
What is the innovative product you introduced in the market, and how does it help mills?
The innovative product introduced is the Centura 3F series of wires. These wires are designed with two key innovations:
- Extra Long Life: The Centura 3F series is built to last significantly longer than traditional wires. This reduces the frequency of replacements needed in mills, lowering maintenance costs.
- Improved Mill Quality: The specific design of the Centura 3F series wires helps to ensure consistent and high-quality output within the mills.
In addition to product innovation, the company is also addressing a common challenge faced by mills: a lack of skilled personnel for maintenance. They are taking steps to equip their service team to provide additional support to mills, ensuring they can maintain their equipment and meet quality standards.
How do you approach research and development (R&D)?
The Coimbatore factory utilises a proactive R&D approach focused on innovation and anticipating customer needs. Here’s a breakdown of their strategy:
- Dedicated Budget: The company allocates an annual internal budget specifically for R&D activities.
- Strong R&D Department: A well-established R&D department is located within the Coimbatore factory.
- Focus on Innovation: The department’s primary objective is to continuously develop new products and improve existing ones.
- Proactive Strategy: Their approach is to stay ahead of the curve by anticipating market needs and developing solutions before they become essential.
- Customer Centricity: The entire R&D process is driven by understanding and fulfilling the requirements of their customers (referred to as “mills” in the conversation).
In essence, the Coimbatore factory’s R&D department strives to be at the forefront of innovation by dedicating resources, fostering a creative environment, and prioritising customer needs.
What is your market share in Turkey right now?
We are currently in the process of establishing the market in Turkey. We have a presence, but it’s not one of our strongest markets yet.
What are your plans for expanding the combing machine business?
Yes, there is an expansion plan for the combing machine. The company is looking to enter the replacement parts segment for combing machines. They are developing a new line of replaceable parts and expect to have pilot products available in the next six months.
What is your estimated market share in India?
We believe we are the market leader in India, with a market share of around 45%.
Is there anything you would like to convey to the industry about how the industry should operate?
As an industry leader, I believe the industry must navigate through the series of ups and downs effectively. At Lakshmi Car Clothing, we always prioritise keeping the mills in mind. Our dedicated service team goes above and beyond to ensure that both the quality and quantity of production at the mills are maintained at a high standard. We aim to have our customers remember LCC when they think of reliable service and quality products.
Video Link:
https://www..youtube.com/watch?V=xq4WUh4DmzU
