In conversation with Mr. Sayeed Ahmed, BIESSE India | IndiaWood Industry Connect Podcast

Summary

In this podcast, host Shanaki Chakravarti interviews Mr. S. Ahmed, CEO of BSA India, discussing the woodworking machinery industry in India. Ahmed shares BSA's growth story since 2017, emphasizing India's potential as an export hub and knowledge center. He highlights BSA's focus on local design and manufacturing, skill development, and the integration of technology such as IoT platforms for smart manufacturing. The conversation also covers market challenges, future innovations, and BSA's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mr. S. Ahmed, CEO of BSA India, has over 35 years of experience and has played a significant role in the company's growth in India.
• 🌟 BSA India started in 2017 with a focus on selling machinery in India, recognizing the potential of the market's lack of mechanization.
• 📈 BSA India has seen exponential growth, with a CAGR of over 14-15% in the last four years, and has expanded to 80 countries.
• 🏭 BSA India has a vertically integrated manufacturing setup and has positioned India as an export hub for its products.
• 🔩 The company's best-selling products in India include automatic edgebanding machines, CNC p and rail machines, and CNC beams.
• 💡 BSA India is focusing on innovation, with plans to introduce intelligent machines, remote diagnostics, and digitization in the Indian market.
• 🌐 BSA India's products are designed to cater to the mid-segment market and are competitively priced to meet Indian market demands.
• 🏫 The company emphasizes skill building and has established training centers in collaboration with educational institutes for woodworking training.
• 🌱 BSA India is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, with initiatives like ISO 14001 and 45001 certifications and various CSR activities.
• 🌐 The Indian woodworking market is seen as a potential exporter, with BSA India contributing to 'Make in India' long before it became a national initiative.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the BSA India podcast discussion?

The main focus of the BSA India podcast discussion is the woodworking industry and woodworking machinery industry in India, with an emphasis on the company's growth, market strategies, and future prospects.

How has BSA India's growth been since its inception?

BSA India has experienced exponential growth since its inception in 2017, with a CAGR of over 14-15% and expanding its exports to 80 countries worldwide.

What is BSA India's approach to product design and manufacturing?

BSA India focuses on designing and manufacturing products specifically tailored for the Indian market, with 85% of the products being designed and produced locally to ensure cost competitiveness and meet local requirements.

How does BSA India address the challenges of being a European manufacturer in India?

BSA India addresses challenges by designing products locally to meet the cost and quality expectations of Indian customers, offering value addition, and educating customers on the right product selection and configuration.

What is the current market size for BSA India's segment in the woodworking industry?

The current market size for BSA India's segment in the woodworking industry is approximately 750 crores, with a bright future and potential for growth as more entrepreneurs move towards larger volume production and automation.

What are BSA India's best-selling products in the Indian market?

BSA India's best-selling products include automatic edgebanding machines, CNC p and rail machines, and CNC beams, which are widely accepted not only in India but also worldwide.

How does BSA India plan to adapt to technological advancements in the woodworking industry?

BSA India plans to adapt to technological advancements by developing intelligent machines that can be networked, offering remote diagnostics, and focusing on digitization and smart manufacturing solutions.

What skill-building measures has BSA India taken to enhance the workforce?

BSA India has initiated skill-building measures by setting up advanced woodworking training centers in collaboration with educational institutes, offering training in software, and providing hands-on experience with machinery.

How does BSA India manage service and support across a vast country like India?

BSA India manages service and support through a strong sales and service support team, offering post-installation service support at nominal prices, and providing training at their Technology Center.

What are BSA India's sustainability initiatives and commitments?

BSA India's sustainability initiatives include obtaining ISO certifications, ensuring energy efficiency in product design, minimizing logistic costs, and investing in zero-discharge facilities and rainwater harvesting systems. They also engage in CSR activities such as skill development, educational infrastructure improvement, and environmental conservation.

Can you share a success story of a client who has benefited from BSA India's machinery?

One success story is Feather Light, a brand that started investing in BSA machinery when mechanized woodworking was relatively unknown in India. Today, Feather Light has grown significantly, with retail outlets across the country and a presence in the APAC region, exporting and becoming a notable brand.