We are meeting Mr. Hitendra Bhai Patel, CEO of Global CNC, who recounts his journey in Global CNC, in his own words:
Mr. Patel, for the benefit of our viewers, could you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur in Global CNC?
My journey started in 2004 with the manufacturing of hydraulic power pack under the name of UNI Hydraulic System. Then, in 2007, we launched another firm Global Hydraulics, again for manufacturing hydraulic power pack. In 2008 we started manufacturing SPM based on the demand of one of our customers. We then increased our production for SPMs. In 2014, one of our customers required a CNC Lathe machine, so we started manufacturing CNC lathe machines. Over a period of time, our production multiplied both quantitatively as well as in the range of models. So right now we produce 35 to 40 units in a month in CNC lathe machines as well as in vertical machining centres.
This is a remarkable journey. Within ten years, from a hydraulic power pack manufacturer, you have grown to become a full-fledged CNC machine manufacturer. My question is whether it was circumstances that got you into this manufacturing line or was it a planned move?
No, it is not by chance. Before entering in CNC manufacturing we had a clear mindset to run a profitable business. One fine day a gentleman asked us a simple question, “What is your identity that distinguishes you from other manufacturers? So we decided to manufacture a product that would create our unique identity. Nowadays each and every industry is opting for a CNC machine. And we decided to manufacture these machines without compromising on quality and thereby create a special niche for ourselves.
There are several CNC machine tool manufacturers In India. What is so special about Global CNC?
We started with a clear mindset that we manufacture machines which multiply the profitability of our customers. At the designing stage, our focus is to create a product that increases productivity and profitability of our customers. We use components that will increase productivity. We don’t look at what other manufacturers are doing or what components they are using. In this way, we fight the competition, not through pricing but by ensuring our customers are benefited.
So this is the secret behind Global CNC! Tell us, are you working on any new products or new innovations?
No innovations as of now, but yes, we are developing automated machines. Nowadays, getting skilled manpower is a big challenge for each and every industry. Within a few years there will be a huge demand for automated machines, So we will go for such kind of automated turning machines as well as some other products like automated milling machines. Automated machines will be in our product line-up within a year.
By automation, you mean pick and place Robots?
Pick and place Robots and also gantry robot, also Twin spindle Machines etc
And do you have plans to make 5-Axis machines as well?
Yes, we plan to develop HMC, also 5-axis and bigger machines for 4 metre 5 metre also.
In these challenging times, what changes are you expecting in coming years?
We are expecting to see a change in our customers’ thinking process. Nowadays the first question a customer asks, “What is the price?” They are not looking beyond the price like what quality the supplier is providing and the benefits that will accrue from the enhanced quality. They only focus is on pricing. But in the days to come, we expect customers to not look at pricing only but to consider quality and benefits that emerge from better quality.
And how are you addressing this approach?
We are planning to conduct seminars on various platforms in various cities for our customers to make them understand the benefit of high-quality machines. Limiting one’s buying decision to just prices will probably lead to problems in future. But if one focuses on quality and the benefits of machines provide, it will definitely help them in the long run.
Coming to tax administration, how has GST affected your company?
GST is good for all industries. Earlier, small customers who were not registered with the excise department could not get rebate in invoices. GST provides an equal platform for each and every supplier. Now it is easy for every type of manufacturer; particularly small customers, who could not afford to buy machines earlier because there was no provision of rebate on excise amount. So GST is good for us.
So GST has not affected your business adversely in any way. It has only helped you?
Yes, it has.
Do you have any request to make to the government? Do you seek any change in policy from the union government?
Policies are ok. As far as our company is concerned, we are not looking for any change in policy. But yes, there may be certain things like duty on imported machines, maybe, which need consideration. Secondly, one has to promote manufacturing in India. Then, import duties on components have to be restructured to enable us get components at a lower cost to build quality machines at affordable prices.
What are the challenges you are facing at the moment?
Generally, there are challenges faced by each and every industry. Specifically speaking, we at Global are facing the challenge of brand image because people often say we have not heard of you and so there is a trust dilemma among new customers. We are finding ways to meet this challenge.
Where do you see yourself and your company, five to ten years from now?
As one of the top five manufacturers in our country, definitely!
