Philip J Mani, Managing Director at Schmalz India, stands out as a trailblazing leader in the business world. He began his journey with Schmalz India in 1999 as a Sales Manager and then moved through different roles from sales, project management, construction, and reporting. Today, he is spearheading Schmalz India to newer heights with his dynamic guidance and innovative approach. His business success has been a testament to his distinctive leadership and unwavering dedication to creating a difference in the industry.
This article provides some insights into Philip J Mani’s journey from a modest beginning to becoming an industry pioneer, his key strategies, and future plans.
Schmalz India: Evolution and Expansion
Schmalz India came into existence in 1999 in Hyderabad, bringing an unparalleled array of Vacuum Gripping and Handling Systems. After a few years, the company shifted to Pune to set up the manufacturing unit. Later, it fully occupied the space and established its production and sales unit.
Initially, the company focused on localizing vacuum left-handling systems in India and manufacturing for the local industry. Gradually, it moved to the international market and started exporting its products to Germany.
Schmalz India is thriving in new business segments with Binar and Palamatic. Palamatic holds great expertise in all aspects of handling solutions and it was acquired in 2022 by Schmalz India. Additionally, the company also acquired Binar Handling AB and its four subsidiaries in Europe and Asia, to strengthen its industry reputation in ergonomic handling technology.
The company has started manufacturing a huge number of handling systems, including sizes beyond their standards. They have standard systems up to two tons, but they also make systems that are five or ten tons in weight-only capacity. It has been a thriving path year after year, including the year when there was COVID.
The Key Inspiration Behind Joining Schmalz India
Prior to joining Schmalz India, Mr. Mani was working in Dubai. Upon returning to the country, he got the opportunity to become a part of Schmalz India. He was particularly inspired to join the company due to its fascinating products.
At that time, vacuum handling was still a new idea. The companies he visited could hardly believe in Schmalz’s ability to manage a vacuum twice, which was a significant accomplishment in itself.
The Product Portfolio
The company’s primary offering in the Vacuum Automation business unit includes individual components like suction pads or vacuum generators, complete gripping systems, and clamping solutions for holding workpieces. In the Handling business unit, it offers innovative handling solutions for industry and trade with vacuum lifters and crane systems.
The Key Differentiators
Schmalz India is the most trusted manufacturer of Suction Cups, Vacuum Generators & Vacuum Gripping Systems. Its service excellence is another key factor. The team always stays focused from the initial stages of engagement with the customer to ensure that they are giving them the right solution.
“We do not just sell a product to make a sale; we sell the right solution to them. What every company wants is that whatever product they provide in the market, the same should be supported after the sale in the background for a long duration, which is extremely important“, the leading man says
Fostering a Friendly and Flexible Work Culture
Schmalz India fosters a positive work culture with a five-day working schedule and flexible office timing allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance and spend more time with their families. Throughout the years, the HR team organized varied employee engagement activities, which helped employees grow together as a team.
The “Secret Sauce” Behind Mr. Mani’s Dynamic Leadership
According to Mr. Mani, “Leaders should always work hard, smart and be determined in the work, ensuring that as they work, they should also respect and take the people with them along with them. Leaders should be able to recognize the right people under them. This is the reason why I always like to have long-term employees.”
The Core Values at Schmalz India
The team at Schmalz India remains at the forefront of industry evolution with its innovative approach, consistently developing new products by anticipating industry needs ahead of time. In addition to product innovation, they also focus on maintaining good relationships with the employees. Because of the inspiring leadership and distinctive work culture, more than 75% of the employees at Schmalz India have been with the company for over a decade.
Overcoming the Hurdles Along the Way
Mr Mani believes while there is much discussion about numerous companies entering the Indian market, in reality very little progress is made on paper. Therefore, the majority of the market is dominated by multinational companies that have already established their presence in the country.
A decade back, many companies entered the Indian automobile like Volkswagen. However, they could not grow and expand their business here. Besides, the economy itself is not booming. These are the primary factors that are restricting the growth of the handling industry.
The Newest Technological Integration
In handling, there is a new technology called Greco. Inspired by lizards, this unique material mimics the ability of lizards to walk on walls. Lizards have a special layer on their hands and legs that creates a vacuum, allowing them to adhere to surfaces, even when they are slightly rough.
Presently several organizations are studying this technology to understand if it can help handle processes of different types of workpieces, such as handling a tomato without damaging it.
Giving Back to the Community and Environment
Schmalz India strives to safeguard the environment. It has already established itself as a 100% positive energy company in Germany. Besides, the company has recently installed solar panels in India to manage 30% of its total energy consumption from solar.
Additionally, Schmalz India participates in a variety of CSR initiatives, where they support child education by providing them with computer labs. They have covered a total of five schools. They have also made mechanical engineering labs and vacuum technology for engineering institutes.
Achievements and Milestones: Success So Far
Schmalz India’s journey has been truly remarkable, marked by multiple awards and accolades recognizing its innovative products. The company has been honored with the ‘PUNE BEST EMPLOYER BRAND AWARDS 2023,’ which recognizes its dedication to employee development and positive work culture.
In 2011, Schmalz India successfully expanded their manufacturing facility in India with almost 300% of the production. Two years later, they opened a new handling system production facility very close to their existing premises.
The Future Roadmap
Schmalz India is moving in different directions to accomplish its 2030 goals. Currently, the company is actively diversifying into software development and design. It is providing design services to the parent company.
Schmalz India’s manufacturing handling systems are locally available in India. Further, it is working to localize a lot of other components to cater to this local development and growth. The company has recently taken over Palamatic to move into the hygiene sector. It provides equipment for the hygienic handling of processes, including bag and carton handling.