Any infrastructure stands not just on its foundation or concrete, but also on the tiny elements that keeps it all together. Expansion joints have been a very crucial element of any construction undertaking. Metallic or other-wise, an under average quality product can not only jeopardize the structure, but also human lives. Therefore, it is imperative that quality becomes the prime criteria for choosing your raw materials, especially the Expansion joints. Flexatherm is well known for its optimal designing, manufacturing capability, product quality and on time delivery. With its two and a half decades of experience in the industry, Flexatherm has become preferred supplier for metallic expansion joints, non-metallic expansion joints, industrial dampers and flexible metallic hoses.
In conversation with Darshan Patel, Director, Flexatherm.
How do you see the opportunities at hand for the Expansion Joints manufacturers in the Indian market scenario? How is Flexatherm positioned in the market?
Government spending on infrastructure projects like Oil & Gas, Defence, Cement, Power will give a boost on the manufacturing sector. Customers have become demanding in terms of design and product quality. This has given Flexatherm and edge over others, as we have one of the most advanced software for expansion joint design. Since customers need products delivered faster and cheaper, Flexatherm has designed its facility for optimum manufacturing.
How does Flexatherm ensure product quality and on time delivery, thereby earning client's utmost trust?
We provide support to customers right from selection of expansion joints, preparation of designs, customer approvals, preparation of quality plans, manufacturing and dispatch. Flexatherm has a vast experience in the industry for sectors like power, steel, cement, Oil & gas, Petrochemical, locomotives, Transmission and distribution, to name a few.
At Flexatherm, On Time Delivery (OTD) is maintained at 95 percent for the deliveries. For the Quality control, Flexatherm has adopted philosophy of 'Do it Right, The First Time'. All products which are supplied pass through rigorous stage inspections till Pre Dispatch Inspection. We have adopted a complete digital platform for Planning, Production and Quality Control processes. All paper backed system is
replaced by digital system which gives us reliability of inspection as data can be retrieved in real time. Our Quality Management System is certified with ISO 9001:2015 by TUV NORD and our facility is certified by IBR. Moreover, we are enlisted with Engineer’s India Limited, NTPC, MECON for most of our products.
Tell us about the range of products elaborating with respect to your range of Metallic and Non-metallic Expansion Joints.
Our range of products include Axial Expansion joints, Universal Expansion joints, Hinged Expansion joints, Gimbal expansion joints, Pressure balance expansion joints, Fabric expansion joints, and Rubber expansion joints. We design, engineer and manufacture these products for all pressure-temperature-movement ranges based on client’s specific service conditions in line with international standards.
What are the major differentiating factors that set you apart from the competition?
We have one of the largest and advanced facilities for manufacturing of expansion joints. At the same time, Flexatherm has a market presence in more than 20 cities in India and seven countries globally. We have maintained to be a complete solution provider in field of expansion joints. Flextherm boasts of one of the most advanced machineries for manufacturing of expansion joints developed in-house. We also have one of the most advanced software, developed in-house, for designing of expansion joints. With innovation being a constant at Flexatherm, we focus on adopting technology in all departments.
Flexatherm has also developed a digital platform for replacement of traditional paper backed system of Planning, Production, QA/QC and stores
Elucidate on the company’s designing and manufacturing capabilities. How has Flexatherm been leveraging technology to bring in the needed innovation in the market today?
As mentioned earlier, Flexatherm has in-house developed design software based on EJMA 10th Edition. The software has been calibrated with type tests which are recommended in EJMA. The software also includes design of fabric expansion joints for selection of fabrics and insulation height. We also have developed advanced machines for manufacturing of expansion joints. In addition to this, Flexatherm has also developed a digital platform for replacement of traditional paper backed system of Planning, Production, QA/QC and stores.
How has the overall journey been for the company since inception in terms of growth?
Flexatherm was incorporated in 1992. Since then we have been involved in providing expansion joint solution to the industry. We set out in a facility of 15000 Sq Ft. Today the facility in spread in 400,000 Sq ft with a total employee head count of 300. Flexatherm has 19 offices in India and nine offices globally including Canada, Turkey, five locations in GCC, Philippines and South Africa.
What's your vision for Flexatherm?
We have always strived to provide our customers with products and services of unsurpassed quality, while ensuring continuous communication, professional, pro-active and resolute in word and action. We intend to keep it up. At the same time, we still do and continue to provide our employees and suppliers with an environment to develop their potential and skills. On the technology front, we believe in constant innovation and invention, product development and better and efficient processes to manufacture quality products.
As we create a win-win situation for both, our customers and our employees, our goal is to get recognition as a benchmark in the field of metal bellows throughout the world for design and manufacture of metallic expansion joints and related products.
Our goals is to become a Rs.200 crore Innovative, Debt-free, Paperless, Profitable and Global leading manufacturer having 40 percent exports in segments of Small bellows, Industrial expansion joints, Industrial dampers, Cross over piping and Rubber bellows.
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