The PTFE business in India is increasing rapidly, fuelled by rising demand for specialized polymers in a variety of industries. PTFE applications in form of tubes, bar, seals & gaskets, moulded products, sheets, coatings, films is widely used in the end use industries like automobiles & aerospace, Oil & Gas, Chemicals & Industrial processing, Electrical & Electronics, Construction sectors because of its superior thermal, electrical, and chemical resistance qualities.
With India’s flourishing industrial landscape and a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly, high-performance products, demand using PTFE is steadily rising. The notable diversity of application is paving the way for the industry players to carve out a niche and excel in particular types of PTFE products catering to a certain segment and meet its evolving needs. Horizon Polymer is a prime example of a key PTFE industry player, engaged in a unique niche market.
Horizon Polymer focuses on specific industrial products, particularly those crucial to chemical processing and pharmaceuticals industries like Lined piping with various other components as well as vital elements such as fittings, valves, hoses, bellows, sight glass, reactor vessel components and equipment like tanks, and storage vessels. This targeted approach allows Horizon to deliver tailored solutions to industries where the controlled flow and processing of fluids is pivotal to maintaining health and safety by aligning with the specific requirements of these critical sectors.
Leaving an Impact with its Offerings
Founded in 1987 with an elaborate technical collaboration with a UK-based company, Horizon’s journey began with the infusion of cutting-edge polymer processing technology and specialized methods for lining items such as pipes, fittings, valves and more. Over the years, the company meticulously honed and evolved this technology by continuously enhancing it by incorporating advancements in polymer grades. This relentless dedication led to Horizon emerging as a market leader in this specialized product line. Its success is the culmination of unwavering commitment, extensive experience, and an impressive track record with customers.
Having resolved many on site problems and failures occurring in critical service applications, Horizon earned the status of a preferred and valued processor. In fact, for many clients, the relationship has spanned over two to three decades, underlining the loyalty and trust they place in the company. The company’s USP is firmly rooted in harnessing its technology, extensive expertise & experience, and proven methodologies.
Quality Assurance
Given the critical nature of industries that Horizon caters to, quality assurance and backing is of utmost importance. Throughout its operations, the company has set up an array of procedures and steps to ensure top-notch quality. Horizon’s processing facilities are dedicated to handling fine powders of PTFE to extrude tubes up to 18” by paste extrusion process well as for the melts granules like PFA & FEP and thermoplastics like PP/HDPE/PVDF are processed by injection molding techniques.
The PTFE processing initiates from the resin state, necessitating meticulous temperature control. The extrusion and sintering processes which follow are extremely critical as the process adapted will determine both the mechanical strength and specific gravity properties which are very essential to ensure an optimal product performance.
Lining pipes with extruded PTFE tubes involves a complex process, employing proprietary methods known as the ‘THERMALOK PROCESS’.
This lining process ensures that the liner is mechanically locked with the metal pipe and the plastic liner acts as one monolithic unit even during frequent thermo cycling situation. The liners used are fairly thick to allow thermal stability and provide resistance against vacuum. On the other hand, polymers like PFA & FEP are processed on a semi-automatic special purpose injection molding machines which are both electrically and hydraulically controlled and the same are used to inject molten polymer into preheated cast bodies of fittings and valves and then water cooled.
All these processes and machine operations are rigorously monitored and maintained to meet international quality standards and are in compliance with ISO requirements and emission norms.
“Our production capacities for processing both PTFE & PFA has substantially increased resulting in 25 to 40 percent growth in turnover in the last 2 years. These capabilities underscore our commitment to meeting market demands with unwavering quality and efficiency”, shares Gerard Pinto, President, Horizon Polymer.
An essential aspect of this processing journey lies in qualifying these products through various type tests, ensuring they adhere to International/ASTM standards. These tests encompass a range of conditions, including high and low temperatures, full vacuum conditions at rated temperatures, steam cold cycle tests which are more applicable for Lined pipework and fittings. For the Lined Ball Valves we have satisfactorily conducted the Fugitive Emission tests as per ISO norms and it is because we have conducted these tests we are able to certify and guarantee the viability and durability of our products.
“Our dedication lies in delivering top-notch products that meet the precise demands of our clients. We invest significantly in ensuring our manufacturing processes are at the cutting edge of technology to offer the highest quality solutions. Our approach is deeply rooted in innovation, meeting the ever-evolving needs of the industry while staying true to our commitment to environmental sustainability”, further shares Gerard. Through such advanced polymer processing capabilities and multi-step quality assurance, Horizon has positioned itself as a leading player in the industry, poised for continued growth and success in both domestic and international markets.
Geographical Foothold
Horizon holds a significant market presence primarily in Gujarat and Maharashtra, extending to notable operations in Madhya Pradesh and sporadic ventures in Rajasthan. However, the nucleus of its business emanates from two pivotal sectors. The chemical industry, constituting nearly 70 percent of its operations, predominantly engages the firm in regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Additionally, Horizon’s strategic unit in Hyderabad stands as a key player, efficiently catering to the thriving pharmaceutical industry, predominantly situated in the South, encompassing Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and significant parts of Karnataka. This southern hub, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, mirrors the main plant’s capabilities.
What sets Horizon Polymer apart is the attribute of expertise using a proven technology & its exceptional sales force in India, a team directly engaging with end-users, customer procurement & plant personnel
Furthermore, the company has established strong ties with eminent EPC/engineering consultants such as Thyssen Krupp, Aker Solutions, Shroff, Technip, Toyo, Jacobs, EIL in India and overseas like Petrofac, Metito, Gerab Hyundai, GS Engg thereby fortifying its industry presence. Horizon has effectively ventured into exports, showcasing its prowess on the global stage. Post-COVID-19, the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors in India have experienced a substantial upsurge, fueled by investments and a growing outsourcing trend from Europe and the US. The focus has shifted to expedite production timelines, challenging the company to enhance delivery efficiency. Adapting to this, Horizon has augmented its capacities and operational strategies to accommodate shorter delivery periods while prioritizing long-term customer relationships, a testament to its commitment to customer satisfaction and adaptability in the dynamic market landscape.
Future Roadmap
In the short term, the paramount goal for the company is to broaden its customer base, positioning itself as the preferred and valued processor. The firm’s USP lies in providing top-notch, qualified products while ensuring a seamless and efficient process, ultimately saving customers from downtime and failures. The team recognizes that quality and reliability are what discerning customers seek in a supplier, and is dedicated to bridging this crucial gap.
What sets Horizon apart is its exceptional sales force in India, a team directly engaging with end-users, customer procurement, and plant personnel. This proactive approach enables the team not only to address new requirements but also to troubleshoot any problems the customers face with products sourced from other suppliers. However, the firm acknowledges the challenge of integrating new team members while maintaining its customer-centric ethos. Furthermore, the portfolios of Sales & Marketing, Operations & Finance are independently handled and controlled by a professional Senior Management team that has been with the organization for almost three decades.
“Our commitment is to forge lasting relationships with our customers, ensuring satisfaction and reliability. Embracing new ideas and perspectives is essential for growth while upholding our core values. We look forward to overcoming challenges and achieving even greater heights, making a significant mark in the industry”, lastly adds Gerard Pinto.
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