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Interview with Praveen Kumar Singh

Praveen Kumar Singh
Praveen Kumar Singh
Managing Director
Luwa INDIA
Luwa INDIA

Luwa offers well-engineered systems and solutions for textile and industrial air engineering
Luwa INDIA, a subsidiary of Luwa Air Engineering AG Switzerland, established in 1993 in Bangalore, is a key player in providing comprehensive solutions across multiple segments, including textile air engineering and eco engineering, for the textile sector and beyond. With a strong presence across India and extending to Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, Luwa INDIA is dedicated to meeting customer needs through technologically advanced and economically viable products. In a conversation with Fibre2Fashion, Managing Director Praveen Kumar Singh discusses textile air engineering solutions that meet highest Swiss standards.

Given the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, what are the major challenges industries face in implementing eco-friendly air engineering solutions, and what steps are being taken to overcome these obstacles?

Major challenges industries face in implementing eco-friendly air engineering solutions include cost considerations, technological limitations, and regulatory compliance. To overcome these obstacles, companies are investing in research and development to develop innovative technologies, collaborating with stakeholders to establish industry standards, and adopting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
 

What are the key skills and competencies needed in the workforce to drive innovation and excellence in the air engineering industry, and how are companies and educational institutions working together to cultivate these talents?

Key skills and competencies needed in the workforce to drive innovation and excellence in the air engineering industry include technical expertise in areas such as mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics, as well as proficiency in digital technologies, data analysis, and project management. Companies and educational institutions collaborate to cultivate these talents through specialised training programmes, internships, and industry partnerships, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of addressing current and future challenges in air engineering.

Since its inception in 1935, Luwa has been at the forefront of air engineering solutions. Could you share how the company’s mission and approach to innovation have evolved over the decades?

Luwa Air Engineering AG, founded in 1935, has been a pioneering force in air engineering solutions. In recent decades, Luwa has increasingly integrated sustainability into its innovation efforts, prioritising energy-efficient designs, materials, and processes. This approach includes developing smart, interconnected systems that optimise energy usage and reduce environmental impact. Today, Luwa stands as a leader in textile and industrial air engineering, offering well-engineered systems and solutions that meet the highest Swiss standards. Luwa’s mission and approach to innovation are guided by a commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and technological leadership, with sustainability in the centre of all efforts.

Sustainability seems to be a core value for Luwa. Can you elaborate on the specific strategies the company employs to ensure its solutions are environmentally sustainable?

Sustainability lies at the heart of Luwa’s identity. By incorporating energy-efficient technologies, optimising resource usage, and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes, Luwa ensures its solutions minimise environmental impact. Through initiatives like waste management, reduced energy consumption, and green construction, Luwa fosters a positive environmental footprint, aligning with its commitment to people, planet, and production.

Luwa operates worldwide, with a commitment to understanding local needs. How does the company tailor its solutions to meet diverse requirements across different markets?

With a global presence spanning over 60 countries, Luwa deeply understands the importance of tailoring solutions to meet diverse market requirements. Through extensive market research and collaboration with local partners, Luwa customises its offerings to address unique challenges across different regions. This approach ensures optimal performance and customer satisfaction, reflecting Luwa’s commitment to understanding and serving local needs.

Technology plays a crucial role in Luwa’s offerings. What are the latest technological innovations that Luwa has integrated into its systems and solutions?

Luwa’s commitment to technological advancement is evident in our continuous integration of cutting-edge solutions into our systems. From the innovative space-saving design of the MultiCell Filter MCV to the energy-efficient Axial Flow Fan B800CF with carbon fibre blades, our innovations redefine air filtration and climate control in textile industries. Recent developments also include the integration of digital solutions, enabling real-time monitoring, data analysis, and remote support. These technologies empower customers with unparalleled control, efficiency, and productivity in their air systems.

Your company emphasises long-term customer support beyond system implementation. Could you discuss how your after-sales services enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency?

Luwa’s dedication to long-term customer support extends far beyond system implementation, encompassing a suite of comprehensive after-sales services. From maintenance and troubleshooting to technical support, offerings like Luwa Assist, which is part of Luwa´s digital solutions, ensure customers receive expert guidance to optimise the performance and reliability of their air systems. This commitment enhances overall satisfaction and operational efficiency. With a global reputation for excellence, Luwa’s Service and Parts teams provide support, ensuring prompt delivery of quality aftermarket parts and accessories. In India, our efficient service network ensures that spares are readily available, with a centralised contact point for streamlined assistance, enabling us to serve our customers promptly and effectively.

How significant is R&D in Luwa’s strategy, and can you share any exciting projects or areas of research the company is currently focusing on?

Research and development (R&D) plays a pivotal role in our company’s strategy, driving innovation and maintaining our competitive edge. Currently, we are focusing on several exciting projects and research areas to further advance our air engineering solutions. These include exploring advanced materials like using carbon fibres and manufacturing techniques for enhanced product performance and sustainability, as well as developing smart technologies and digital solutions to optimise system efficiency and customer experience. Our commitment to R&D underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the industry at large.

What are the biggest challenges Luwa faces in the air engineering industry today, and how are you addressing them? Conversely, what opportunities do you see on the horizon?

The air engineering industry is closely tied to the textile industry, which is a cyclical business, experiencing fluctuations in demand and profitability that correlate closely with broader economic cycles. To address these challenges, the company emphasises innovation, agility, and customer-centricity. By leveraging its expertise and technological capabilities, Luwa seeks to leverage the opportunities that arise, such as the growing demand for sustainable solutions and the digital transformation of industrial processes.

In light of Luwa’s extensive experience and expertise in textile air engineering, could you share how the company’s innovative solutions are addressing the unique challenges and requirements of the textile industry today, particularly in terms of enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and product quality?

Drawing on our extensive expertise in textile air engineering, Luwa pioneers innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of today’s textile industry. Our focus on efficiency, sustainability, and product quality is evident in our integration of advanced technologies like the MultiCell Filter MCV and Axial Flow Fan B800CF with carbon fibre blades. Digital solutions optimise air systems, ensuring precise monitoring and control of the textile air system. Luwa’s holistic approach drives operational excellence, fostering sustainable growth and empowering our clients in the textile sector.

With over 85 years of experience, Luwa has a rich history of growth and adaptation. Looking ahead, what are the main goals and strategies for Luwa’s future development?

Looking ahead, Luwa’s main goals include further expanding its global presence, enhancing product offerings, and driving innovation in air engineering solutions. The company aims to continue delivering value to customers by staying at the forefront of technological advancements and sustainability initiatives, thereby solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the textile and industrial sectors.

What are the current trends and emerging technologies in the air engineering industry, and how are they expected to shape the future of industrial and textile manufacturing environments?

Current trends in the air engineering industry include the adoption of digitalisation, automation, and data analytics to optimise system performance and efficiency. Emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing are expected to further revolutionise industrial and textile manufacturing environments, enabling predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

How do global supply chain dynamics affect the air engineering industry, particularly in terms of sourcing materials, manufacturing processes, and delivering solutions across different regions?

Global supply chain dynamics significantly impact the air engineering industry, particularly in terms of sourcing materials, manufacturing processes, and delivering solutions across different regions. Companies like Luwa navigate these challenges by establishing strategic partnerships, optimising logistics networks, and adhering to international quality standards to ensure consistent product quality and customer satisfaction.

How do changing regulations and standards in different countries impact the development and deployment of air engineering systems, especially with regards to emissions, energy efficiency, and safety?

Changing regulations and standards in different countries pose challenges for the development and deployment of air engineering systems. However, they also present opportunities for innovation and market differentiation. Luwa adapts by staying informed about regulatory changes, investing in compliance efforts, and proactively designing solutions that meet or exceed industry standards for emissions, energy efficiency, and safety.
Published on: 05/04/2024

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.

This interview was first published in the Apr 2024 edition of the print magazine