Due to increasingly unsafe pollution levels, there is a rising demand for more cost-effective and environmentally friendly generators in India. Modern Power Systems - BRICS Edition speaks to Ganesh Iyer, retail general manager at FG Wilson, about how the company's new generator sets and how careful attention to customer needs can help rectify the issue for the domestic market.
What are your responsibilities at FG Wilson and what are the business's current aims?
Ganesh Iyer: Located in Bangalore, India, I have responsibility for the global retail business (FG Wilson brand full range and Caterpillar brand up to 750kVA).
My responsibilities include retail sales and engineering globally, as well as manufacturing in China, India and Brazil. I am dedicated to growing the business in a challenging world market and working closely with dealers to ensure our marketing and distribution strategies are competitive. My main focus areas are driving competitiveness, differentiation and value to our customers; and enabling new growth initiatives and innovation.
What specific requirements for the Indian domestic market needed to be met when considering the design of the generators?
Pollution levels in major cities across India are currently at unhealthy levels, so the Central Pollution Control Board released pollution norms for diesel generator sets. This meant that we needed to provide a full, cost-effective, generator set range for the domestic Indian market.
Our products comply with emissions regulations in the countries in which they are sold. India has one of the more stringent conformances of production procedures in the world, so we must continue to meet the local regulations in the countries in which our products are sold, including India, while providing customer value.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) II is the current level of emission norms that mandate significant reduction in engine exhaust emissions than previously for diesel generators up to 800kW in India. The implementation of these norms means that India will witness more fuel-efficient generators, benefitting the end customer.
Designed specifically for the needs of the Indian domestic market, every model within the FG Wilson range meets all necessary local legislation requirements, including the CPCB current emissions norms and noise limit.
What has been the feedback from customers like so far?
Feedback from dealers and customers has been extremely positive. We have received one of the highest levels of enquiries for a new product introduction since launching the new Indian product line in October. This response to our new product line from the Indian market is very encouraging and we are currently in full production.
Have competitors created any similar generators for this market and, if so, what sets FG Wilson's apart?
The generator set market in India is highly competitive. As a minimum requirement, all generator set manufacturers must ensure that their products meet the current CPCB II emissions norms.
The company stands apart from the competition in many ways. A long service interval of 500 hours lowers the generator set's operating costs and FG Wilson genuine parts for the range are readily available via its wide dealer network throughout India.
The range is fully backed by the FG Wilson warranty programme and local FG Wilson dealer network. Providing more than just power, the company provides customers with a one-stop shop for technical advice, FG Wilson genuine parts and ongoing maintenance support. The dealer network is there to support customers when and wherever necessary.
How long has the company's dealer network been in existence and what are its priorities for customer satisfaction?
We have a dealer network that is extremely experienced in supporting the needs of electric power customers across India, dating back as far as 70 years.
Through our highly skilled, extensive dealer network, we are able to provide a one-stop shop for all of our customers' power needs. Dedicated to providing the highest levels of service and customer support, our dealers are available locally before, during and after each power installation, no matter how complex and whatever the conditions.
What's in the pipeline for FG Wilson?
We will continue to focus on growing our business across India and will be expanding the product range there, introducing single-phase models of 10-30kVA and an additional three-phase model at 250kVA in the near future.
