The rubber industry is a crucial yet often overlooked ecosystem with automotive SMEs playing a vital role, writes Upendra Kasbekar.
Vinod Rubber Products, an SME into manufacturing rubber Gascades, is a testament to how innovation and entrepreneurial vision can transform a legacy business. The rubber industry is one of the most crucial yet often overlooked ecosystems in India. While many associate rubber with tyres, its applications extend far beyond. One such company making a significant impact in this domain is Murbad MIDC-based Vinod Rubber. Established in 1975 by the proprietor Vaishnav Vinod’s grandfather, the company has carved a niche for itself in manufacturing high-quality rubber gascades. Today, under the leadership of Vinod, the company is expanding its horizons, venturing into new markets, and embracing innovative ideas.
Significance Of Rubber Gascades
Rubber Gascades are essential components used in various industries, each requiring different types of rubber depending on their utility and temperature resistance. Unlike traditional rubber products, Gascades demand precision engineering to function effectively under extreme conditions. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is used in the milk industry due to its superior sealing properties, ensuring hygiene and preventing contamination. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is used in the automobile, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries due to its ability to withstand temperatures up to 130 degrees Celsius, making it highly versatile.
Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) is ideal for applications where temperatures exceed 130 degrees Celsius, commonly used in oil and gas industries. Fluorine Kautschuk Material (FKM) is the best choice for temperatures beyond 180 degrees Celsius, often found in aerospace and high-performance industrial applications. At Vinod Rubber Products, the SKUs cater to a wide range of industries, including the chemical industry, providing rubber components that resist harsh chemical environments. The company also serves the heat exchanger industry by manufacturing critical components for heat exchange systems in large-scale industrial operations.
Sourcing And Manufacturing
Vinod Rubber sources raw materials from Indian vendors who in turn import from Russia, UAE, Thailand, and Japan. Some of the key suppliers include MK Marketing well regarded for its consistency in material quality. AB Brothers specialises in high-grade rubber compounds. Also, local vendors provide customised solutions for specific manufacturing needs. The company follows a meticulous manufacturing process to ensure the highest quality standards. Customers provide drawings or samples, based on which the rubber plates and Gascades are manufactured.
The company also reverse-engineers existing heat exchangers to produce compatible products. With over 300 product model moulds, Vinod Rubber caters to diverse customer needs efficiently. To maintain flexibility, the company fulfils orders ranging from a single unit to bulk quantities. Fast-moving products are always kept in stock to streamline production and meet customer demands promptly. The ability to scale production based on demand has given Vinod Rubber a competitive edge in the industry as per Vaishnav.
Infrastructure And Capacity Utilisation
The company employs advanced machinery, including, a mixing mill for blending raw materials and additives. Internal mixers and or kneaders ensure uniform composition of rubber compounds. Rubber cutting machine enhances precision in component manufacturing. Hydraulic presses of various sizes facilitate the moulding of rubber products with accuracy. The company has presses from the size of one foot to the size of nine feet. Ovens including those for post-curing processes, are essential for achieving desired material properties.
The company has an impressive production capacity, manufacturing 1.5 lakh Gascades per year and 500-700 Gascades per day in a single shift. Each mould can produce up to 100 Gascades per day, while larger moulds yield around 70-75 units daily. To ensure consistent quality, the company adheres to a well-defined formulation process where accelerators are used to reduce curing time. The formulation takes four to five minutes at 150-180 degrees Celsius to complete a ready product. Quality checks are conducted both in-house and through third-party labs whenever formulation changes occur. These quality assessments help in maintaining industry compliance and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Strong Client Relationships
Vinod Rubber has established strong relationships with key clients, including Tranter India Pvt. Ltd. and Clean Earth Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. These partnerships demonstrate the company’s capability to meet the demands of large-scale industrial applications. Tranter India Pvt. Ltd. is a significant player in the heat exchanger industry, relying on Vinod Rubber’s precision-engineered rubber Gascades for its systems. Clean Earth Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. sources approximately 75,000 products per year from Vinod Rubber, reflecting the company’s efficiency in handling bulk orders without compromising on quality. These longstanding relationships underline the trust Vinod Rubber has built through its consistent quality, reliability, and customer-centric approach.
Challenges In The Rubber Industry
Despite the growing demand, the rubber industry faces several challenges. Limited awareness remains a major issue, with many perceiving rubber only in the context of tyres, overlooking its vast applications in the industrial fields. Expensive raw materials and processing costs require a combination of chemical and mechanical expertise, making rubber manufacturing a specialised field. Additionally, there is a lack of competition in niche segments such as rubber Gascade manufacturing, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Furthermore, the focus on precision and durability rather than mass production makes scalability a challenge, requiring continuous investment in R&D.
Vaishnav Vinod, Proprietor – Vinod Rubber Products
Leadership And Vision
At just 28 years old, Vaishnav Vinod is successfully managing and taking forward, the legacy of his family business. Having actively participated in the company’s operations for the last seven to eight years, he has transformed Vinod Rubber into a modern rubber manufacturing unit. Taking over the reins from his late father, he and his younger brother took charge of the business. With new strategies and an expanding market presence, the passion has rubbed off to his network. This close circle is pushing the rubber ecosystem forward. One of Vaishnav’s key contributions has been modernising the business while maintaining its core values. He has ensured that the company adapts to new manufacturing techniques and meets the latest industry standards. His leadership is driven by a deep understanding of market demands, a focus on Research and Development (R&D), and an unwavering commitment to quality. “Innovation and adaptability are key to sustaining the rubber industry. We focus on quality and precision to meet the evolving demands of our customers,” he mentions.
The Entrepreneurial Vision
Vinod Rubber is now set to expand into non-automotive streams like the pharmaceutical and food-grade rubber sector. On the rubber ecosystem’s wishlists, Vaishnav believes that the government should lower GST and taxation rates for the rubber industry, benefiting both manufacturers and end users. For young entrepreneurs, he emphasises starting early. Finding a niche product and conducting thorough research takes time, so beginning at a young age helps in understanding market trends and customer needs. “Young entrepreneurs should start early, research deeply, and find a niche where they can truly make a difference. The rubber industry offers immense potential for those willing to explore,” he concludes. As an SME with a three to five crore annual turnover, Vinod Rubber is a shining example of a small yet impactful enterprise driving the rubber industry forward. ACI
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