Q.1 How the second wave of Covid-19 is affected the market and the company?

 

The first wave of the pandemic completely stalled the progress of Infrastructure projects in both the public and the private sector. For over 2 months the manufacturing sector was largely shut. This did affect us as orders begin to dry up. The start of 2021 saw the market recover. Then the second wave struck, creating doubts once again. But this time industry was better prepared. Learnings from recent past helped us to continue business critical functions without compromising safety. In fact, at WAGO India, we expect to post our best sales ever this year!

 

Q.2 Tell us about your key focus and product line. Is there any new addition in your product list?

 

WAGO is the inventor and market leader in screwless wiring connection technology. Since 1951, this product line has been the torchbearer for us. Meanwhile, we have continued to expand our product offerings to support market requirements. We have developed Interface Electronics and Automation Control technology solutions that are well accepted in the industry today. These new products from the WAGO stable are equipped with intelligent capabilities and comply to the highest quality standards. For example, the WAGO Pro2 Power Supply offers an industry best efficiency of 96%. It also offers diagnostic features, and communication capability with controls systems and the cloud via various fieldbus protocols. Ever evolving WAGO automation control technology offers future-ready solutions for modern machines, systems, and buildings. These include software components, operating and monitoring products, control technology solutions, I/O systems, and sensor/actuator boxes.

 

Q.3 What are the special initiatives taken by the organization for the wellbeing of the employees?

 

WAGO continues to be vigilant in ensuring the best work environment for all its employees. We have been conducting general health check-ups at regular intervals for all our workforce. During the pandemic, we made extensive arrangements for prevention of virus spread and have been very successful at this. We understand that as an organization, we have responsibility towards society at large and not just our

own employees. Recently, we donated high-end medical equipment to a Government hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat for treatment of Mucormycosis (black fungus) that has helped saving precious lives.

 

Q.4 How Wago is transforming itself to cater to the emerging needs of the Indian market?

 

Indian companies have recognized the benefits of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT). These aid decision-making, reduce downtime via predictive maintenance and provide quantum improvements in quality. Most of all, they provide real time insights on the process, allowing both plant level personnel and management to take informed decisions. WAGO provides edge computing devices and cloud solutions, as well as a range of Interface electronics and Automation solutions to support our customers digitization needs. For example, WAGO provides modular type packages (MTP) for decentralized automation in diverse industries from Marine to Process and Building Automation. With more and more data moving to the cloud, Cyber Attacks has become a real threat. The WAGO PFC100 and PFC 200 range of controllers encrypt information directly in the controller. This ensures that machine data is optimally protected against unauthorized access.

 

Q.5 Do we need to emphasize on Research and Development to obtain global quality standards?

 

Investment in Research and Development is imperative for any progressive organization. The gap between India and global quality standards is thinning sharply. However, there is still some ground to cover. Our Government is also driving multiple initiatives to enable MSMEs to adopt cutting-edge technology. This will enable them to compete with global players when it comes to quality. WAGO has adopted a single quality standard across all its manufacturing facilities. This enables each WAGO product unit to maintain conformity to global standards. This is the reason our customers trust our products for unconditional performance and reliability. They are assured of safe, efficient operation of their systems every time.

 

Q.6 How do you evaluate the developed and developing market when it comes to technology, product offerings, and marketing strategies?

 

The developed and developing markets are always on the lookout for new technology to improve their products and processes. In fact, our customers are continuously pushing us to provide cutting edge solutions to their operational challenges. WAGO, as technology solution providers, relish this opportunity to co-create a better product.

 

Q.7 What are the future plans of Wago for the Indian market? What will be the outlook of Indian Electrical industry in coming quarters?

 

WAGO is committed to become the backbone of the smart connected world. We are already the leader in screwless wiring connection technology. Our goal is to become a significant player in Interface Electronics and be known as a reliable Automation solutions provider. WAGO products are used in a wide range of industry. You will find our products in the power and process industry, building automation and machinery, as well as transportation applications. We have seen increased investment in many of these core sectors. So, the trend for the Industry looks positive as we seem to have adjusted to the “new normal”.

 

Q.8 Any company-side developments you would like to comment on?

WAGO’s commitment towards India market is evident with set-up of our new production facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. Spread over 1,00,000 square meters, this world class plant will cater to our customers, both in India and across the Globe.