Group Nirmal

Commitment to Sustainable Aluminium Solutions

NIRMAL KUMAR SARAF

Managing Director,

Nirmal Wires Pvt Ltd, Group Nirmal

I ndia’s emergence as a global supplier of steel, zinc, and aluminium products signals a monumental shift in the dynamics of international trade. As the world seeks alternatives to traditional manufacturing giants like China, India stands at the forefront, harnessing its potential to become a key player in the global market. With a conducive business environment, burgeoning infrastructure, and a positive economic outlook, India’s ascent as a manufacturing powerhouse is undeniable. Amidst this transformative landscape, the Nirmal Group emerges as a pivotal player, contributing significantly to India’s growing prominence in the global arena. Founded in 1971, Nirmal Group has exemplified remarkable expansion, propelled by a steadfast commitment to prudent financial practices and a culture of sustainable growth. Today, Nirmal Saraf, Managing Director, underscores the ethos driving the company’s success, emphasising the importance of passion and principled business conduct. With a cautious approach towards debt, the Nirmal Group has navigated through challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring not only survival but also sustained growth.
The company’s strategic initiatives, including diversification into zinc wires and expansion in the aluminium sector, reflect a keen understanding of market dynamics and a proactive stance towards innovation. By proactively procuring raw materials and investing in research and development, the Nirmal Group has fortified its position, experiencing exponential turnover growth and bolstering profitability.
Moreover, strategic acquisitions, such as the recent procurement of a zinc wire manufacturing company and a forthcoming agreement to acquire an aluminium conductor manufacturing firm, underscore the company’s forward-looking approach. These acquisitions not only broaden the company’s product portfolio but also enhance self-sufficiency, diminishing reliance on external trade and propelling manufacturing capabilities.
As the Nirmal Group continues on its trajectory of expansion and innovation, it remains poised to further elevate India’s standing as a global manufacturing hub. TradeFlock explored more about the company’s moves and plans with Nirmal.

How does Nirmal Group's vision and mission influence daily operations and decision-making?

At Nirmal Group, our vision revolves around achieving customer delight through consistently exceeding expectations. Rather than solely competing, we emphasise continuous improvement and aligning with customer needs, positioning us ahead. We prioritise quality, service, and competitive pricing by optimising operational costs. Our manufacturing strategy follows four key principles: efficient human resource utilisation, space maximisation, energyefficient practices, and sustainability. Adhering to these principles keeps our production costs industry-leading, enabling competitive pricing and maintaining our edge.

How does Nirmal Group maintain quality throughout production and ensure consistency over time?

We ensure top-notch quality management through a comprehensive approach integrating quality assurance and quality control. Beginning with stringent monitoring of inputs, we maintain control over process parameters to ensure consistency and compliance. Robust quality control measures post-manufacturing include random sampling and inspection of finished products. By combining these aspects, we guarantee every product meets the highest standards, consistently exceeding customer expectations and maintaining high levels of satisfaction.

Can you describe your manufacturing process and any innovative techniques or technologies you use?

We have embraced digitalization to enhance our manufacturing process and ensure high quality. Our process begins with the receipt and rigorous quality check of raw materials in a state-of-the-art laboratory undergoing NABL certification. We use RFID tags for material tracking, allowing us to trace each product back to its raw material origins, improving quality control and issue analysis. Throughout manufacturing, we monitor critical parameters like temperature and cleaning fluid concentrations using advanced instruments. Data is collected and fed into an automated system that provides real-time alerts for any deviations. If a parameter shifts from green to orange, it notifies the head of department and the works manager; if it turns red, production is halted. This combination of digital tracking, real-time monitoring, and rigorous quality checks ensures our manufacturing process is efficient and innovative, consistently delivering high-quality products.

How does Nirmal Group support Make in India and local manufacturing?

We actively contribute to Make in India by emphasising local manufacturing and reducing imports. Developing capabilities for domestic production of zinc-aluminiumcoated wire aligns with the initiative’s goals. Anticipating a decrease in wire imports as our products gain acceptance, we also manufacture high-quality steel wires to support local production. Currently exporting 30% of our steel wire products, we aim for 50% within five years, showcasing India’s manufacturing prowess globally. Our commitment to quality and reliability fosters long-term sustainability and economic growth in local manufacturing.

Are there any challenges in achieving these plans?

Our primary challenge is risk convergence. While we project positive outcomes, preparing for setbacks is vital. This cautious approach can slow progress, but overcoming barriers is integral to success. Our determination and resilience help us navigate obstacles and move forward towards our goals, setting us apart from the competition.

What strategies drove Nirmal Group's 100% increase in annual turnover?

Achieving 100% growth in annual turnover amidst challenges like COVID-19 required strategic foresight and adaptability. The timely commissioning of a new plant capitalised on increased global demand for Indian steel products. Our focus on quality and efficiency positioned us as a reliable alternative supplier in the global value chain amid India’s emergence as the world’s secondlargest steel manufacturer. The “China + one” concept propelled our expansion, with partnerships like the one in Khurda, Odisha, promising further growth opportunities. This underscores our commitment to sustainable growth and seizing emerging market opportunities.