We test our prototypes, in our chemical and electrical laboratory, to ensure that the specification set out by the customer is met, before we embark on regular production, says Shankar Swamy, Managing Partner, Sharana Industries. Excerpts from the interview.

Tell us about your product range and the services you provide?
Our product range includes traction batteries and motive power batteries for enclosed applications, such as tunneling; stationary batteries for power stations and communication; deep cycling batteries for UPS applications and solar photo voltaic arrays; batteries for electric scooters and auto rickshaws.

What is the overall demand-supply scenario for traction batteries for electrically powered vehicles, especially for the construction equipment?
Demand is consistent and growing but supply is tardy, with a long waiting period. However, purchases of these high value products are being postponed. Batteries for electrically operated Construction equipment are beginning to grow.

Brief us on the core competencies and strengths of Sharana.
Sharana focuses on heavy duty, deep cycling batteries for non-automotive applications.

Tell us about the overall market in terms of size and value for your product line.
Market size for traction batteries in Tamil Nadu alone, is in excess of Rs 20 crore. At present, we can meet 25 per cent of this demand.

How environment-friendly are your product range?
Lead acid batteries are categorised as 'ultra red' by the TNPCB. Therefore, we have to be very meticulous, in following the guidelines laid out by them for this industry. Proper scrubbers and neutralisers are utilised to ensure conformity with the effluent standards.

Brief us on the R&D spend and the latest technology trends.
Our R&D spend is dependent on meeting the specific customer needs, which may be different from our standard production models.

Tell us about your manufacturing facility. Is there any more capex on the anvil?
Our factory has been existence for more than 35 years, manufacturing lead acid batteries. We have focused on industrial batteries since 1989 and our customer profile encompasses most of the large players in the manufacturing industry. We have all the equipment to manufacture any type of industrial motive power battery or deep cycling battery required by any customer.
We test our prototypes, in our chemical and electrical laboratory, to ensure that the specification set out by the customer is met, before we embark on regular production. As far as capex is concerned, we do not have any major plan on the anvil, although there always is a spend on any balancing equipment, that may be needed.

How do you assess the performance of the last two quarters? Has the current inflationary trends and devaluation of the Indian currency adversely impacted the industry?
The last two quarters have been holding steady, as compared to the last year, with a potential to take off during the third quarter, based on the enquiries we have been receiving. The current inflationary trends and currency deterioration, has postponed investment on the high value, motive power batteries.

What is your take on increasing competition in your product line and what differentiates Sharana from competition?
The competition is steady, but the customers keep coming back to us with repeat orders, because of the service culture of Sharana. Sharana constantly monitors its products, at the customer's premises, to ensure there is minimum down time.

Why should a customer buy from Sharana?
Like we said, Sharana's commitment to its products, ensures that the customer is constantly interacting with Sharana, to maximise the service life of his batteries.

Sharana responds within 24 hours on all calls, if the customer is from Chennai and within 96 hours, if the customer is outside Chennai.