In an interview with TimesTech, Sathya Doraisamy, Chief Business Officer – Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) of TVS Electronics, discusses the company’s enhanced manufacturing capabilities with its new SMT line, sustainable practices with a 400 KV solar plant, and support for local talent at the Tumakuru facility. These initiatives align with the ‘Make-in-India’ vision, strengthening India’s global electronics industry presence while fostering technological advancements and job opportunities.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: How does the introduction of the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line at your Tumakuru facility enhance TVS Electronics’ manufacturing capabilities and position the company as a comprehensive solutions provider in the electronics sector?
Sathya: The introduction of the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line at our Tumakuru facility significantly enhances TVS Electronics’ manufacturing capabilities by enabling in-house PCB assembly, which was previously outsourced. This not only supports our internal production needs but also allows us to offer manufacturing services to external clients, providing more efficient and cost-effective solutions. With integrated design capabilities and the ability to source components at competitive prices, we can now offer comprehensive PCB and box build solutions. Furthermore, our strong customer service network enables us to deliver end-to-end solutions, from design and manufacturing to after-sales support, positioning TVS Electronics as a complete solutions provider in the electronics sector.
TimesTech: Sustainability is a growing priority in modern manufacturing. Can you elaborate on how the 400 KV solar plant powering the Tumakuru facility reflects TVS Electronics’ commitment to responsible and environmentally friendly manufacturing?
Sathya: The 400 KV solar plant powering our Tumakuru facility underscores TVS Electronics’ strong commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly manufacturing. By reducing dependency on conventional energy sources, it significantly cuts our carbon footprint. Additionally, we promote organic farming within the facility, supporting a ‘farm-to-fork’ concept that benefits employees and aligns with our sustainability values.
Our efforts go beyond energy conservation, as we also focus on recycling materials, such as minimizing solder paste usage, and are exploring biodiesel as a replacement for diesel to further reduce environmental impact. We view sustainability holistically, considering energy efficiency, air conditioning, and material use. Moving forward, we plan to conduct detailed audits to ensure our practices meet global sustainability standards, reinforcing our dedication to responsible manufacturing.
TimesTech: With this expansion in Tumakuru, how is TVS Electronics supporting local manufacturing initiatives in alignment with the government’s ‘Make-in-India’ vision and how does this contribute to strengthening India’s global presence in the electronics industry?
Sathya: With the expansion of our Tumakuru facility, TVS Electronics is actively supporting the government’s ‘Make-in-India’ vision by reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local manufacturing. By producing high-quality products domestically, we are not only enhancing our own capabilities but also contributing to the growth of India’s electronics sector and delivering value to both Indian and global customers.
In addition, we have developed a robust local ecosystem of suppliers, enabling us to source components within India and further advance the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. By fostering this local supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem, we are helping to bolster India’s global presence in the electronics industry and positioning the country as a competitive force in the global market.
TimesTech: What steps is TVS Electronics taking to ensure that it stays at the forefront of technological advancements in the rapidly evolving electronic manufacturing landscape?
Sathya: TVS Electronics is taking several proactive steps to remain at the forefront of technological advancements in the rapidly evolving electronics manufacturing landscape. We have invested heavily in advanced Industry 4.0 manufacturing execution systems and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools, which enhance automation, enable real-time monitoring, and support data-driven decision-making. These technologies ensure that we deliver high-quality products efficiently and maintain operational excellence.
In addition, we have implemented digital systems to optimize our supply chain management, allowing us to respond quickly to customer demands and manage tighter production timelines. By continuously upgrading our technology infrastructure, TVS Electronics remains agile, competitive, and well-prepared to meet the future challenges of the electronics industry.
TimesTech: How is the Tumakuru facility contributing to creating job opportunities for young talent, particularly for skilled technical operators, and what initiatives are in place to foster career growth and development in the region?
Sathya: The Tumakuru facility plays a pivotal role in creating job opportunities for young talent, particularly skilled technical operators, through a range of initiatives. These include:
- Job Fairs: Engaging with young professionals at local and regional job fairs to provide insights into available positions and career paths.
- Employment Exchanges: Collaborating with local employment exchanges to prioritize hiring skilled talent from the community.
- Direct College Recruitment: Partnering with local technical colleges to recruit fresh graduates, offering them immediate career opportunities.
- Internships: Providing hands-on internships that allow students and graduates to gain practical experience and become job-ready.
In terms of career growth and development, technical operators have diverse and rewarding opportunities, such as:
- Supervisory or Managerial Roles: Operators with leadership potential can progress into supervisory or managerial positions, where they can lead teams, manage operations, and drive productivity improvements.
- Specialization: Operators can specialize in areas like quality control, equipment maintenance, or process optimization, becoming experts in their fields.
- Cross-Functional Roles: With tailored on-the-job training, operators can develop skills for roles in other areas such as logistics, procurement, or HR, enabling broader career development.
Additionally, the Tumakuru facility supports career development through industrial visits, giving students first hand exposure to modern manufacturing operations. This immersive experience sparks interest in the sector, helps bridge the skills gap, and drives innovation in the workforce.
TimesTech: As TVS Electronics continues to evolve, what future developments or expansions can we expect from the company in terms of manufacturing capabilities and sustainability practices?
Sathya: As TVS Electronics matures into an end-to-end manufacturing service provider, we will enhance our digital capabilities to deliver quality products to our customers. The digital transformation will increase our ability to quickly react to changing product lines of our customers. We will continue to automate our processes to ensure repeatable and reliable manufacturing practices.
We will also continue to enhance our sustainability practices by improving efficiency of the energy use and innovative processes for effective usage of energy using renewable sources.