Nandan's Year in Review:
Triumphs and Transformations
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Introduction
As we usher in a new year, it’s imperative to take a moment and reflect on the strides and achievements of the past year. For Nandan GSE, 2023 was not just another year in the calendar; it was a period marked by groundbreaking innovation, strategic expansion, and significant milestones. This comprehensive review offers an insightful glimpse into how Nandan GSE has not only navigated the challenges of the year but also emerged as a pioneer in its field. As we reflect on the past year, Nandan has achieved significant milestones, demonstrating remarkable growth and innovation. This review highlights the key achievements in special projects, defense engagements, strategic partnerships, process improvements and more.
Special Projects: Pioneering Solutions
This collection of special projects demonstrates cutting-edge engineering, featuring tools like a 50 Ton Fire Brigade Truck Stability Testing Platform, a 10 Ton Elephant Tilter, and various heavy-duty scissor lifts. It includes specialized equipment for animal handling, advanced warehousing systems like the ASRS, and precision devices for aviation and defense, highlighting innovation and safety across diverse sectors.
1. 50 Ton Fire Brigade Truck Stability Testing Platform
A robust platform designed to test the stability of large fire brigade trucks. This platform can accommodate vehicles up to 50 tons, assessing their balance and structural integrity during various simulated conditions.
2. 10 Ton Elephant Tilter
An innovative device specifically engineered for safely tilting and maneuvering elephants, particularly useful in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. It has a capacity of 10 tons, ensuring the safe handling of these large animals.
3. Elephant Loader (Inside Truck)
A specialized equipment designed to load elephants into trucks safely and efficiently. It is likely equipped with reinforced ramps and secure holding areas to ensure the animal’s safety during transport.
4. Truck Mounted Crane
A truck mounted knuckle boom crane was built for lifting heavy transformers. 850 KG lifting capacity at 9.1 meter range.
5. ASRS (Automatic Storage & Retrieval System)
An automated system used in warehousing for storing and retrieving goods. It’s a space-efficient solution that uses robotic systems and software to manage inventory with high accuracy and efficiency.
6. Heavy-Duty Self-Propelled Scissor Lift
This is a self-propelled scissor lift with a significant reach of 8 meters and a capacity of 1.5 tons. Ideal for tasks that require both height and heavy lifting capacity.
7. AirBus 380 Flight Catering Hi Lift
A hi-lift catering truck designed for the Airbus 380, the world’s largest passenger airliner. This equipment is used to load catering supplies onto the aircraft efficiently.
8. Animal Ambulance (Tail Lift)
A specially equipped ambulance for transporting animals, featuring a tail lift for easy loading and unloading of injured or sick animals.
9. Trestles for Air India
Custom-designed support structures (trestles) for use in Air India operations. These could be used for maintenance, repair, or construction purposes in an aviation setting.
10. Mobile Loading - Unloading For UGV (Unmanned Guided Vehicle)
It is a ramp for lifting 2.4 ton UGV at 1.8 mtr height at 20%. Unloading and unloading of UGV used by the defense sector.
Each of these projects represents a unique engineering challenge, requiring specialized knowledge in mechanics, electronics, and safety protocols. They are crucial in their respective fields for efficiency, safety, and functionality.
Deeper in Defense: Expanding Horizons
Nandan GSE’s involvement in the defense sector has seen remarkable growth, characterized by active participation in defense tenders, solidifying partnerships with key entities. These developments highlight Nandan GSE’s rising credibility and commitment to meeting the stringent demands of national defense initiatives, marking them as a significant and reliable contributor in this specialized field.
Participation in Defense Tenders
Nandan GSE has increasingly been marking its presence in national defense initiatives. This involves actively participating in defense tenders, where we’ve bid for contracts to supply our products and services. Our regular involvement in these tenders signifies a strategic move to become a more integral player in the defense sector. It reflects our capability to meet the stringent requirements and standards that defense contracts typically demand.
Vendor Registrations
Nandan GSE has been strengthening its relationships with key defense entities such as HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Nashik and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). By registering as a vendor for these prestigious organizations, Nandan GSE has positioned itself as a reliable and qualified supplier. This not only enhances their reputation but also opens doors for future collaborations and orders.
Defense Orders Worth 3.1 cr
Securing defense orders worth 3.1 crores is a significant achievement for Nandan GSE. It serves as a testament to their growing trust and reliability in the defense sector. This figure indicates not just a financial milestone but also reflects the confidence that defense agencies have in Nandan GSE’s capabilities. These orders likely encompass a range of products and services, each meeting the exacting specifications and quality standards required in defense applications. The achievement suggests that Nandan GSE’s is not only expanding its footprint in the defense sector but also excelling in delivering quality and value in its offerings.
Strategic Partnerships: Building Strong Alliances
Each of these partnerships signifies Nandan GSE’s approach to growth – combining their own strengths with those of their partners to innovate and expand their product offerings. These collaborations are not just about sharing resources but also about aligning visions to create products that are at the cutting edge of technology, sustainability, and market relevance.
DTA for Automatic Guided Vehicle
Nandan GSE has collaborated with DTA, a leading player in the field, to develop Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs). This partnership combines Nandan GSE’s expertise in material handling with DTA’s technological prowess in automation. AGVs are critical in various industries for their efficiency and precision in transporting goods without human intervention, indicating Nandan GSE’s foray into advanced, automated solutions.
Electro Air for Ground Powering Units
In a strategic alliance with Electro Air, Nandan GSE is venturing into the production of Ground Power Units (GPUs). These units are essential in aviation for supplying power to aircraft while on the ground. The collaboration with Electro Air, known for its expertise in electrical systems, signifies Nandan GSE’s expansion into the aviation support equipment sector, enhancing their product range with technologically advanced, high-quality GPUs.
Exclusive Partnership with JCB
Focusing on defense and aviation, Nandan GSE’s exclusive partnership with JCB marks a significant step in consolidating its position in these sectors. JCB’s global reputation and Nandan GSE’s domain expertise combine to offer specialized equipment tailored for defense and aviation needs. This partnership not only extends Nandan GSE’s reach in these markets but also brings in JCB’s innovation and reliability into the mix.
Kalyani for Electric Hi Lift
Aligning with the global shift towards sustainability, Nandan GSE’s strategic move with Kalyani to develop Electric Hi Lifts showcases their commitment to environmentally friendly solutions. This collaboration is aimed at producing high lifts powered by electricity, reducing carbon footprint and enhancing efficiency. It’s a forward-thinking initiative that places Nandan GSE at the forefront of sustainable innovation in industrial machinery.
Certifications & Memberships: Upholding Excellence
At Nandan GSE, we take immense pride in our unwavering commitment to quality and standards, a commitment that not only defines us but also greatly benefits our customers. This year, we’ve further solidified this commitment through key certifications and memberships.
Renewal of ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 Certifications
Our adherence to these ISO standards ensures that our customers receive products and services of the highest quality. ISO 9001:2015 guarantees consistent quality in our offerings, providing our clients with the assurance that our products will meet their needs and expectations. ISO 14001:2015 reflects our dedication to environmental management, ensuring that our operations minimize environmental impact, which is increasingly important to our eco-conscious customers. Finally, ISO 45001:2018 underscores our commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace, further ensuring the reliability and safety of our products.
SAMAR (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating) Certification
Achieving Level 3 out of 5 in this benchmark highlights our advanced capabilities in defense manufacturing. This certification is a testament to our maturity and innovation in manufacturing, assuring our customers in the defense sector of our ability to meet complex and stringent requirements with utmost precision and quality.
AS9100D Certification
Our AS9100D certification is particularly significant for our customers in the aerospace industry. This standard is a baseline for quality management in aerospace, and our compliance with it assures customers of our ability to meet the high-quality standards required in this sector. It demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction in one of the most demanding industries.
Membership in IIW (Indian Institute of Welding)
Being a member of the IIW aligns us with the latest in welding technology and best practices. This membership not only enhances our capabilities but also assures our customers of the high-quality and durability of our welded products. It’s a commitment to excellence in an area critical to the integrity and safety of many of our products.
Process Improvements: Elevating Standards
At Nandan GSE, our continuous process improvements are driven by a desire to exceed our customers’ expectations and deliver unparalleled quality and efficiency. This year, we have implemented several key enhancements that directly benefit our clients
Enhanced Welding Capabilities
We have optimized our welding process, increasing our capacity to weld plates up to 40 mm in thickness, a significant improvement from the previous 25 mm limit. This advancement, achieved by qualifying our welders for more complex tasks, directly translates to our ability to handle larger and more demanding projects. For our customers, this means products that can withstand higher stress and have increased durability.
Painting Procedure Validated
Our painting procedures have been rigorously validated and lab-tested for 352 hours, ensuring long-lasting and durable finishes. Previously unvalidated, this process improvement means our products now come with an assurance of enhanced quality and longevity in their finish, giving our customers products that not only perform well but also maintain their aesthetic appeal over time.
Standardization of Way of Working
Aligning each department with the AS9100D standard has led to a more streamlined and efficient way of working. This standardization ensures that all our operations meet the highest aerospace industry standards, resulting in consistent quality and reliability in every product we deliver to our customers.
Development of the Nandan Quality Handbook
The creation of the Nandan Quality Handbook is a significant step in consolidating our quality standards. This comprehensive guide captures all of Nandan GSE’s quality requirements, serving as a benchmark for our products and services. For our clients, this means a transparent and consistent approach to quality, ensuring that every interaction with Nandan GSE meets their highest expectations.
Onboarding New Suppliers to Reduce Lead Times
By expanding our supplier network, we have significantly reduced production lead times. This strategic move ensures that we can deliver our products more efficiently, reducing wait times for our customers without compromising on quality. It reflects our commitment to not just meet but exceed customer expectations in terms of delivery and service.
Through these process improvements, Nandan GSE reaffirms its dedication to delivering superior products and services. Our focus on elevating standards is a testament to our commitment to our customers, ensuring they receive the best in terms of quality, efficiency, and reliability.
Kaizen: Continuous Improvement
At Nandan GSE, our commitment to Kaizen – the philosophy of continuous improvement – is more than just a concept; it’s a practice embedded in every aspect of our operations. This year, we have undertaken 12 activities focusing on cost reduction and productivity enhancement, illustrating our relentless pursuit of excellence. Among these, two standout initiatives have significantly improved our efficiency and worker satisfaction:
Color Coding for MS, Weldox, & EN8
We introduced a color-coding system for materials like MS (Mild Steel), Weldox, and EN8. Previously, our workers faced challenges in visually identifying these materials at the time of issue, which led to delays and potential errors. Now, with color coding, identification is faster and more accurate. This simple yet effective change has streamlined our material handling process, reducing time and minimizing the likelihood of errors. For our customers, this translates to quicker turnaround times and enhanced quality control.
Efficiency in Body Panel Fixing
We revolutionized the way we fix body panels, which previously took 2-3 days due to ergonomic challenges in the working style. The process required more manpower and was physically demanding for our workers, who had to frequently climb in and out of vehicles to access materials. By adopting a horizontal working style, we have reduced the fixing time to just one day. This approach not only accelerates the process but also requires fewer workers – only two from start to finish – eliminating the physical stress of climbing into vehicles. This improvement not only enhances worker well-being but also significantly boosts productivity. For our customers, this means receiving products that are assembled with greater efficiency and care, ensuring higher quality and faster delivery.
These Kaizen initiatives reflect Nandan GSE’s dedication to creating a work environment that prioritizes efficiency, quality, and the well-being of our employees. By continuously seeking ways to improve, we not only enhance our internal processes but also provide our customers with superior products and services, reaffirming our position as a leader in our industry.
Trainings: Investing in Human Capital
In our journey of growth and excellence at Nandan GSE, we recognize that our most valuable asset is our people. This year, we have significantly invested in training programs, focusing on both industrial safety and technical topics. These initiatives ensure that our workforce is not only well-equipped with the necessary skills but also possesses deep knowledge and understanding of our processes and quality standards.
Industrial Safety Training
Prioritizing the safety and well-being of our team, we conducted comprehensive industrial safety training. This included Fire Fighting training, equipping our employees with the knowledge and skills to handle fire emergencies effectively. We also provided First Aid training, ensuring that our team can respond promptly and efficiently to any medical emergencies in the workplace. Additionally, Mock Drill sessions were conducted to simulate emergency situations, enhancing our team’s readiness and response capabilities.
These trainings not only contribute to a safer work environment but also instill a sense of confidence and preparedness in our employees. For our customers, this means that their products are handled and manufactured in a facility that prioritizes safety and preparedness, reflecting our commitment to a responsible and proactive work culture.
Technical Training on QMS and Production Process
Understanding the importance of technical proficiency, we organized training sessions on Quality Management Systems (QMS) and our production processes. These trainings were designed to deepen our employees’ understanding of our quality standards and the intricacies of our production techniques. By enhancing their knowledge of QMS, we ensure that our team is aligned with the best practices in quality assurance, leading to higher quality products for our customers.
Additionally, a thorough understanding of our production processes enables our employees to work more efficiently and innovatively, contributing to improved productivity and product quality. For our clients, this translates to receiving products that are crafted with precision, care, and adherence to the highest quality standards.
Through these training initiatives, we at Nandan GSE are not just investing in our employees’ professional development but also enhancing our overall service quality and efficiency. We believe that a knowledgeable and skilled workforce is the cornerstone of delivering excellence to our customers, and our continued focus on training is a testament to this belief.
Events: Fostering Community and Recognition
At Nandan GSE, we understand that building a strong community and recognizing achievements are key to our collective success. This year, we’ve engaged in various events that not only fostered team spirit and collaboration but also extended our reach and reinforced our presence in the industry.
Dr. Raghunandan Jagdish’s Business Trips
Dr. Raghu’s business trips to Ground Handling International conferences in Europe and Africa played a pivotal role in expanding our global footprint. His latest trip to the United States of America also translated to a prototyping order from an American GSE manufacturer. These business trips have provided invaluable opportunities for networking, learning about the latest industry trends, and showcasing Nandan GSE’s innovations on an international stage. They have been instrumental in establishing and strengthening our global connections.
Employee Bond Building Activities
We believe in the power of unity and team spirit, which we nurtured through various bond-building activities. Sports Day, Nandan Founding Day, and Nandan Leader Outbound events were organized to encourage teamwork, boost morale, and celebrate our collective achievements. These events provided a platform for our employees to connect, unwind, and foster a sense of belonging.
Multiple Exhibitions Attended by Col. KR Acharya Sir
Our presence in multiple exhibitions, led by Col. KR Acharya, has been crucial in demonstrating our expertise and innovations. These exhibitions allowed us to connect with industry peers, potential clients, and stay abreast of market dynamics, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of industry developments.
Nandan Dealer Day
We hosted a special Nandan Dealer Day, inviting dealers to our factory. This event was not just about onboarding but also about building stronger relationships with our dealers. It provided a platform for mutual learning and collaboration, ensuring that our dealers are well-equipped to represent and distribute our products effectively.
Supplier Appreciation for Best Supplier
Recognizing the vital role our suppliers play in our operations, we held an appreciation event to honor the best suppliers – those who consistently delivered with less rejection, on time, and coordinated well. This event not only acknowledged their efforts but also reinforced our commitment to maintaining strong and mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers.
Nandan PULSE Survey
A significant highlight was our internal Nandan PULSE Survey, which garnered an impressive 84% positive feedback from our employees. This feedback is invaluable as it reflects the satisfaction and engagement levels of our team, driving us to continuously improve our work environment and practices.
Dealer Network Expansion: Widening Reach
This year we expanded our presence in five key Indian cities; Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and internationally in Doha, Qatar. This reflects Nandan’s growing influence and reach.
Plans for 2024: A Vision for Growth
As we look towards 2024, Nandan GSE is poised for an exciting phase of growth and innovation. Our roadmap for the year is ambitious, focusing on sustainable practices, expanding our manufacturing capabilities, strengthening our team, and achieving key certifications that align with our vision for excellence and growth.
Electric GSE
Embracing the shift towards sustainability, we plan to expand our portfolio to include Electric Ground Support Equipment (GSE). This move not only aligns with global environmental trends but also caters to the growing demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions in the aviation industry.
More Contract Manufacturing Orders
We aim to secure more contract manufacturing orders, diversifying our client base and tapping into new markets. This expansion will not only increase our production volume but also enhance our expertise across different sectors.
K Loader Manufacturing
The manufacturing of K Loaders is on our agenda for 2024. These loaders are essential in the aviation industry for efficient cargo handling. By adding K Loaders to our product lineup, we will be addressing a critical need in the aviation sector, further solidifying our position as a comprehensive solutions provider.
Team Expansion
Recognizing that our team is our greatest asset, we plan significant team expansion. This expansion is not just in numbers but also in skills and expertise, ensuring that we continue to innovate and excel in our offerings.
ISO 27001 Certification
Pursuing the ISO 27001 certification is a strategic step towards enhancing our information security management. This certification will not only safeguard our data but also reassure our clients and partners of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security.
DGAQA Certification
Obtaining the DGAQA (Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance) certification is a key goal for us. This certification is crucial for manufacturers in the defense and aviation sectors, and it will validate our adherence to quality and safety standards in these demanding fields.
ZED Gold Certification
We aspire to achieve the ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Gold Certification, reflecting our commitment to manufacturing excellence with minimal negative environmental impact. This certification aligns with our dedication to quality, efficiency, and sustainable practices.
