Scan Machineries Private Limited aims to become a global leader in the pulp and paper industry by expanding its market presence in the US, Middle East and Africa. The leading designer and manufacturer of complete paper machine lines further aims to continue innovation in the areas of automation, sustainability and smart manufacturing. This was revealed by Mr. Vinod Nargunam, Executive Director; Mr. Christy Selvan, Works Director; and Mr. Aashish Nargunam, Director, Scan Machineries Private Limited, during a joint interaction with Paper Mart.
Paper Mart: Please share when and how you got into manufacturing pulp and paper equipment? Also elaborate the challenges you experienced in the initial stage and how you overcame them?
Vinod Nargunam: Scan Machineries’ journey into pulp and paper equipment manufacturing began in 1989 with a small pope reel rebuild order and a clear vision to create innovative and reliable solutions that would meet the diverse needs of the global paper industry. We saw a growing demand for high-quality machines that could drive efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in paper mills. In early stages, we faced challenges in understanding the highly varied requirements of different markets. Establishing a reliable supply chain and balancing cost with quality were significant hurdles. However, through continuous learning, building strategic partnerships and remaining committed to superior engineering standards, we overcame these obstacles. Today, our experience allows us to offer tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of our clients across the globe.
PM: What types of paper grades and pulp types are your machines designed to handle?
VN: Our machines are engineered to handle a wide spectrum of paper grades, including printing and writing papers, kraftliners (both coated and uncoated), testliners (both coated and uncoated) and fluting medium. We also cater to the production of packaging papers such as corrugated board liners and carton boards. Our specialty machines can also handle a variety of specialty paper grades such as machine glazed, grease proof and flexible packaging papers. In terms of pulp types, our machines are capable of processing virgin pulp, recycled fibers and various other sources of pulp like mechanical, chemical and semi-chemical pulps. This versatility allows our clients to adapt to market shifts and evolve consumer needs efficiently while maintaining good margins.
We plan to expand our market presence, particularly in the Americas, Middle East and Africa, while continuing to innovate in the areas of automation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing.
PM: What are the key features and specifications of your machinery, and how do you compare them to similar products available on the market?
VN: Our machinery is crafted with a focus on precision, innovation and sustainability, embodying our motto: ‘Passion for Paper’. Key attributes include energy-efficient operation; exceptional build quality achieved through high-grade manufacturing processes, including equipment sourced from Germany; modular paper machine designs that facilitate easy customization and upgrades; and advanced automation on a high level for smooth operation. In comparison to similar products in the market, we stand out due to our rigorous quality standards, refined manufacturing processes, comprehensive service offerings, and our dedicated team of technically-skilled professionals. Furthermore, we take pride in every customer as our own family member while delivering cost-effective solutions that produce high-quality paper grades for the market.
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PM: What is the expected lifespan of your equipment? What kind of maintenance and after-sale supports are available?
Aashish Nargunam: Our machines, which we supplied 30 years back, are still running with regular maintenance being carried out. We build machines with endurance, employing high-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that ensure longevity even in demanding environments. Our after-sale support includes a comprehensive maintenance program, where we provide both scheduled and on-demand service visits. We offer spare parts, troubleshooting and remote support to address issues quickly. Our goal is to minimize downtime for our customers and ensure their operations run smoothly.
PM: What kind of training and support do you offer for operators and maintenance personnel?
AN: We place significant emphasis on training and support. After installation, our technical team conducts hands-on training for operators and maintenance personnel to ensure they are well-versed in the operation, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures of the supplied machinery. In addition to on-site training, we provide detailed operation manuals, maintenance checklists and ongoing remote support.
PM: What are the lead times for production and delivery? Do you offer customization options? What is your annual production capacity?
AN: Our lead times for production and delivery of new machines and rebuilds typically ranges from 5 to 12 months, depending on the scope, complexity of the project and the level of customization required. We take pride in offering highly customized solutions, working closely with our clients to tailor our machinery to their specific needs. Our annual production capacity is significant, allowing us to handle both large-scale projects and smaller custom orders efficiently. We continually invest in upgrading our manufacturing facilities to enhance capacity, improve quality and shorten lead times.
PM: Please provide some case studies or references from your clients in the industry.
Christy Selvan: Over the years, Scan Machineries has successfully executed several large-scale projects worldwide. Two such notable cases were turnkey paper mill projects for leading paper manufacturers in Africa, where we provided end-to-end solutions, including design, engineering, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of the plant. Another example is a high speed winder supply to one of the biggest paper mills in Morocco, which runs up to 2000 MPM with automatic tail threading, auto TNT control and automatic knife movement systems for operator-friendly and efficient operations.
For increase in production capacities, we have worked with Kuantum Papers Limited, Chadha Papers Limited, Eco Tech Papers, Emami Paper Mills Limited, Lohia Paper and Board Private Limited, SR International Paper Mills Private Limited and many others. We are proud to have long-standing relationships with many of our clients such as Kuantum Papers Limited, Suvarna Durga Paper Mills Private Limited, Seshasayee Paper and Boards Limited, Emami Paper Mills Limited, Bilt Graphic Paper Products Limited, Sapphire Papers Mill Private Limited, Trident Group, Satia Industries Limited, International Paper, Andhra Paper Limited and many other paper mills, who continue to rely on us for their expansion and modernization needs.
PM: Discuss some of the major challenges you often experience.
CS: We look at challenges as an opportunity to expand our boundaries for growth. We stay updated with the constant evolution of paper technology and market demands. Staying ahead in terms of innovation requires significant investment, strategic partnerships and close collaboration with clients to anticipate industry trends. We address these challenges by building relationships, maintaining a diversified supplier base, consistently investing in research & development, and through proactive planning and learning. This helps us to bring the latest advancements to our machinery and the paper production processes of our customers.
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PM: How important is sustainability to you? Please discuss how it is ensured in the manufacturing process?
CS: Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We are deeply committed to reducing the environmental footprint in our manufacturing processes, in the equipment we supply and in the paper production process of our clients. In our production facilities, we adopt energy-efficient practices, minimize waste and utilize recyclable materials. Our machines are designed to help paper mills operate more sustainably, with features like water and energy-saving technologies, eco-friendly and compostable product production, reduced emissions and optimized fiber use without impacting strength properties. Sustainability isn’t just a goal for us; it’s an integral part of how we design, manufacture and deliver our products.
PM: Where do you see yourself in five years? What innovations are you planning to launch?
CS: In the next five years, we envision Scan Machineries cementing its position as one of the global leaders in the pulp and paper machinery sector. We plan to expand our market presence, particularly in the Americas, Middle East and Africa, while continuing to innovate in the areas of automation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing. We are currently working on several cutting-edge projects that impact eco-friendly production processes for different paper grades. These innovations will not only reduce operational costs for our clients, but also help them meet the increasing demand for sustainable paper production.
