In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Manoj Gupta, President, Ashoka Rolls LLP, shares insights into the company’s advanced roller technologies tailored for India’s evolving paper industry. From launching ceramic rollers with European technology to supporting “Make in India” and global exports, Mr. Gupta emphasizes innovation, durability, and cost-efficiency as key to empowering mills amid rising performance demands. With in-house manufacturing and deep application knowledge, Ashoka Rolls LLP delivers high-performance solutions for every stage of paper production in its Ghaziabad and Ahmedabad manufacturing units. Mr. Gupta also highlights the company’s consistent investment in R&D, skilled manpower, and machinery to stay ahead of industry shifts.
Paper Mart: First, could you explain your company’s key offerings and their relevance to the Indian pulp and paper industry’s dynamic needs?
Manoj Gupta: Ashoka Rolls LLP is engaged in the manufacturing of rubber, polyurethane (PU), ceramic, and composite-coated heavy-duty industrial rollers for the paper and allied industries, with specialization in paper machine rollers. Our product range includes PU coatings for jumbo press blind drill rollers, suction press rollers, felt guide rolls, applicator rolls, backing rolls, reel spools, and size press rolls. These solutions are designed to meet the rigorous demands of various paper mill sections and help mills maintain productivity under varying operational conditions. We have our manufacturing units in Ghaziabad and Ahmedabad. The promoters of the company, Mr. Brij Bhushan Gupta (Founder & Chairman) and Mr. Mohit Gupta (Director), bring a great vision and rich experience, and their expertise drives our commitment to quality and innovation.
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PM: In recent years, have you introduced any new products, upgrades, or solutions specifically designed for Indian paper mills? What gap in the market were they trying to fill?
MG: Yes, we have introduced advanced new-generation ceramic rollers for the first time in India, developed using European technology. Our in-house ceramic coating is suitable for a wide range of rollers that require excellent release properties and superior doctoring characteristics. These ceramic rollers offer exceptional wear resistance, chemical resistance, and corrosion protection. They are ideal for applications like center-press rolls, wire guide rolls, felt guide rolls, press rolls, breast rolls, and wire drive rolls. In addition, we’ve developed PU and reinforced composite rollers using cutting-edge three-component ribbon flow machine technology to meet the needs of high-performance and high-speed operations in Indian mills.
PM: Could you describe the typical technological and operational issues in Indian mills and explain your company’s approach to resolving them?
MG: One of the primary challenges in Indian kraft mills is the increasing machine speeds combined with declining paper furnish quality. Mills also face the need to produce high-quality grades like packaging board, tissue paper, newsprint, and writing/printing paper efficiently. Our advanced roller coverings are specifically engineered to address these challenges. By offering rollers with longer life, higher performance, and minimal downtime, we help paper mills achieve their quality and production goals.
We foresee a continuous push toward high-performance, durable roller technologies that can withstand faster production cycles and more demanding paper grades.
PM: Mill owners often demand a balance between performance and cost. How do you ensure your technologies remain both efficient and economically viable, especially for small and mid-sized mills?
MG: Our new-generation ceramic and PU rollers are up to four times more durable than traditional rubber rollers. This longevity significantly reduces downtime and maintenance costs, making them a highly cost-effective solution in the long term. Additionally, these rollers provide better chemical resistance, higher load-bearing capacity, and superior performance under demanding conditions—ensuring value without compromising quality.
PM: Are you investing in “Make in India” or localization efforts in terms of manufacturing, support, or technology customization?
MG: Absolutely. Since we also operate our own mill, we have an in-depth understanding of roller applications and performance expectations in Indian paper mills. Our PU, ceramic and rubber rollers match European standards because we procure high-grade raw materials from Europe and employ experienced technical staff from top European firms. Ashoka Rolls LLP is deeply committed to providing world-class technology to Indian paper manufacturers while also exporting to over 15 countries—underscoring our global competitiveness.
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PM: Looking ahead, what kind of innovations or technological shifts do you foresee reshaping the Indian paper industry in the next 3–5 years?
MG: We foresee a continuous push toward high-performance, durable roller technologies that can withstand faster production cycles and more demanding paper grades. We are consistently investing in R&D, machinery, and skilled manpower to stay ahead. Our focus remains on developing new roller coverings that can support evolving industry needs while improving mill efficiency and product quality.
Our new-generation ceramic and PU rollers are up to four times more durable than traditional rubber rollers. This longevity significantly reduces downtime and maintenance costs, making them a highly cost-effective solution over the long term.
