Abirami Pumps, at Paperex 2025 showcased its expanding portfolio of pulp and process pumps designed to address the evolving needs of the paper industry. In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Gurukrishna, Chief Marketing Officer, Abirami Pumps shares insights into its newly launched pump solutions, focus on energy-efficient system design, and efforts to improve process reliability for paper mills. The discussion also highlights key industry challenges, emerging opportunities, and the growing role of automation and AI in enhancing manufacturing quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability across modern paper production facilities.
Paper Mart: What are you displaying at Paperex 2025? How has your experience been so far?
Gurukrishna: At Paperex 2025, Abirami Pumps is showcasing its complete range of pulp and process pumps catering to the paper industry, covering applications from fresh water handling to fan pumps, high-pressure vertical and horizontal pumps, and centrifugal pumps with multi-vane staggered impellers. A key highlight at our stall is the launch of three new products—an inducer pump, a thermic fluid pump, and an eccentric reducer pump—each designed to address critical operational challenges in paper mills. Our experience at this edition has been extremely positive. Despite initial concerns about the venue change, the first day itself witnessed excellent footfall and quality interactions, leading to on-the-spot order finalizations, including a major tissue project from Haryana. Overall, the exhibition has been vibrant and commercially rewarding.
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PM: How do Abirami Pumps’ energy-efficient pulp-stock and process pumps help paper mills reduce power consumption and increase process reliability?
GK: Pumps are the heart of a paper mill and account for a significant share of overall power consumption, as they are responsible for transferring liquids across every stage of the process. Abirami Pumps focuses on designing high-efficiency pump systems that directly reduce electricity usage, thereby lowering production costs and improving profitability. Beyond pump design, we emphasize correct system engineering, including proper piping support and suction conditions, to ensure optimal performance. We also conduct free energy audits for paper mills, studying the entire pumping system to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements. This holistic approach helps mills achieve reliable operations, lower energy bills, and longer equipment life.
Abirami Pumps focuses on designing high-efficiency pump systems that directly reduce electricity usage, thereby lowering production costs and improving profitability.
PM: What are the new developments or innovations you’re looking at to better cater to the paper and pulp industry?
GK: One of our key innovations is the inducer pump, which improves Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) availability and ensures smooth liquid flow, especially in low-suction or high-consistency applications common in paper mills. We have also introduced a thermic fluid pump capable of handling hot oils up to 360°C, addressing growing demand for reliable high-temperature pumping solutions. Additionally, our eccentric reducer pump minimizes cavitation and air entrapment at the suction side, improving flow stability and pump life. These developments are aimed at enhancing efficiency, reliability, and process stability across modern paper manufacturing operations.
At Abirami Pumps, nearly 90 percent of our manufacturing processes are automated, including casting, molding, pouring, and finishing operations.
PM: What are some of the major trends and challenges we are seeing today in the industry?
GK: The paper industry is currently facing a temporary imbalance between production capacity and demand, creating margin pressure for manufacturers. Since selling prices are largely uniform across regions, mills are increasingly focusing on reducing production costs rather than increasing prices. Power consumption remains one of the biggest cost drivers, making energy efficiency a critical priority. At the same time, there is growing opportunity in specialty papers, tissue products, and export markets, particularly in regions where local production meets only part of the demand. Companies that diversify their product mix and invest in efficient technologies are better positioned to navigate these challenges.
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PM: What are some unique AI-integrated processes or practices you see in the industry, or plan to implement in the company?
GK: At Abirami Pumps, nearly 90 percent of our manufacturing processes are automated, including casting, molding, pouring, and finishing operations. Automation and AI integration have significantly improved process consistency, chemical composition control, and product quality, resulting in nearly 40 percent improvement in overall output quality. Manpower dependency has been reduced, especially in finishing operations, as components now come out closer to final specifications. Going forward, AI-driven manufacturing, system monitoring, and data-based optimization will play a crucial role in improving efficiency, sustainability, and reliability—not just within our company, but across the pump and paper industries as a whole.
Abirami Pumps focuses on designing high-efficiency pump systems that directly reduce electricity usage, thereby lowering production costs and improving profitability.
