With over four decades of experience serving the paper industry, Arvind Rub-Web Controls Ltd, continues to play a key role in supplying specialized rollers and expander solutions to paper mills worldwide. At Paperex 2025, the company marked its 15th participation, showcasing its extensive portfolio of rubber, Teflon, and Metal expanders along with advanced roller solutions. In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Mukesh Kachhia, General Manager-Marketing, Arvind Rub-Web Controls Ltd., shares insights into high-speed Bowed roller developments, ongoing material innovations, evolving industry challenges, and the gradual adoption of AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency and support the future growth of the paper sector.
Paper Mart: Please tell us about your participation at Paperex 2025. How has it been so far?
Mukesh Kachhia: Paperex 2025 marks our 15th participation at the exhibition, a journey that began in 1995 when we first exhibited at Pragati Maidan. Since then, we have been continuously associated with Paperex and have seen the exhibition grow stronger and more impactful with every edition. This year’s venue has been well received, and the overall response has been very encouraging. We have seen strong footfall and meaningful interactions with industry stakeholders. At this edition, we are showcasing our unique range of rubber expanders, Teflon expanders, metal expanders, and specialized rollers for the paper industry. With nearly 44 years of experience, we take pride in being pioneers in Bowed Rollers segment.
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PM: With paper mills increasingly shifting to higher-speed machines and demanding better nip performance, what advancements in Bowed roller is Arvind Rubber introducing to enhance durability, resist chemical wear, and maintain consistent paper quality?
MK: As paper mills move towards higher machine speeds, durability and consistent nip performance have become critical. Our rubber and metal spreader rollers are designed to perform reliably in demanding environments involving chemicals, starch, and water. We have successfully supplied these rollers to some of the largest paper mills globally, including major Indonesian groups such as Sinar Mas (Asia Pulp & Paper – APP) and APRIL Group. To meet higher speed requirements, we have developed special-grade bearings in collaboration with European bearings suppliers, enabling smooth operation at speeds of 1,000 to 1,500 meters per minute. With Indian paper machines now reaching similar speeds, our bowed rollers are fully capable of supporting these high-speed operations while maintaining quality and performance.
PM: Given your four decades of experience supplying bowed rollers and related components to paper mills, what new innovations or material-upgrades is Arvind Rubber bringing?
MK: Innovation has been a continuous process for us over the last four decades. We regularly introduce improvements in rubber formulations, composite materials, and product designs to meet evolving industry needs. Every year and every decade has seen us develop and supply new solutions to the paper industry. Currently, we are preparing to enter a new phase with advanced composite materials, which are planned to be introduced around April 2026. Backed by guidance from overseas consultants and our own long-standing industry experience, these new developments are aimed at delivering higher performance, longer life, and better value to paper mills.
One of the key challenges today is the growing import of paper, which puts pressure on domestic manufacturers. To remain competitive, mills must focus on improving paper quality and increasing machine speeds. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on exporting paper products to international markets
PM: How do you envision the future of the paper industry? What are some of the major trends and challenges we are seeing today in the industry?
MK: While paper manufacturing is not our core business, our close association with paper mills allows us to understand the industry’s challenges and direction. One of the key challenges today is the growing import of paper, which puts pressure on domestic manufacturers. To remain competitive, mills must focus on improving paper quality and increasing machine speeds. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on exporting paper products to international markets. Enhancing quality, efficiency, and productivity will be crucial for mills to sustain growth and compete effectively in both domestic and global markets.
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PM: What are some unique AI-integrated processes or practices that you see in the industry, or plan to implement in the company?
MK: AI and automation are increasingly influencing manufacturing processes across industries. At Arvind Rub-Webs Control, our younger leadership team is actively exploring AI-based solutions, particularly in areas such as marketing, planning, and process optimization. Since much of our work involves customized and tailor-made solutions, full-scale AI integration into products is currently limited. However, we have already implemented AI partially in certain operational areas and plan to expand its use gradually to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and decision-making within the organization.
Our rubber and Teflon spreader rollers are designed to perform reliably in demanding environments involving chemicals, starch, and water.
