In an exclusive interaction with Paper Mart, Mr. Vinay Dhar, Senior VP, Roto Pumps Limited, sheds light on how the company is addressing the evolving needs of the Indian pulp and paper industry. From offering a versatile portfolio of progressive cavity, wide throat pumps, twin-screw, and dosing pumps to pioneering energy-efficient, Made-in-India solutions, Roto Pumps is playing a critical role in enhancing mill efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Mr. Dhar also discusses market challenges, digital adoption, and the future of pumping technologies in a rapidly transforming industrial landscape.
Paper Mart: First, could you explain your company’s key offerings and their relevance to the Indian pulp and paper industry’s dynamic needs?
Vinay Dhar: We offer a wide range of progressive cavity pumps for the paper and pulp industry for low to high viscosity fluids. Our wide throat pumps ensure smooth transfer of medium-consistency paper pulp. Dosing pumps deliver precise chemical dosing for kitchen coating applications, and twin-screw pumps reliably manage black liquor with non-pulsating flow and self-priming operations.
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?
VD: One of our recent key innovations is the ‘P’ range progressive cavity pump, built with a compact and smallest footprint featuring a unique thrust bush joint and top-hat design to enable easy conversion from a close-coupled pump design to a long-shaft arrangement with a bearing housing. Secondly, to handle aggressive chemicals we introduced a new range of non-metallic dosing pumps. Additionally, we have upgraded the wide throat pump featuring a larger auger and an extended hopper up to length 2000 mm, ideal for high-consistency pulp application, saving gallons of water compared to centrifugal pumps.
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PM: Could you describe the typical technological and operational issues in Indian mills and explain your company’s approach to resolving them?
VD: A key challenge in Indian paper mills is the use of non-genuine spare parts. Initially, it looks cheaper to purchase. But these spares are manufactured by people who lack critical technical knowledge of tolerance, interference fit between rotor & stator, elastomer compounding, etc. This eventually leads to pump failure, downtime, and higher maintenance costs.
We always encourage the use of Roto Genuine spares, engineered for precise fit and long-term reliability. We also work closely with customers to raise awareness about counterfeit risks and ensure access to authentic parts through our authorized network.
PM: Sustainability is a growing priority. How do your solutions help mills reduce water and energy consumption, emissions, or chemical usage? Can you share a recent case study or implementation?
VD: Our progressive cavity pumps are inherently energy-efficient, offering low power absorption. Additionally, we ensure that the motors paired with our pumps are optimized for minimal power consumption.
PM: Given the increasing digitalization, to what extent have Indian mills integrated smart sensors, automation, and AI systems? What are the key enablers or barriers in your view?
VD: AI is gradually gaining ground, but many Indian paper mills still rely on traditional methods. While some large mills have started using AI and automation to improve efficiency, most small and mid-sized mills hesitate due to costs, lack of skills, and concerns over disrupting current processes. Implementing AI industry-wide will take time, especially to train the workforce and adjust workflows.
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?
VD: Quality is our foremost priority, and we do not compromise on it under any circumstances. However, we also understand the cost sensitivities of small and mid-sized mills. To cater to diverse budgets and application needs, we offer flexible configurations and MOC, such as bare shaft pumps and a range of sealing options. These choices can significantly reduce initial investment costs while still maintaining operational efficiency.
Our progressive cavity pumps are inherently energy-efficient, offering low power absorption. Additionally, we ensure that the motors paired with our pumps are optimized for minimal power consumption.
PM: Many Indian mills face inconsistency in raw materials and quality variability. Can your technology or machinery help bring more stability or predictability to mill operations? How so?
VD: While the quality of raw material purchased by paper mills is beyond our control. But, we always ensure the pumps we provide are built to perfection from premium materials and precisely engineered to each customer’s specifications, so their operations stay stable and results stay consistent.
PM: Are you investing in “Make in India” or localization efforts in terms of manufacturing, support, or technology customization?
VD: As a proud India-based organization with a legacy of over 50 years, Roto Pumps is fully committed to the Make in India initiative. Every component of our pumps is manufactured locally, supporting domestic employment, skill development, and technological growth. For us, making in India is a deep-rooted responsibility. Today, we are indigenizing a number of pumping solutions which were earlier available in India through import only. We take pride in contributing to India’s progress, both industrially and socially.
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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?
VD: In the next 3–5 years, the Indian paper industry will see key advances in energy efficiency, sustainability, process reliability, and digitization. Facing regulatory pressures and the need for optimized operations, mills will adopt low-maintenance, efficient equipment that handles varied conditions cost-effectively. A steady shift toward digital monitoring, automated controls, and smart pumping solutions will improve energy use and reduce downtime.
As a proud India-based organization with a legacy of over 50 years, Roto Pumps is fully committed to the Make in India initiative. Every component of our pumps is manufactured locally, supporting domestic employment, skill development, and technological growth. For us, making in India is a deep-rooted responsibility.
