An exclusive interview with Mr. Amit Deep Singh, Sales & Marketing Director of Kadant India on 150th anniversary of Kadant Fiber Processing Division.
Paper Desk : May we know the company profile of Kadant Group?
Amit Deep Singh : Fiber Processing is a part of the industrial processing segment within Kadant. We supply high-value, engineered systems critical to the preparation of virgin and recycled paper stock, and paper machine approach-flow applications, across the globe. We help our customers reduce costs and improve efficiency with a complete line of innovative products and technologies. The fiber processing business is supported by various manufacturing locations, sales offices, and research and development centers around the world.
PD : Kadant fiber processing division marks its 150th year in 2023. What according to you makes Kadant stand the test of time for so long and continue to be a leader?
ADS : Starting from Black Lawson in 1873, we have been making quality equipment for pulp and papermakers. Many of our innovations from Kadant Lamort SAS and more have become the preferred top choices for decades. Our stock preparation technology was among the first ones in the world to be manufactured on a large scale and used in almost all parts of the world where papermills are producing papers.
Our core competence has always been to develop and manufacture outstanding inventions for the benefit of our customers with an emphasis on understanding the process and using application expertise. Our research and development team works keeping 10-20 years of future in their mind. Our core specialty has remained to be pulp production and pulp recycling hence all our attention remains to excel in this area.
Kadant focuses on the strategic acquisitions that have made it possible for us to have the best companies from the pulp and paper industry working together for the one common goal, which is to provide fiber processing machines that will stand the test of time.
PD : Kadant India office is completing 2 years, how has been the journey so far?
ADS : Kadant India’s journey in the past two years has been remarkable. However, it’s important to note that our presence in the market spans over 30 years. As soon as we established the Kadant India office, our primary focus was to equip our operations at Dadra with the capability to effectively serve our large installed base in India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. We have prioritized the rebuilding and repair of high-wear and tear parts according to international standards, ensuring that our customers’ equipment runs at the lowest operational cost possible.
Furthermore, we have significantly strengthened our Engineering office in Chennai by recruiting engineers specializing in project management, design, start-up, and commissioning. This team is now available to cater to our customers not only in India but also in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. We are actively providing service for several deinking lines that were sold over the past three decades. Additionally, we have secured two projects for kraft liner production with capacities ranging from 300 to 400 TPD. These projects incorporate state-of-the-art technology capable of pulping high percentages of contamination and removing lightweight rejects, effectively addressing the issue of stickies.
PD : What is the big challenge for the Paper industry and how Kadant is working to resolve the same for Indian paper mills?
ADS : The paper industry has experienced significant volatility in raw material, energy, and finished paper prices since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unpredictability has had a profound impact on numerous paper mills worldwide. However, it is during crisis period that innovative thinking becomes imperative.
Kadant has actively partnered with paper mills to mitigate these challenges. One of our initiatives involves reducing energy consumption by replacing conventional screening systems with more efficient SCREENONED. This not only results in space reduction but also leads to reduced energy consumption.
Another highly sought-after system is the Helidrum, which possesses the ability to effectively treat raw materials with high contamination levels that are otherwise difficult to recycle. By utilizing the Helidrum system, our customers can achieve significant savings in raw material costs. Additionally, sticky management is a critical issue negatively impacting the paper industry. Kadant offers a comprehensive solution for sticky management, beginning with equipping paper mills with the necessary tools to measure stickies. We then conduct an audit program focusing on stock preparation and water management and subsequently address the root causes of stickies.
In summary, Kadant is actively working to address the challenges faced by the paper industry in the post-COVID era. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships with paper mills, we aim to assist Indian paper mills in navigating these challenges and ensuring their long-term success.
PD : What is the future plan for Kadant India?
ADS : Kadant India has developed a roadmap for the next 3-5 years, which includes planned investments in specialized stock preparation equipment manufactured in India for the global market. As the global supply chain mantra shifts from “Just in Time” to “Just in Case,” Kadant Group recognizes India as a strategic location for manufacturing and service centers. This strategic positioning allows us to cater to the evolving needs of the industry and ensure efficient production and service delivery to our global customers.
PD : Share some insights on Kadant’s approach to sustainability and corporate responsibility?
ADS : Kadant is deeply committed to upholding sustainability and corporate responsibility, which significantly influences its operational approach. Our focus revolves around strategic investments in human capital and communities, optimizing product efficiencies and internal manufacturing processes, and championing the productive and effective utilization of renewable resources and materials through their Sustainable Industrial Processing initiatives.
The company’s dedication lies in creating products that curtail waste generation, enhance resource utilization, and empower customers to achieve greater value with reduced inputs. In 2022, Kadant achieved 100% renewable electricity sourcing across all facilities, incorporating onsite renewable energy generation and direct procurement from local utilities. We also quantified Scope 3 emissions and conducted a comprehensive climate risk assessment. Collaborating with top suppliers, Kadant evaluates sustainable business models and plans to establish Science-Based Targets aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
Additionally, Kadant conducts supply chain risk assessments, actively engages with suppliers on sustainability efforts, and enforces a Global Supplier Code of Conduct. Our dedication to innovation drives process efficiency and advances Sustainable Industrial Processing. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Kadant’s unwavering commitment propels their business practices toward a more sustainable future.