LAPP India began its operations in 1996 and since then has grown to become a leading supplier of cables, connectors, and cable assembly solutions for industrial customers. In this interview with T&D India, we have Marc Jarrault, Managing Director, LAPP India, discussing LAPP growth story in India over the past nearly three decades, and the road ahead. Jurraut is confident that with LAPP India’s expanding manufacturing capabilities, growing team, and established customer network, LAPP will continue to be a vital partner in India’s industrial success story.
We note with appreciation that LAPP India recently inaugurated its first-ever compounding plant at its Bhopal plant. Please discuss the significance of this development as a means of backward integration and self-reliance.
LAPP India’s inauguration of its first-ever compounding plant in Bhopal represents a major advancement in its manufacturing capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility signifies a critical step towards backward integration and self-reliance. This reduces dependence on external suppliers and potentially enhances quality control.
The Bhopal plant exemplifies LAPP India’s commitment to continuous progress. It started with basic cable production and now has expanded its capabilities to include multi-core, solar cables, as well as compound production. This compounding plant, coupled with the revolutionary E-beam charger, positions LAPP India to address the growing demand for high-performance cables in critical sectors like railways, renewable energy, metros, and e-mobility charging.
Furthermore, LAPP India’s adoption of smart manufacturing principles, including process automation and extensive use of RFID technology, reinforces its commitment to efficiency and innovation. This ensures consistent quality, optimized production, and improved resource management, solidifying LAPP India’s position as a leader in cable and connection technology.
The E-beam process offers a significant advantage over traditional methods like chemical cross-linking.
We also understand that the Bhopal plant is now equipped with an E-beam charger. Tell us more.
Our Bhopal plant is equipped with a cutting-edge E-beam charger that allows us to create cables specifically designed for these industries. This translates to reliable operations in railways, support for sustainable urban transportation in metros, durable cables for clean energy projects, and robust infrastructure for next-generation e-mobility charging.
This technology expands our product range to cater to India’s emerging sectors like semiconductors, e-mobility, rail infrastructure, and more.
The E-beam process offers a significant advantage over traditional methods like chemical cross-linking. Unlike chemical cross-linking, which relies on heat and can lead to inconsistencies, E-beam radiation ensures precise and uniform cable treatment throughout. This precision is essential for maintaining LAPP’s renowned quality standards.
We provide the perfect cable for specific needs, never compromising on quality or performance. The E-beam technology guarantees consistent reliability, ensuring every meter of cable delivers its promised performance.
What impact has this compounding plant had on the overall indigenization level of LAPP India? In other words, how aligned is LAPP India now with the “Make in India” philosophy?
LAPP India recognizes the significant logistical hurdles created by global unrest, such as the situations in Taiwan-China and Russia-Ukraine. This highlights the importance of self-sufficiency to meet domestic demand. Here’s where the ‘Make in India’ initiative comes into play. It incentivizes domestic and foreign investment, creating a fertile ground for manufacturing growth – a crucial factor for India’s economic ambitions and potential to become one of the top 3 global economies.
LAPP India exemplifies this vision. Our Bhopal plant, equipped with advanced technology, enables large-scale domestic production of cable compounds. This not only reduces import dependency but also boosts local manufacturing, leveraging India’s cost advantages and positioning us for growth. Additionally, the plant focuses on innovation, potentially replacing imported cables with locally made options. This perfectly aligns with Make in India’s goals of fostering local production, innovation, and job creation.
Our Bhopal plant, equipped with advanced technology, enables large-scale domestic production of cable compounds.
Tell us more about the recently-launched “ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS” family of wires by LAPP in India. What are the special application areas for these wires? How does this complement the existing portfolio of LAPP in India?
LAPP India is revolutionizing connectivity with the introduction of the ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS family. This innovative range of single-core wires is designed to be universally applicable and deliver exceptional performance across diverse industries.
What truly sets ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS apart is its adaptability. Compliant with both UL/CSA and EN standards, these wires cater to a wide range of applications in the market. This certification offers various advantages, including a reduction in technical documentation, corrosion prevention with tin coating, and compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) and REACH.
Their versatility makes them a preferred choice for numerous projects, regardless of the specific industry. Additionally, ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS offers flexibility in voltage requirements. With options available in 1.05 kV (300V), 2.15kV (600V), and 2.25kV (1000V), one can find the perfect wire to meet the specific needs.
LAPP India doesn’t compromise on quality or affordability with the ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS family. Constructed with certified PVC single cores, these wires ensure consistent and secure connections in every application. This focus on reliability is paramount for seamless functionality in any electrical or electronic system.
The ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS family seamlessly complements LAPP India’s existing product portfolio. This innovative family represents a significant leap forward in cable and wire technology, setting a new standard for power and control requirements. By introducing this range, LAPP India further strengthens its position as a leader in providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions.
LAPP India is a strong believer in the “Make in India for India” philosophy.
LAPP has been in India since around 1996 and has largely served industrial consumers with cables, connectors, and cable assembly solutions. Does LAPP India have plans of entering the building wiring segment?
Yes, LAPP India has been a leading supplier of cables, connectors, and cable assembly solutions for industrial customers since 1996. While we currently focus on these areas, we are actively exploring new opportunities.
Our two manufacturing facilities in India produce a comprehensive range of cables for instrumentation, control, data, and power applications. We are also a leader in complementary products like Fieldbus technology, optical transmission systems, and industrial connectors. By 2027, we aim to significantly expand our service network across India.
LAPP India is a strong believer in the “Make in India for India” philosophy. This commitment is evident since 1998, with half our product portfolio designed specifically for the Indian market and adhering to Indian standards. LAPP exports to various regions, but India remains our primary focus. Our goal is to manufacture locally while maintaining global export capabilities.
We prioritize staying ahead of the curve in India’s emerging markets, like semiconductors, energy storage, and e-mobility. Our investments in cutting-edge technologies, like the E-beam charger, are a testament to this focus. We have established engineering research centers in Bangalore to cater to the rapid growth in sectors like electric vehicles (EVs).
By leveraging LAPP’s established network, customers across India gain easy access to these solutions, saving both time and money.
The solar PV industry is an area where LAPP has seen significant growth in India, as we perceive. How does LAPP plan to extend its presence in the rapidly-growing solar industry in India? At this juncture, also discuss your partnership with CAHORS Group for solar PV solutions.
The Indian solar PV industry presents a significant growth opportunity, and LAPP is determined to be a key player in its expansion. Capitalizing on this surge LAPP India joined forces with CAHORS Group to solidify its presence in this thriving market. This strategic partnership offers a one-stop shop for top-notch solar solutions.
LAPP’s world-class ÖLFLEX® SOLAR cables combine seamlessly with CAHORS’ comprehensive range of connectors, enclosures, and other essential components. By leveraging LAPP’s established network, customers across India gain easy access to these solutions, saving both time and money. This collaboration highlights LAPP’s commitment to “Make in India” and exceeding customer expectations. Together, LAPP and CAHORS bring unmatched quality, reliability, and industry-specific expertise, positioning them as key players shaping India’s solar energy future.
“Alive by LAPP” isn’t just a tagline, it’s the foundation of everything we do.
Please discuss the ideology behind LAPP’s new brand philosophy “alive by LAPP”.
“Alive by LAPP” isn’t just a tagline, it’s the foundation of everything we do. We’ve transformed ourselves from a cable supplier into a complete industry partner, dedicated to bringing your ideas to life.
Our legacy of innovation, starting with Oskar LAPP’s invention of color-coded wires, fuels our passion for creating cutting-edge connectivity solutions. We don’t just offer cables, we offer expertise. Our team of specialists designs and delivers customized systems tailored to your specific needs, from mobility solutions to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). We see ourselves as the unseen lifelines that keep industries humming, ensuring the smooth flow of power and data.
Our vibrant new brand identity, with its blend of orange and purple, reflects our commitment to inclusivity. We want to be a brand for everyone, fostering collaboration to build a more connected future. “Alive by LAPP” is a promise to be your partner in success, keeping your industry alive through our dynamic and collaborative approach to connectivity solutions.
Today, our Bhopal facility stands as LAPP’s third-largest globally, producing a staggering 130,000 kilometers of control, instrumentation, power, and data cables annually.
LAPP, as we perceive, has had an illustrious journey in India for nearly thirty years now. How do you see the road ahead? How important is India going to be in LAPP’s global business portfolio?
LAPP’s journey in India began nearly three decades ago, in 1996, with the establishment of a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Jigani, Bengaluru. This marked the start of a long and successful commitment to the Indian market.
Since then, we’ve consistently expanded our presence. In 2012, we opened a second manufacturing unit in Pilukedi, Bhopal, focusing on single-core cables for the building sector. Our dedication to growth continued in 2014 with a significant investment doubling production capacity in Bengaluru. In 2024, LAPP India achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art compounding plant in the Bhopal campus, the first of its kind within the LAPP Group. Spanning 36,000 square feet, this facility signifies a substantial stride towards backward integration and self-reliance.
Today, this facility stands as LAPP’s third-largest globally, producing a staggering 130,000 kilometers of control, instrumentation, power, and data cables annually.
But LAPP isn’t just about manufacturing. We understand the importance of proximity to our customers and to meet the requirements we have established a robust pan-India presence with dedicated regional sales and marketing offices in major cities across India. Additionally, we have a network of 23 sales offices and over 130 partners spread across the country, ensuring we are readily available wherever you are.
Our team in India has grown in tandem with our business. This dedicated workforce allows us to provide exceptional service and meet the ever-increasing demands of the Indian market.
Looking ahead, India holds immense strategic importance for LAPP’s global business portfolio. We see India as a key growth driver, and we are committed to further strengthening our presence here with focus on sustainable business practices and culture. With our expanding manufacturing capabilities, growing team, and established customer network, we’re confident that LAPP will continue to be a vital partner in India’s industrial success story.
