Thursday, May 22, 2014: Canara Lighting Industries is a specialised LED lighting equipment manufacturer and a lighting solutions provider. In conversation with Kartiki Negi of Electronics Bazaar,Ajeet Khare, managing director, Canara Lighting Industries Pvt Ltd, talks about the growth potential of the company and the challenges faced by the LED industry
EB: Since when have you been manufacturing LED products?
We started developing LED lighting fixtures in 2011, but full-fledged manufacturing began in 2012. At present, we have a world class manufacturing facility in Mangalore where we manufacture various LED lighting fixtures that are used in TV and film studios, auditoriums and theatres.
EB: What was the growth of your company in the last two years?
We witnessed a 45 per cent growth.
EB: From which cities do you get demand for your products?
Demand primarily comes from cities like Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
We have witnessed a steep increase in the demand for LED products over the last couple of years. Today, the demand has grown by at least 10 times since the time we started manufacturing in 2011-12.
EB: In what way are your LED products technologically advanced?
We manufacture high wattage LED products with strict colour temperatures and a colour rendering index (CRI) above 90. These are the basic requirements for the lighting fixtures being used in television and film studios. To achieve these critical parameters, our light source is designed on COB (chip on board) technology. Each COB has been designed exclusively to achieve the required end results.
The design of the driver also plays a crucial role in achieving a particular end result. Finally, the heat management system is designed to not only achieve critical parameters but also ensure the longevity of the LED light source. Our LED light sources have a life time of over 50,000 hours. In all our lighting fixtures, where active cooling is involved, we use specially designed low noise-level fans of below 20 db.
EB: What challenges do you face while manufacturing LED products in India?
Almost all important components or parts required for manufacturing LED lighting fixtures are being imported, as there are no reliable manufacturers in the country. This leads to our sourcing most of our components, including the LED light source, from foreign manufacturers. The suppliers have to be very reliable in terms of quality and cost. Also, they must pass on the benefits of cost reduction to us, from time to time.
Foreign exchange fluctuations and delays at the customs, which lead to higher inventory carrying costs, are other challenges we face. Lastly, non-availability of the skilled manpower required to manufacture LED products is the toughest challenge to overcome.
EB: What are your growth plans this year?
Over the last few years, customers have become aware of the several advantages of using LED lighting fixtures. Initially, we had to push this technology but now there is a pull from the market for LED products. Looking at the current scenario, it seems that we should be able to grow by 100 per cent by next year.
EB: Are you looking for distributors, systems integrators, etc?
Yes, we are definitely looking for channel partners such as distributors, systems integrators, consultants, designers and retailers to improve the availability of LED products and to broaden their reach.
EB: How do you contribute towards developing the LED product manufacturing ecosystem in India?
There are two main areas that need to be improved to develop LED product manufacturing in India. First, we need to develop vendors who can produce and deliver components or sub-assemblies with consistent quality, lower prices and shorter lead times. This can only be achieved by working closely with the vendors. The other area is the development of skilled manpower to design, develop, manufacture and test LED lighting fixtures. We are investing heavily in developing suitable training programmes in-house to train our people.
Electronics Bazaar, South Asia’s No.1 Electronics B2B magazine
