VXL Technologies, the Rs 60 crore S K Birla Group company, is eyeing a turnover of Rs 100 crore in three years, on the back of government orders for its new security solutions.
At a press conference in Kolkata, B D Bose, executive director, VXL Technologies, said, “We have created a lot of security solutions and are looking at orders from various state governments. This in turn should boost our revenues to touch Rs 100 crore in two to three years.”
The company has manufactured DAT or Distress Alert Transmitter, a global positioning system-based search and rescue beacon which is expected to strengthen significantly the country’s maritme safety and security system.
The products work during any distress at sea caused by weather, ill-health of crew, on-board fires or boat capsize. A simple flick of a switch on the DAT fitted on-board the vessel sends out continuous signals to the INSAT 3A satellite of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), which then beams the signals down to the Chennai-based Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) of the Indian Coast Guard. MRCC, which is a hub linked to coordination centres in each coastal state, and then immediately coordinates the search and rescue operation from air and sea.
The extremely high positional accuracy of less than five metres allows the Coast Guard to locate the craft in distress, even on the high seas and in adverse weather conditions, enabling successful conclusion of rescue missions within the shortest possible time.
The DAT technology has been developed by Space Application Centre, Isro, at the behest of Indian Coast Guard, the protector of the country’s 7600-km coastline bordering 13 states and Union Territories. VXL Technologies is currently the country’s sole DAT manufacturer, under licence from Isro.
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“We have already supplied 1000 pieces to Isro and have received orders for another 1,000 pieces. The product costs around Rs 10,000,” said Bose.
S K Birla, chairman, S K Birla Group, said, “The primary buyers for this product would be the state governments who would then make the product available to the fishermen at a subsidised cost.”
The product is being manufactured at VXL’s plant in Rajarhat in Kolkata.
VXL has also manufactured ‘MSS Type D’, a mobile satellite phone, which can be used for instant two-way communication during disasters like earthquare, floods, and other calamities. The target buyers for this product would be the Army, para-military forces, state police departments and disaster management agencies.