Energy management technology provider Schneider Electric India, the Indian arm of France-based energy major Schneider Electric, is planning to tap the potential of automation in pharma and water treatment solutions in the Indian market.
The company has forayed into the business of water and air handling systems for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers in the country, said Pradeep Karnik, director - industrial automation, Schneider Electric India.
India is the third largest API drug manufacturer in the world and has over 3,000 drug manufacturing units.
“Similarly, the industrial and municipal wastewater treatment business in India is expected to grow 20-22 per cent annually in the coming years and we will tap the potential of this sector. Airport automation is another area of potential business growth,” he said.
Players such as Thermax, Viola and Ion Exchange are already established players in the Rs 1,000-plus crore water and water treatment solutions business in the country.
The power sector is currently the largest business segment for Schneider Electric, contributing over Rs 600 crore of annual sales.
Industry segments, which include mines, minerals, metals and automation, contribute about Rs 350 crore. The building business and information technology also contribute to the rest of the company’s Rs 1,500-plus crore annual turnover.
About 31 per cent of the energy used in the country is consumed by the industry and infrastructure sector. Commercial and residential buildings consume about 18 and 12 per cent, respectively, and the main energy consumption is for heating, cooling, motors, lighting, electronics and appliances.
