Uma Precision, Doerken in pact for coating arm

Precision engineering products company Uma Precision (UPL) has signed a licensing agreement with German chemicals giant Doerken MKS System GmbH for the latter's surface coating technology.

Under the agreement Uma plans to set up a project in Pune specially for Zinc-Aluminum flake coating for cathodic protection, which is advanced micro layer system that replaces hazardous plating and other coating operations.

Giving details of the project, Rajendra Z Kankaria, Managing Director and CEO, Uma Precision Ltd. said, "Generally, surface coating is done with chrome application which is hazardous and anti environmental. Uma is the first and only company to put a project to make totally environment friendly products which will fulfil international norms for ELV (End of Life Vehicle), WEE (Waste Electric and Electronic Management) or RoHs(Restriction of Hazards) and offer better properties like anti corrosion, protection against chemicals such as acids, salts, detergents, oils and fuels."

He added that the project will be ready in Pune by end of 2006 and the entire production will initially be for export market. "We will also market the products to the Indian customers and are sure of steady business from them as its beauty and quality will be fully understood," Kankaria said.

The company will invest about Rs 6 crore in the new project including the royalty fee to the German partner, he clarified.

Currently this coating is applicable for fasteners, axles, brake disc parts, machined parts, stamping parts and wheel bolt. The specifications are decided by global OEMs like Audi, BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, GM, Mitsubushi Motor, Opel, Skoda Auto and Volvo.

"In India too, any manufacturer that uses components in his products ""say in automobiles, machinery or hospital equipment "" will be benefited by the enhanced life and technology with which the products will come," he said.

UPL has earlier acquired Bangalore based Gera Auto Industries Pvt. Ltd. and bought 51 per cent stake in Kontak comforts Pvt. Ltd, (KCPL) located at Bhalwani near Ahmednagar on the plot of 12,000 sq.mts. KCPL manufactures rubberised coir foam mattresses, spring mattresses, pillows and seats which are supplied to automobile sector, government enterprises and service sectors.

UPL is planning to launch factory retail outlets of bedroom furnishing at Pune and the same will be spread to all the major cities in due course.