Rane Engine Valves unveils production centre

* The factory was inaugurated by Mr. Alexander M Seitz, Corporate Executive Director, Volkswagen, Germany and Mr. L Ganesh, Chairman, Rane Group

Pudukottai/Chennai, 25th January 2008 : Rane Engine Valves (REVL) today inaugurated its most advanced production center for manufacture of Engine Valves by Mr. Alexander M Seitz, Corporate Executive Director , Volkswagen, Germany. These are the core of the engine, that play a decisive role in the functioning of automotive engines. REVL has invested more than Rs.355 million in the new factory.

Mr. L Ganesh, Chairman, Rane Group, said: "Systematic innovations and the high speed with which we implement them into products has enabled us to achieve the desired market leadership. This new facility lays the foundation for providing employment opportunities for the local population, establishing better productivity norms through innovations, and thus future economic success. Sustained investment in technology is required to become a significant Engine Valve supplier in the global market. This is in line with our vision. Our increasing relationship with Volkswagen is one of the key steps in this direction."

New Development Unveiled

The highlight of the celebration is the inauguration of the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for engine valves, which expands the existing possibilities of Engine Valve component production. This facility paves the way for the manufacture of engine valves, establishing new productivity and quality benchmarks for them internationally and conforming to international emission norms.

An Overview of the New Facilities

· Administrative and Training Block

·Investment: Rs. 355 Million (Initial project outlay); for buildings, systems and machinery

·Total floor space: more than 6000 sq.metres

Location

·The new plant is located in Pudukottai district and is 38 kms from Trichy on the Trichy-Madurai national highway NH45B

Capacity

·The plant is designed to produce 6 million valves per annum in phase 1. In the next three to five years this is expected to be increased to about 25 million valves per annum.

Special features in :

a.Plant design

*The plant is designed for reduced power consumption during day time by providing natural lighting in the entire shop floor

*To manage temperatures turbo vents are installed for air change

b.Manufacturing

·The manufacturing lines are equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machines for various operations like grinding, turning and modern environment friendly heat treatment system.

· The line has been designed with higher speeds and state-of-the-art material handling system to produce high volumes at consistent quality.

·The company has set up an in-house training school at the cost of Rs. 5 million. This facility is utilized for training new recruits, enhancing skill level of operators and develops multi skill ability.

Number of people employed

·The plant at present has around 45 employees, which is to be scaled up in phases.

·Around this district, a number of good students due to financial constraints are not able to pursue higher education. A company trainee scheme is launched to make these people employable. They will be provided training both at government institutes and in-house training school.

About REVL

Set up in 1959, REVL is the flagship company of the Rane Group engaged in the production of Engine Valves and Valve Train Components. Today REVL is the market leader with more than 55% market share in India. REVL has 4 manufacturing facilities across India with the fifth one becoming operational in Pudukottai. REVL's annual turnover for the financial 2006-07 stood at Rs.1.83bn with 33% of its revenue coming from exports. REVL serve a variety of industry segments such as, Passenger Cars, Multi-utility vehicles, light commercial vehicles, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, farm tractors, three-wheelers, two wheelers and stationary engines. REVL embraces TQM as a way of life and it has won many awards and accolades and the coveted Deming Prize in the year 2005.