The world is moved by Gujarat’s unknown ancillary units

RAJKOT/AHMEDABAD: Gujarat kept the wheels of the world turning much before Nanos and Fords drove into the state. Over 50 small and medium firms, many of them virtually unknown and concentrated in the Saurashtra region, have been supplying critical parts to top global auto brands for years now. Given their skills in precision engineering, these ancillaries are enhancing the state's magnetism in luring auto giants to set up base here. As Sanand emerges as an important auto hub, many of them plan to shift here.

Bhavnagar-based Tamboli Castings Ltd (TCL) supplies components directly and indirectly to Ferrari, Jaguar, Ford and John Deere, among others. The firm supplies connecting blocks used inside direct injection gasoline engines for cars - considered a car's heart - to a German company, which supplies to Ferrari. "Precision is key as there is no room for errors," says Mehul Tamboli, director of TCL.

When recently-launched Ducati Monster 795 roared on Indian roads, over 500 workers in a workshop in Rajkot had a sense of satisfaction. GM Exports, a firm with a turnover of Rs 100 crore, supplies shafts, tappets and engine covers to the iconic mean machine.

"We approached Ducati as my son adores their bikes. We have been supplying components to them since 2006," says Vasant Mangrolia, perhaps the first supplier to Ducati from India.

Another medium-sized firm, Microsign Products, which employs a large number of people with disabilities, ended US auto major General Motors' hunt for quality plastic fasteners. "Before we started supplying to GM, the company imported the component from the US," says Nisheeth Mehta, CEO of the Bhavnagar-based company, which also supplies fasteners to Hero Honda and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

Rajkot's Amul Industries sells stainless-steel connecting rods to a number of equipment manufacturers in Italy, Turkey, USA, Dubai and Egypt among others who directly supply to brands like Land Rover, Toyota and Caterpillar.

"About 15% of our business comes from exports," said Nipul Santoki, manager exports, Amul Industries.

Ahmedabad-based Poggenamp Electrical Steel has been supplying prototypes for leading hybrid electric vehicles in Poland and Germany. "Since 2011, we have been providing prototypes or motor designs to the Poland government, which approves the design before passing it on to companies," Gauttam Nagarsheth, chairman, Poggenamp Electrical Steel said. The company has also been providing components used to make bicycles and wheelchairs to a German bicycle maker since 1995.Automobile News