Hensel & Blank – the machine manufacturer explores the Indian market
Partners are an important part of every success
Hensel & Blank GmbH is a machine manufacturer based in Oersberg, in the district of Schleswig-Flensburg. Its services include the development and construction of machinery for the safe, cost-efficient operation of drawing, punching and forming tools – this is known as the toolOpener.
Precision stampings for the jewellery industry and precision engineering are produced in the company’s in-house stamping shop. The innovations mentioned above are tested here in a practical setting.
Another strategy which secures the company’s success: the modernisation of machinery and industrial systems including automation solutions to increase cost efficiency and safety.
Hensel & Blank already has an international presence with a wide range of products and is now looking to move into further countries. The WTSH country talk day sparked interest in the Indian market.
Wanted: the right production partner
Together with IGEP Consult, its long-standing partner in India, the WTSH conducted some market research and potential analyses for Hensel & Blank on the Indian market. The goal: to find the right production partner to produce the toolOpener for Hensel & Blank. From the outset, Indian companies showed considerable interest in working with the renowned German company. The first online introductions were quickly followed by individual talks with highly promising companies. ‘IGEP prepared these talks very well on the ground and whittled it down to the most suitable partners from the large number of potential candidates. So, in the end, we were able to have very productive talks,’ says Volker Hensel, founder and managing director of Hensel & Blank GmbH.
Found: Praditi Press Parts
In the case of quite complex products, such as those made by Hensel & Blank, preparation and on-site support are particularly important. After all, it is not all about having a way with words when it comes to product talk. There are also different standards and cost structures for manufacturing in place in India that must be taken into account. With Praditi Press Parts, a manufacturer of components for the automotive industry, Hensel & Blank found a partner in Pune which is currently producing a functional, portable prototype of the tool changer for the Indian market – this is German quality made in India. A trade fair appearance is planned in January – where this prototype will be exhibited.
All challenges mastered
'When I visited India, it was clear how different it is as a country. Culturally and climatically, and also in terms of infrastructure. I knew that, without the right partners on the ground, it would be difficult to gain a foothold here. IGEP, with its network, linguistic knowledge and hard work, saved us a lot of time and, in particular, also money,’ says Hensel. A limiting factor for international activities is often budget. Hensel therefore advises other companies: ‘As an entrepreneur, it’s important to keep a close eye on the cost involved in this kind of market development in another country. Because, ultimately, the new opportunities that come from this new market must also be in proportion to the cost involved.’ Also a word about current federal and state funding programmes: Hensel & Blank availed of ‘Markterschließung im Ausland’ (development of new markets) funding to get started in the Indian market.
Hensel & Blank GmbH
- Location: Oersberg
- Founded: 2011
- Employees: 15
- Services: Tool handling for stamping machines, machine optimisation, precision finishing
- Industry: Machine construction
- More information: www.henselundblank.de
