Anand enterprise gets new buyers

Anand Enterprise, which manufactures engine parts in Rajkot, has supplied interlocking sleeves meant for aluminum engines to a top two-wheeler company planning to launch an upgraded version of its premium bike. Anand has supplied a trial batch of around 5,000 units through this manufacturer’s Tier-1 company. Regular supplies could begin next month at 2,200 pieces a day, said Damji Patel, managing director in an exclusive interview to Autocar Professional.

As part of this effort, the company has created capacity to make 75,000 interlocking sleeves each month. These are largely used for aluminum engines and Anand developed the knowhow a couple of years ago based on a DaimlerChrysler order. It supplied samples through the JL French group in the US. Regular supplies did not take off due to reasons best known to the local agents involved in the business.

Interestingly, Anand is also in talks with engine maker GF of Germany for supply of interlocking sleeves. Expected volumes are around ten lakh units per month and production will begin in a year. Anand’s German connection does not end here. Patel said that discussions are underway with pistons and cylinder block maker, Kolbenschmidt to supply cylinder liners. This will involve two programmes and expected volumes are around two lakh pieces annually. The other parties with whom talks are on include a Tier-1 company and aftermarket giants in the US market.

Most two-wheeler makers are opting for aluminum engines for better fuel economy as well as lower weight and costs. At present, ring sleeves are used in these engines and the only problem here is that they do not come in cheap in the final tally. To elaborate, they need to be machined on the outer diameter also which leads to a lot of stress and, consequently, calls for a stress relieving process. This results in cost escalation, which does not happen with interlocking sleeves because they need machining only in the inner diameter. With minimal manufacturing process, rejections are kept in check and they become cost-effective.

Efficiency and life of interlocking sleeves improve since they are manufactured through a special ‘edge cast’ method. Anand is exploring the option of supplying them to Maruti too. It has begun supplying these sleeves to Yanmar in Italy which makes engines for marine applications. Federal Mogul in Italy is a regular customer. Anand has been making cylinder liners, sleeves, valve guides and valve seat inserts for the aftermarket. It has now begun to focus on OEMs. The company has four plants, including an export-oriented unit set up last year for Rs 6 crore. It makes around one lakh units per month on an extended single shift basis and plans to double output by increasing the shifts to three.