‘We are exploring potential of doing local product engineering in India.’

MTS Systems Corporation, which makes testing and sensing solutions for the auto industry, recently participated at the Auto Testing Expo in Chennai. Umesh Krishnappa, President, India Operations, MTS Systems Corporation, spoke to Kiran Bajad.

What are MTS Systems' key focus areas for future growth?

Our focus is the range of products aimed at providing customised solutions to the automotive industry. Of late, we have been providing tyre testing simulation solutions to major tyre testing clients. We also work and consult a lot on the suspension system.

Who are your major clients in the Indian market?

We work with leading OEMs like Maruti Suzuki India, Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, TVS Group, Bajaj Auto and others. All of them have been using our machines for decades now and have a healthy respect for MTS.

MTS not only works with OEMs in India but also supports component suppliers in a big way enabling them to test with greater speed, efficiency and confidence. We help vehicle makers with durability, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics test and simulations solutions to address the challenges of developing faster prototypes at a lower cost.

What is your growth vision for the testing solutions business in India?

MTS views India as a big potential market and, considering this opportunity, we set up up a subsidiary last year. We have our full product offering here in India including our six degree of freedom full vehicle simulations, hybrid simulation, accurate and repeatable durability assessment solutions, vehicle dynamic testing solutions, custom component testing, rolling resistance machine, suspension test system, and multi-axle system testing.

Are you looking at setting up a manufacturing plant here?

We have just set up the subsidiary and are building the team. Our near-term plan is to improve our efficiency with customer requirements and also work with our business partner to further better efficiency, both in sales and service. We are looking at the engineering aspect of the ‘Make in India’programme. We are exploring the possibility of doing local product engineering from India. In another two years, we might also look for product localisation and manufacturing.