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The Specialist - Ravi Sarin, CEO, Essar Heavy Engineering Services

By Niranjan Mudholkar,

Added 10 July 2014

What started as an internal support system is now developing into full fledged business unit enhancing the country’s capabilities in the heavy engineering segment, says Ravi Sarin, Chief Executive Officer, Essar Heavy Engineering Services. By Niranjan Mudholkar

These jobs include the capability of working with metals like titanium, low alloy steel and hastelloy in addition to various stainless steel and non-ferrous materials. "Typically, a regular job takes about 3 months to 6 months to be completed by EHES while a big job takes about 9 months to 12 months. It depends on the criticality of the job."

In the fabrication industry, welding is the most critical activity. EHES invested heavily in welding engineering for qualified, trained and experienced engineers, infrastructure, machinery to develop procedures, systems and qualifications in welding for various types of materials and welding processes.

Besides the two well equipped covered bays for heavy fabrication, EHES also has seven outdoor bays. It has recently erected a new blasting and painting shell to ensure that its products stay protected from rain and moisture. EHES enjoys the strategic advantage of a convenient waterfront access and also has its own port for sea transport. So transporting the big jobs is relatively hassle free for EHSE as compared to other heavy engineering companies.

And all this has been achieved without compromising on safety, the most important hygiene factor in any manufacturing facility. "In fact, our focus on safety has been a big contributor to our success. I can safely say that we have been successful because we have given safety the utmost priority," Sarin says. And the tour of the facility confirms this. "Our safety performance is among the best in the industry with LTI free 27.47 million man-hours and 1,529 Safe Days (as on June 19, 2014). We have had zero accident rate since April 1, 2010. We have won also won a couple of awards for safety and have been certified by both ‘The British Safety Council' and the ‘Gujarat Safety Council and Directorate of Industrial Safety & Health - Gujarat State'."

As a reflection of the dynamic nature of the facility, Sarin today has to straddle between the board room and the shopfloor. So what does he enjoy more? "Basically I am an engineer and have worked on the shopfloor for most of my life. However, board meetings have their own advantages which provide great value addition and insight. I personally enjoy both."