NBC develops compact and lightweight bearings, reducing the overall weight of construction equipment.
Rajesh Premchandran,
What are the current technology trends for your products (Bearings) in infrastructure equipment?
Smart Bearings with IoT Integration: Bearings equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring enhance predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and increase equipment reliability, crucial for excavators, loaders, and cranes.
Advanced Materials and Coatings: The use of high-performance materials and advanced coatings improves wear resistance and extends lifespan, benefiting construction and mining equipment operating under extreme conditions.
Energy Efficiency: Low-friction bearings reduce energy consumption and improve overall efficiency, particularly in hydraulic systems and electric motors in infrastructure machinery.
Compact and Lightweight Designs: Smaller, lighter bearings increase equipment efficiency and versatility, essential for modern construction equipment requiring high precision.
High-Load Capacity and Durability: Bearings designed to handle higher loads and harsh conditions enhance performance and reliability in heavy-duty applications such as bulldozers and backhoes.
Custom-Engineered Solutions: Tailor-made bearing solutions optimize performance and extend service life for unique infrastructure projects with specific requirements.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Solutions: Environmentally friendly bearing solutions reduce environmental impact and comply with stricter regulations, supporting green construction projects.
Digital Twins and Simulation: Using digital twins and simulation for bearing design and testing improves design accuracy, accelerates development, and enhances performance prediction.
These trends drive innovation, enhancing performance, reliability, and efficiency while meeting the industry’s evolving demands.
What sustainable innovations has your company implemented in your manufacturing processes?
Renewable Energy Integration: A significant portion of our energy need is met through renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. We have installed solar panels across our facilities to harness clean energy and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources. We have generated over 3500 MWh of power.
Water Conservation: We have adopted various water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and recycling systems. These initiatives help us reduce water consumption and ensure sustainable water management. We have saved water during the year which is equivalent to support the daily water needs of 16,600 people.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: We focus on reducing waste at every stage of production. This includes optimizing our manufacturing processes to minimize material waste, recycling scrap materials, and implementing waste segregation practices to ensure proper disposal and recycling. We reduced hazardous waste by 28 metric tons in the last year.
Eco-Friendly Materials: NBC uses environmentally friendly materials and lubricants, lowering the environmental impact and enhancing product sustainability.
Process Optimization: Lean manufacturing techniques and process optimizations increase efficiency, reduce waste, and conserve resources.
Carbon Footprint Monitoring: We are aggressively pursuing the ESG program “PLANET” across all NBC facilities. This involves evaluating Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions and also implementing decarbonization road map in phased manner.
These sustainable innovations reflect NBC Bearings’ commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible manufacturing practices, ensuring a greener future for the industry.
How do your products contribute to reducing the environmental impact of construction equipment?
Energy Efficiency: NBC’s low-friction bearings reduce energy consumption, enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions from construction equipment.
Extended Lifespan: Using high-quality materials and advanced coatings, NBC bearings increase durability and reduce the frequency of replacements, minimizing waste and resource consumption.
Reliability and Performance: Superior design ensures reliable performance under extreme conditions, decreasing downtime and maintenance needs. This enhances operational efficiency and reduces environmental disruption.
Lightweight Designs: NBC develops compact and lightweight bearings, reducing the overall weight of construction equipment. This improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
Smart Bearings with IoT: Integration of sensors for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance prevents unexpected failures, reducing waste and extending the life of equipment components.
Through these innovations, NBC Bearings significantly contribute to the sustainability of construction equipment, promoting a greener and more efficient industry.
How important is collaboration with other industry stakeholders (e.g., equipment manufacturers, regulatory bodies) in promoting sustainability?
Collaboration with industry stakeholders, such as equipment manufacturers and regulatory bodies, is crucial in promoting sustainability. Working closely with equipment manufacturers allows for the integration of advanced, eco-friendly technologies into machinery, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of innovative solutions that address specific sustainability challenges, such as energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and waste management.
Engagement with regulatory bodies ensures compliance with environmental standards and fosters a proactive approach to sustainability. By aligning with regulations, companies can avoid penalties and enhance their reputation as responsible corporate citizens. Furthermore, regulatory bodies often provide guidelines and incentives that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.
Joint initiatives and partnerships can also facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices across the industry. Collaborative research and development efforts can accelerate the creation of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable products. Additionally, stakeholders can pool resources to invest in large-scale sustainability projects that might be unfeasible for individual companies.
What are the main challenges in adopting green technologies? How have you addressed these challenges?
Adopting green technologies presents several challenges, including high initial costs, technological complexity, and resistance to change. The upfront investment for green technologies can be substantial, deterring companies from transitioning despite long-term benefits. Technological complexity requires specialized knowledge and skills, making it difficult for businesses to implement and maintain new systems. Additionally, there may be resistance to change within organizations, with stakeholders hesitant to move away from established practices.
At NBC Bearings, we address these challenges through strategic initiatives and a commitment to sustainability. To mitigate high initial costs, we focus on long-term cost savings and efficiency gains, demonstrating the economic benefits of green technologies. We also seek out government grants and incentives that support sustainable investments.
To overcome technological complexity, we invest in training and development for our employees, ensuring they have the necessary skills to manage and optimize new technologies. We also partner with experts and technology providers to streamline the implementation process.
Addressing resistance to change involves fostering a culture of sustainability within the organization. We engage stakeholders at all levels, communicating the importance and benefits of green technologies. By showcasing successful case studies and involving employees in sustainability initiatives, we build a collective commitment to green practices.
We have also embarked on an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) journey to further our commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. This includes integrating ESG principles into our core operations, enhancing transparency, and driving long-term value for our stakeholders. These strategies help us navigate the challenges of adopting green technologies, driving our sustainability efforts forward.
