As industrialization is at the heart of globalization and rapid progress, at the heart of industrialization is the swiftly advancing technologies like automation and mechanization. The industrial landscape has undergone a paradigm shift with the rise of automation, enabling businesses to move beyond traditional labour-intensive processes and embrace intelligent, precision-driven production techniques.
India, being one of the fastest-growing economies, has been at the forefront of embracing automation and mechanization to drive industrial growth. The nation’s vast industrial sector—including automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and logistics—has rapidly adopted advanced automation solutions to stay competitive in the global market.
A key contributor to this transformation has been the emergence of some of the most innovative automation companies that provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to India’s unique industrial challenges. Among these, Schmalz India Private Limited has played a pioneering role in revolutionizing material handling and automation through its state-of-the-art vacuum technology since its two-and-a-half decades of existence.
Making of A Leader in the Indian Industrial Automation
According to the Managing Director, Philip Mani, Schmalz India began its journey on 26th February 1999, introducing vacuum automation and ergonomic material handling to the Indian market. “Our vision was to revolutionize material handling by making it more efficient, safe, and sustainable,” he states.
Over the past 26 years, the company has grown alongside India’s industrial expansion, serving sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food, glass, metal, solar, packaging, wind energy, and logistics etc.
Philip adds, “Our motivation stemmed from the need for intelligent, automated solutions that not only boost productivity but also prioritize worker safety.” Whether handling lightweight or heavy materials in automated or manual processes, Schmalz India has consistently provided cutting-edge solutions to enhance industrial efficiency.
“Today, we take pride in serving Indian customers with state-of-the-art vacuum handling systems, continuously innovating to drive sustainability, precision, and performance in modern manufacturing,” shares Philip.
Benchmarking Success with Exceptional Excellence
Emerged as one of India’s leading automation companies, Schmalz India’s guiding philosophy is infused with excellence. Its success is driven by a pioneering spirit, commitment to sustainability, inspiration, and continuous innovation. Since its inception, the firm has been at the forefront of vacuum automation and ergonomic material handling, setting new industry benchmarks with its cutting-edge solutions.
Philip says that they believe in sustainable innovation, ensuring their products not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to energy savings and environmental responsibility. Their smart vacuum solutions integrate Industry 4.0 technologies, enabling predictive maintenance and optimized performance.
“Inspiration is at the core of our journey—empowering industries with intelligent handling systems that improve productivity while prioritizing worker safety and ergonomics,” he adds. Whether it’s lightweight handling or precise gripping of complex materials, the company continues to innovate and inspire with advanced solutions like the JumboFlex, VacuMaster, Binar Handling, and intelligent ejectors.
By staying ahead of industry trends and focusing on customer-centric innovation, Schmalz India remains a trusted partner in transforming material handling across industries.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
The Automation landscape is continually evolving. That’s why, at Schmalz, staying ahead of industry trends is not just a goal—it’s a commitment. “We achieve this by investing 8% of total turnover in research and development, constantly pushing the boundaries of vacuum automation and ergonomic handling solutions,” explains Philip.
The company’s approach begins with smart automation technologies that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Take, for instance, the Schmalz Vacuum Operation Center (VOC) and our intelligent vacuum generators—these systems are equipped with IoT and Industry 4.0 capabilities, enabling:
✔ Predictive maintenance – Identifying potential issues before they cause downtime.
✔ Real-time monitoring – Ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.
✔ Seamless integration – Allowing smooth connectivity with modern production environments.
“We also believe that innovation thrives on collaboration. By working closely with industry leaders and continuously gathering customer feedback, we anticipate market shifts and tailor our solutions to meet evolving demands. Whether it’s the development of new energy-saving ejectors, advanced gripping systems like PXT and PSSG, or ergonomically optimized material handling solutions, we ensure that our technologies are always future-ready,” states Philip.
By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of industry needs, Schmalz India remains at the forefront of automation, setting new benchmarks for smart, sustainable, and intelligent material handling solutions.
True Leadership Ethos
Philip’s leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind the company’s success. However, he says that the leadership philosophy is not his trait. The entire Schmalz’s leadership philosophy is built on empowerment, collaboration, and continuous growth.
“True leadership is about creating an environment where individuals feel valued, inspired, and driven to excel.” – Philip Mani.
A key aspect of their approach is fostering a culture of innovation, where teams are encouraged to explore new ideas, enhance technical expertise, and contribute to cutting-edge automation solutions. Philip and his management ensure equal opportunities for all employees, promoting an unbiased growth environment where talent and dedication are the only measures of success.
To nurture talent, they invest in:
✔ Training programs and cross-functional teamwork to enhance skill development.
✔ Leadership initiatives that prepare employees for greater responsibilities.
✔ A strong culture of retention—at Schmalz India, “Around 50% of our employees have been with us for over five years, reflecting our commitment to career growth and stability.”
The company’s 26-year journey in India has been driven by a team that embraces technological advancements and remains dedicated to delivering excellence. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, it continues to build a workforce that is not just skilled but also passionate about shaping the future of vacuum automation and ergonomic handling solutions.
Smart Solutions with Advanced Connectivity
The essence of automation lies in seamless operations and enhancing the security ecosystem and digital efficiency. In such a scenario, striking a balance between operational proficiency and client expectations is imperative. Schmalz achieves this by integrating smart vacuum handling solutions with advanced connectivity. Products like the mGrip, PXT modular gripper, ZLW lightweight grippers, and PSSG soft gripper allow for precise and secure material handling, ensuring minimal wastage and improved efficiency.
Additionally, its Industry 4.0-enabled solutions, like the Schmalz ControlRoom app, enable real-time system monitoring and predictive maintenance, helping clients optimize performance, prevent downtime, and reduce energy consumption.
Philip adds, “By aligning technology, safety, and sustainability, we deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations, driving the future of automation and ergonomic material handling.”
Innovation Testament
Schmalz India achieved remarkable success. Philip shares that one of their most impactful projects involved ergonomic handling solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. “Our Palvac Sprint vacuum lifter and Binar Handling QLA 100i were deployed to enable precise and safe lifting of delicate materials in a controlled environment, helping the pharmaceutical & electronics industry to achieve higher productivity, reduced risks, and improved workplace safety.”
Similarly, their Finger Gripper mGrip has transformed direct food handling by enabling gentle yet secure gripping of irregularly shaped products while ensuring high-speed automation.
The New JumboFlex and Matrix Gripper FMG have further optimized material handling across industries, improving efficiency and adaptability. “These projects exemplify our commitment to innovation, customization, and delivering solutions that align with evolving industry needs.”
TechnOptimum Torque
In the realm of automation, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. Schmalz leverages advanced technologies to optimize its services and maintain a leading position in the digital age.
By embracing Industry 4.0 principles, it has developed intelligent vacuum components equipped with integrated energy and process control functions. These smart devices collect and interpret data in real time, providing valuable insights that enhance productivity, efficiency, and flexibility in production processes.
Notably, its ECBPi vacuum generator operates without compressed air and features an IO-Link interface, enabling seamless data exchange from the machine to the cloud. Additionally, NFC technology allows for direct process data transmission to smartphones, facilitating easy monitoring and parameterization.
Philip mentions that their Compact Terminal SCTMi exemplifies their commitment to Industry 4.0. This modular system consists of up to 16 individually controllable ejectors, each equipped with eco-nozzle technology for energy-efficient vacuum generation. The SCTMi’s IO-Link interface enables comprehensive data communication, while NFC technology provides reliable, point-to-point communication for data retrieval and parameterization via smartphone.
Additionally, solutions like the VacuMaster, Jumbo lifters, and Binar products—including QLR, QLA, and NEO 30—are engineered for precision and adaptability, reducing manual effort while enhancing safety. “Our goal is to create a connected, data-driven ecosystem where vacuum automation seamlessly integrates into industrial workflows, ensuring sustainability, efficiency, and operational excellence,” insists Philip.
The Most Crucial Success Factor–An Empowered Team
Furthermore, he adds that they prioritize employee development through technical training, leadership programs, and continuous learning initiatives. “Our teams undergo hands-on training on emerging technologies, ensuring they stay ahead of industry trends. We also promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment where employees are encouraged to innovate, take ownership, and drive meaningful change. This has been a crucial factor in our 26 years of success in India.”
Resiliently Rising
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schmalz India faced significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions and workforce limitations. Demonstrating resilience and innovation, the company accelerated its digital transformation efforts. This included offering remote support, virtual training sessions, and digital product demonstrations to ensure continuous engagement with clients despite physical restrictions.
Furthermore, Schmalz India implemented comprehensive safety measures to protect its employees and maintain operations. The company developed a detailed safety plan to provide a safe, clean, and hygienic workplace during the pandemic. These proactive strategies highlight Schmalz India’s commitment to adaptability and excellence, ensuring uninterrupted support and innovative solutions for its clients during challenging times.
Advancing into the Future Realm
Today, automation goes beyond the digital realm, touching on aspects like augmented and virtual reality and cloud security. Schmalz India addresses these critical factors in its service offerings by actively exploring the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to enhance system design, training, and maintenance processes. These immersive tools improve user interaction with our products, potentially increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.
Concurrently, the company implements robust cloud security measures, including encryption protocols and secure authentication, to protect data and maintain system integrity. It also educates users on best practices for maintaining security within AR and VR environments, aligning with industry standards to mitigate potential risks.
By adopting these technologies and security measures, Schmalz continues to innovate in the automation sector, offering solutions that are intelligent, efficient and secure.
Philip’s Advice
Philip’s experience in the automation niche has made him a stalwart amongst his peers. In his advice to budding entrepreneurs aspiring to venture into the automation niche, he says, “Entering the automation sector demands a strategic blend of innovation and adaptability.” Begin by identifying specific industry challenges that automation can address, ensuring your solutions are both relevant and impactful. Investing in continuous learning is crucial; staying updated with the latest technological advancements will keep your offerings competitive. Building a diverse team with expertise in various domains fosters creativity and robust problem-solving capabilities. Networking with industry professionals and participating in relevant forums can provide valuable insights and potential collaborations. Lastly, maintaining agility in your business model allows you to pivot and adapt to the ever-evolving market dynamics, ensuring long-term success.
Taking Indian Industry into a Fully Automated Tomorrow
Looking to the future, Schmalz India is committed to advancing its leadership in the vacuum automation sector by embracing innovation and sustainability. To support this vision, Schmalz India inaugurated a new manufacturing unit in Pune, enhancing its capacity to meet the increasing demand for advanced automation solutions. This expansion not only signifies a boost in production capabilities but also underscores the company’s commitment to the Indian market.
By localizing assembly and certain production processes, Schmalz India aims to offer tailored solutions that adhere to global quality standards while catering to regional needs. This strategic approach ensures that Schmalz India remains at the forefront of innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth in the automation sector.
Contact for questions
Schmalz India Private Limited,
Marketing Department,
EL 38, J Block, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune 411026.
Tel: 020-69115500.
Email: marketing@schmalz.co.in.
