Interview with Dr. Shekhar Desarda , Chairman & Managing Director, Desarda Group
Paper Market : Could we know more about Parason Machinery?
Shekhar Desarda: Parason Machinery stands as a distinguished leader in the global paper and molded fiber industry, renowned for its cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. Our expertise not only encompasses the field of paper manufacturing but also extends seamlessly into the molded fiber sector.
We specialize in providing comprehensive turnkey solutions tailored to the specific needs of paper mills and molded fiber products manufacturing plants. Our offerings encompass a full spectrum of services, including machinery supply, customized plant layout design, facility audits, modernization of existing installations, and the establishment of new manufacturing facilities.
With a proud legacy spanning over five decades, Parason Machinery has consistently set benchmarks for quality, reliability, and innovation in our industry. Our unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that we serve as a trusted and dependable partner to our esteemed clients worldwide, driving their success and satisfaction through every facet of our operations.
“Our manufacturing facilities in India boast state-of-the-art technology and production capabilities, enabling us to deliver machinery of unparalleled quality standards to our clients”
PM : What are your mission, vision and culture?
SD : At Parason Machinery, our core principles are centered on innovation, quality, and exceeding customer expectations. Our mission is anchored in providing innovative and cost-effective engineering solutions while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and proactive customer service.
Our vision is to emerge as the preferred partner for the paper industry, leveraging technology to drive sustainability and eco-friendly practices. We envision a future where our cutting-edge technologies play a pivotal role in transforming the paper industry into a more sustainable sector.
Our company culture is defined by teamwork, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We prioritize collaboration and mutual respect among our employees, empowering them to contribute meaningfully towards our collective goals. We nurture a work environment that encourages innovation, learning, and personal growth, ensuring that our team remains motivated and aligned with our values.
PM : What are all the equipment and machinery manufactured by Parason?
SD : Parason Machinery manufactures a comprehensive range of equipment and machinery catering to various needs of the paper industry. Parason’s paper machine products include:
Pulping system, Cleaning system, Screening System, Dispersion System, De-inking system, Thickening system, Refining system, Deflaking system, Agitators Reject handling equipment, Headbox section and PDT, Wire section, Press Section, Pre-Dryer Section, Size Press Section, Post Dryer Section, Calender Section, QCS, Pope Reel, Rewinder Section, And other necessary spare parts.
Parason also manufactures Biodegradable Tableware Machinery for manufacturing biodegradable tableware and packaging materials, reflecting Parason’s commitment to sustainability.
PM : Do you supply a complete range of machinery as a turnkey project for pulp and paper industry?
SD : Absolutely! Parason has expertise in executing complete pulp mills, offering turnkey solutions to clients for projects of various scales. Our offerings cover a wide spectrum of needs within the paper industry, and molded fiber products. We offer the complete range of machinery for both, pulp and paper as well as molded fiber industry as a complete turnkey solution.
PM : What is your premium and innovative product in pulp processing and why?
SD : Parason takes pride in offering a cutting-edge range of products designed to revolutionize pulp processing, delivering unparalleled results. Among our premium and innovative offerings, the Parason Dispersion System and Parason Disc Filter stand out as game-changers in the industry.
The Parason Dispersion System is engineered to achieve optimal fiber dispersion, effectively addressing impurities while enhancing the overall aesthetics and strength of paper products. By employing state-of-the-art dispersion technology, this system ensures superior performance, resulting in high-quality output.
Similarly, the Parason Disc Filter is meticulously developed to facilitate effective pulp thickening across a wide range of flow applications. Designed for adaptability to higher feed consistencies, this filter supports operations involving variable grades of pulp and recycled paper. Its versatility and efficiency make it an indispensable asset for paper mills seeking to optimize their production processes.
PM : What do you manufacture in the area of effluent treatments for pulp & paper mill?
SD : At Parason, our journey is one of innovation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. As pioneers in effluent treatment plants, anaerobic digesters with bio-CNG production, and municipal solid waste management, we are dedicated to forging a cleaner and greener future.
Our Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) solutions are designed to transform wastewater into a valuable resource while ensuring adherence to environmental standards. Through anaerobic digestion, we harness renewable energy and mitigate emissions from organic waste, producing BioCNG that contributes to a more sustainable energy landscape.
In municipal waste management, our solutions foster cleaner, safer, and more sustainable communities. We manufacture a range of essential equipment for effluent treatment, including the Rotary Drum Screw, Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), Belt Filter Press, Sludge Screw Press, Fifty Filter – Micro Filtration Unit, and Spray Filter Fractioning Screen. These innovations underscore our commitment to addressing environmental challenges and creating lasting positive impacts on a global scale.
“By focusing on technological advancements, customer-centric solutions, and operational excellence, we are confident in our ability to navigate the industry landscape and maintain our position as a leader in the market”
PM : Could we know better about your Parason Maxi Shoe Press?
SD : Parason Maxi Shoe Press is a technological marvel designed to elevate productivity while maintaining exceptional paper quality and reducing cost. It is crafted with a simple yet robust design and stands as a beacon of reliability in the industry. Its streamlined construction ensures seamless operation while delivering remarkable results that redefine the standards of paper production.
Parason Maxi Shoe Press can achieve up to 5% higher dryness levels without compromising on paper quality, leading to improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption by up to 20% resulting in higher productivity. It offers many benefits including Higher Bulk and HCT, Enhanced Dryness, Uniform Dryness Profile, Easy Maintenance and Operation, and Higher Runnability.
PM : Do you support in supplying of headboxes for high-speed operations of the paper machines?
SD : At Parason Machinery, we cater to various machinery needs, including our specialized Hydraulic Headbox designed specifically for high-speed operations of paper machines. These headboxes are tailored for twin-wire forming applications and are available in configurations with or without a stabilization chamber.
The stabilization chamber, if included, features a tube bank or turbulence generator situated between the chamber and the slice. Its primary function is to enhance the velocity profile of the cross-section, thereby optimizing the performance of the headbox. Whether with or without the stabilization chamber, our Hydraulic Headboxes are engineered to deliver precision and efficiency in paper manufacturing processes, ensuring high-quality output even at elevated operating speeds.
PM : What about your automatic and robotic molded fiber forming machinery and its unique features?
SD : The Parason automatic Forming machine stands out as an advanced and hybrid technological solution, boasting forming and in-mold drying stations equipped with a floating distribution type of pulp inlet system. This ensures the precise pouring of pulp onto the mold, resulting in uniform product formation across the platen.
Complementing this innovation is the Parason 6-Axis Robot system, which revolutionizes manual labor by automating the picking and placing of parts from forming and hot press stations. This automated pick-and-place system enhances production efficiency, reduces handling rejections, and ensures accuracy, thanks to its close-loop feedback-based control system. Both the Forming Machine and the Six-Axis Robot system offer versatile applications tailored to meet specific industry needs. The Forming Machine features an advanced reciprocating forming system, customizable end effectors, and a dual drive for stable platen movement. On the other hand, the Six-Axis Robot system integrates seamlessly with the Forming Machine, offering high-speed transfer with servo-controlled mechanisms, precise axis movement, and robust safety features for operator peace of mind.
“Investment in state-of-the-art testing facilities and ongoing training for our team underscores our commitment to upholding the highest quality standards”
PM : How is the export market for your machinery?
SD : The export market for Parason Machinery is robust and continues to show promising growth. Leveraging our decades of experience and expertise in providing cutting-edge solutions to the paper industry, we have successfully expanded our presence into approximately 70 countries worldwide.
Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has enabled us to establish strong partnerships and collaborations with clients across diverse regions. Thus giving Parason a strong clientele worldwide and a network of customers where we export our products.
PM : What about your after-sales service network in supporting your customers?
SD : At Parason, we prioritize providing exceptional after-sales service to our clients, ensuring that their machinery continues to deliver optimal performance long after installation. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in our comprehensive support network, which spans across the globe. With manufacturing units strategically located in India and Brazil, we have established a solid foundation for efficient production and delivery of our machinery. Additionally, our international consultancy experts, stationed in key locations such as Germany, Europe, and the USA, are readily available to offer technical expertise and support to our clients worldwide.
This extensive network enables us to provide timely delivery, seamless installation, and ongoing support services to our valued customers. Whether it‘s troubleshooting technical issues, conducting maintenance checks, or providing training to operators, our dedicated team ensures that our clients receive the assistance they need to maximize the performance and longevity of their Parason machinery.
We take pride in the robustness and reliability of our machinery, but we also understand that effective after-sales support is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships. That‘s why at Parason, we go above and beyond to deliver a promising service experience, ensuring that our clients can rely on us every step of the way.
PM : Can you share with us the Parason’s success story to be one of the leaders in the industry around 50 years?
SD : Sure, Parason Machinery stands as a beacon of innovation and dedication in the global paper industry, tracing its journey back to 1977 when Dr. Champalal Desarda founded the company with a modest foundry. Armed with a Ph.D. in Metallurgy from BRNO University, Czechoslovakia, and specializing in High Chrome Steel Alloys, Dr. Desarda laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable success story spanning over 47 years.
Under Dr. Desarda’s visionary leadership, Parason Group rapidly expanded its portfolio, introducing groundbreaking solutions to paper mills worldwide. From manufacturing Refiner Discs in its early days to venturing into Tri Disc Refiners, MDF&Maize Refiner Plates, Stock Preparation equipment, and beyond, Parason continually pushed boundaries. Parason’s commitment to excellence was exemplified in 1987 when Refiner Plates supplied by Parason were utilized by the Indian Defense Army for manufacturing weapons, showcasing the company’s quality and reliability.
Throughout the years, Parason has not only diversified its offerings but also extended its reach globally. With manufacturing units in India and Brazil, the company serves clients in approximately 70 countries, offering turnkey solutions that redefine industry standards. Additionally, initiatives like the establishment of Dr. Desarda Public School in 2016 and the acquisition of Calpher Americas in 2019 underscore Parason’s commitment to social responsibility and global expansion.
In recent years, Parason’s focus on sustainability and innovation has been particularly noteworthy. From venturing into Biodegradable Tableware Machinery to collaborating with ABB to scale up biodegradable packaging in India, the company has been at the forefront of environmentally conscious solutions. Furthermore, Parason started the journey into the Biogas Industry with custom manufacturing of Dewatering equipment demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to addressing global challenges.
With a team of international consultancy experts and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Parason Machinery continues to shape the future of the paper industry. Parason’s success story is not just one of technological advancement but also of a steadfast commitment to client success, innovation, and sustainable development on a global scale.
PM : How do you describe your environment management policies?
SD : At Parason Machinery, environmental sustainability is at the core of our operations. We uphold stringent environmental management policies that focus on reducing our ecological impact and championing responsible manufacturing practices.
Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in our choice of materials and processes, where we prioritize the use of eco-friendly alternatives. We continuously work towards minimizing waste generation and emissions across all facets of our operations, seeking innovative solutions to further enhance our sustainability practices.
Through these initiatives, we aim not only to meet regulatory standards but also to contribute positively towards a greener, more sustainable future for our industry and the communities we serve.
PM : Being a part of paper industry, how do you see paper sustainability and how to make the same more sustainable in India?
SD : As a member of the paper industry, I view paper sustainability as a critical priority for both environmental conservation and the long-term viability of the industry. In India, there are several avenues through which we can enhance the sustainability of paper production and usage like, Promoting Recycling, Adopting Sustainable Practices, Investing in Cleaner Production Technologies, Utilizing Alternative Fibers, Embracing the principles of a circular economy involves designing products for recyclability, minimizing waste generation, and maximizing the reuse of resources. Educating consumers about the environmental benefits of choosing recycled and sustainably sourced paper products.
Collaboration among industry stakeholders, government agencies, and environmental organizations is crucial for driving these initiatives forward and achieving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable paper industry in India. By prioritizing sustainability at every stage of the paper production lifecycle, we can ensure a greener and more environmentally responsible future for the industry.
PM : How do you look at the growth of Indian paper industry and its future?
SD : The growth trajectory of the Indian paper industry is indeed promising, fuelled by various factors that position it for continued expansion in the future.
The increasing literacy rates, growing urbanization, and expanding middle-class population in India are driving the demand for paper products, including packaging, printing, and hygiene products. This sustained demand is expected to propel the growth of the industry in the coming years.
Government initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are creating favorable conditions for the paper industry. Policies promoting domestic manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable practices are likely to stimulate investment and innovation within the sector.
The Indian paper industry is diversifying its product portfolio to cater to emerging market trends and consumer preferences. This includes the production of specialty papers, packaging solutions, and value-added products like biodegradable materials, which offer new growth opportunities and contribute to the industry’s resilience. Integration with global markets through exports and collaborations with international players is opening up avenues for growth and knowledge exchange. Leveraging global expertise and best practices can further enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Indian paper industry on the global stage.
Overall, the Indian paper industry is poised for continued growth and evolution, driven by factors like rising demand, government support, sustainability initiatives, technological advancements, diversification, and global integration. By embracing these opportunities and challenges, the industry can chart a path towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
“We are committed to maintaining a healthy environment across all our facilities and we have transformed over 10 acres of MIDC land into a lush garden, planting over 1000 trees to enhance green spaces and promote biodiversity”
