R. Sundaram
Managing Director, AEPL
Aerospace Engineers Private Limited, a leading manufacturer of diverse rubber compounds for the aviation, aerospace, defence, and healthcare industries, has quickly become a top supplier of high-precision detail parts, electro-mechanical LRUs, and missile sub-assemblies. “Building on its ‘Make in India’ experience, AEPL embraced the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in 2020, expanding its facilities to include sheet metal capabilities and special processes like painting. AEPL takes pride in contributing to the development of critical systems for defence and undersea applications,” said R. Sundaram, Managing Director of AEPL. In an interview with Aeromag, he discusses the company’s contributions to Make in India, exports, new initiatives, focus areas, and future plans.
Aerospace Engineers Private Limited has developed advanced capabilities in aerospace and defence components and supplies critical aviation parts for major companies including Boeing. Can you discuss your company’s contributions to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the vision of Aatmanirbharta?
Established in 2000, Aerospace Engineers Private Limited (AEPL) has emerged as a leading supplier of high-precision detail parts, including rubber, metallic, non-metallic, and composite components, electro-mechanical LRUs, and missile sub-assemblies. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, AEPL has developed crucial components such as oxygen mask hoses, rubber fuel tanks, convergent-divergent nozzles, brake parachute assemblies, lubrication and fuel pumps, hose assemblies, canopy inflatable seals, jet pump assemblies, solenoid valve assemblies, thrust vector control assemblies, and rear fin assemblies for the aerospace and defence sectors. This has significantly reduced import dependency and provided substantial savings to the Government of India.
Building on its ‘Make in India’ experience, AEPL embraced the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in 2020, expanding its facilities to include sheet metal capabilities and special processes like painting. AEPL takes pride in contributing to the development of critical systems for defence and undersea applications. Notable achievements include missile fabrication and assembly, the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (Neerakshi), underwater breathing apparatus, and active antenna array unit assembly. These remarkable systems, developed with AEPL’s own capabilities, underscore its role as a one-stop solution provider, crucial for the nation’s progress in achieving the milestones of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
AEPL operates across diverse sectors including aviation, aerospace, defence, and healthcare. Can you describe how the company has evolved into these various areas? Could you elaborate on your success journey and key milestones achieved so far?
AEPL began its journey in the defence sector, partnering with HAL, DRDO, Ordnance Factory Board, Indian Navy, and Bharat Dynamics Ltd. In aerospace, AEPL produced metallic and non-metallic components for the Indian Space Research Organization. The company then expanded into healthcare, manufacturing components for ventilators, and into civil aviation, supplying parts for Boeing and Airbus programs by venturing into QML & QPL in fluid distribution systems and seal manufacturing.
In civil aviation, AEPL has contributed by supplying metallic and non-metallic components for structures and engine assemblies. AEPL also played a significant role in developing and launching the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) named ‘Neerakshi’, providing a one-stop solution that benefits the nation. With its expanded sheet metal manufacturing and special process facilities, AEPL has recently received opportunities to manufacture assemblies and structural components for defence and aerospace customers.
The recent economic survey highlighted India’s growing defence exports and acknowledged the significant role of both private defence sector entities and public sector undertakings. How has AEPL contributed to the success of India’s defence export system?
Aerospace Engineers Private Limited (AEPL) has emerged as a vital contributor to India’s defence export success, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a global defence supplier:
• Supplying to the Egyptian Armament Authority: AEPL capitalized on international opportunities by providing defence and aerospace components to the Egyptian Armament Authority. This collaboration resulted in a long-term contract, highlighting AEPL’s capability and reliability as a trusted defence supplier.
• Long-term Contracts with Industry Leaders: AEPL has secured enduring partnerships with global giants like Honeywell and Boeing. These contracts not only emphasize AEPL’s role as a key supplier of high-quality aerospace components but also elevate India’s standing in the international defence market.
AEPL is at the forefront of enhancing India’s defence export profile. Its strategic international engagements and delivery of superior components bolster the country’s credibility and competitiveness in the global defence landscape.
Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, AEPL consistently meets rigorous global standards, fulfilling the needs of major international clients. This dedication significantly strengthens India’s position in the defence export sector, positioning AEPL as a leader in expanding India’s global defence footprint. Through its efforts, AEPL is instrumental in the nation’s journey to becoming a top defence exporter.
What initiatives has Aerospace Engineers Private Limited undertaken to support its current areas of focus? Are there any new initiatives or plans for further diversification into other sectors?
Aerospace Engineers Private Limited (AEPL) is committed to strengthening its current focus areas while actively seeking new opportunities for diversification. Here’s how AEPL is paving the way for future growth:
Current Initiatives
1. State-of-the-Art Manufacturing and Accreditation: AEPL operates a cutting-edge manufacturing facility with robust customer approvals, an ISO 17025-accredited testing lab, and special processes. The company holds QML & QPL accreditation and NADCAP accreditation. AEPL is pursuing further NADCAP accreditations for heat treatment, elastomer seals, and welding, along with QPL approval for fluid distribution systems and NABL accreditation for chemical analysis of metals. These initiatives reinforce AEPL’s commitment to quality and its aim to be an independent supplier.
2. Innovation and R&D: With a strong focus on research and development, AEPL is driving innovation to create advanced solutions for the aerospace and defence sectors, keeping pace with industry trends and maintaining a competitive advantage.
3. Strategic Collaborations: AEPL’s partnerships with industry giants like Honeywell and Boeing enhance its status as a trusted aerospace component supplier, promoting knowledge sharing and mutual growth.
Future Diversification Plans
Renewable Energy Ventures: AEPL is exploring diversification into renewable energy sectors, such as wind and solar power, to leverage its manufacturing capabilities and contribute to sustainable development.
Commitment to Excellence and Growth
AEPL’s initiatives and future plans underscore its dedication to excellence and innovation.
By enhancing its core strengths and exploring new sectors, AEPL is poised to continue leading in engineering and manufacturing, driving progress and innovation across a wide range of industries.
