An interview with Arun Kumar (Durel International LLP)

Discovering his ambitious plans for expansion and his ongoing dedication to quality and education

In a recent interview with Arun Kumar from Durel International LLP, we discovered his ambitious plans for expansion and his ongoing dedication to quality and education.

Buckleys:

Please share the story behind Durel International LLP and how your partnership with Buckleys started?

Arun Kumar:

"I have personally spent the last 17 years in the field of plastic welding, working with global market leaders like Leister and Ritmo. During this time, I came across the Buckleys spark tester range in the field. My research revealed that Buckleys is a global market leader in the manufacturing of high voltage testing equipment for various applications. Therefore, when we established Durel International LLP, I was determined to include the Buckleys spark testing product range in our portfolio. I also knew that international quality standards for plastic welding, such as ISO and ASTM, prescribe the spark testing method for welded joints.

In the past, I observed customers using the PST-100 but noticed that they had to import it due to a lack of local support in India. My business philosophy has always emphasized that industrial products sold in a region must be supported by a robust after-sales service network, a principle I demonstrated in my previous roles.

Our discussions with Buckleys management were fruitful, resulting in Durel International LLP being appointed as an authorised reseller. We are now working towards becoming a certified distributor with our own calibration station and service centre as well."

Buckleys:

What specific challenges in the market have our high voltage pinhole detectors helped you solve, and how has it impacted your clients' operations?

Arun Kumar:

"The launch of the PST-100 from Buckleys has been well received by Indian customers, who were seeking high-quality spark testers due to dissatisfaction with existing products. Currently, awareness about the importance of spark testing in plastic fabrication is limited among fabricators and end-users in the Indian market.

Our primary challenge is to raise awareness and demonstrate the advantages of spark testing for all welded joints.

With only a small number of manufacturers of holiday detectors and spark testers, the available equipment has long set the industry standard. However, Buckleys' testing equipment introduces new possibilities for customers, offering us an opportunity to expand our business."

Buckleys:

What innovations or unique approaches does Durel International LLP bring to the table when promoting and selling products in the Indian market?

Arun Kumar:

"Durel International LLP's sales and management team boasts nearly 20 years of experience in plastic welding on sheets, pipes, and membranes. Our team members are trained in plastic welding as per DVS Standards, widely recognised globally.

Our extensive expertise in plastic welding, combined with strong relationships with key stakeholders—such as PP/PE sheet and pipe manufacturers, consultants, fabricators, and quality assurance teams - positions us to swiftly raise awareness about the efficiency of spark testing as a non-destructive technique.

We plan to organise live demonstrations, technical seminars, and promotional events to provide customers with firsthand experience of Buckleys' spark testers and holiday detectors, highlighting the significant value they bring to their products and businesses."

Buckleys:

Could you share a memorable success story or feedback from a client who has benefited from our high voltage pinhole detectors?

Arun Kumar:

"One of our customers received a complaint from an end-user about a leaking polypropylene (PP) tank they had supplied. We conducted a live demonstration at the end-user's factory, using the PST-100 onsite to identify the leakage points. The customer was able to redo the welding and successfully resolve the issue. Impressed by the PST-100's performance, they immediately placed an order and recommended our services to three industry associates, advising them to use spark testers to prevent similar problems in the future.

According to the customer, conducting in-house testing of their products using a Buckleys PST100 offers several benefits: delivering fault-free products to their customers, avoiding costly rework at the customer's site and preserving their reputation, and enhancing the skill level of their plastic welders, who will learn from each fault detected through spark testing."

Buckleys:

What are your future plans and goals for expanding the reach of your business in India, and how do you see our collaboration evolving in the coming years?

Arun Kumar:

"The Indian plastic fabrication industry is in a developmental phase, experiencing high growth over the past five years, with this trend expected to continue for the next 5-7 years. This period offers an opportunity to introduce high-quality equipment backed by training, after-sales service, and calibration, which the market will welcome with open arms.

With the government's significant investment in infrastructure—such as pipelines for gas, water, and oil—we see immense potential for holiday detectors. In response, Durel International LLP is setting up the first repair and calibration facility for Buckleys products in Asia, giving us a strategic advantage in delivering superior service to Buckleys customers across the region. Our goal is to provide after-sales service within 48 hours of product intake.

Durel International LLP, headquartered in Chennai, has rapidly expanded, opening branch offices in New Delhi, Bhopal, and Mumbai within just four months of incorporation. Our goal is to establish two more branches in India by the end of 2024 and reach ten branches nationwide within two years. This growing network will enable us to stay closer to our customers, ensuring outstanding service at every touchpoint.

Our goal is to make in-house testing with Buckleys Spark testers a standard practice across all industries where they can be applied. By doing so, we aim to elevate the overall quality of goods manufactured in India. I see this as our small yet meaningful contribution to both the industry and the nation as a whole."