Making New Connections

EECMAI organizes its ninth offline event.

submitted by EECMAI

The Elevator & Escalator Component Manufacturers’ Association of India (EECMAI) recently organized its ninth offline event — the EECMAI Summit — Chennai 2025, which was held on June 28 at the Vendhar Hall, Hotel Ramada Plaza in Chennai.

EECMAI was formed in September 2020 with the aim of making India “Atma Nirbhar” (self-reliant) and a dependable global market hub for elevator and escalator components. Its mission is “to support the growth of the elevator and escalator industry by promoting continuous improvement of safety and quality standards, education of the community and networking with domestic and international organizations.”

The Summit program commenced with the EECMAI members’ meeting at 3 p.m., followed by high tea and networking between members with the objective of exchanging ideas and making new connections. 

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from vertical-transportation (VT) industry colleagues, EECMAI members and guests from Chennai and adjoining states and regions. People came from cities like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Rajkot to participate in the event, which was co-sponsored by Arkel Electronic India Pvt. Ltd. and Jupiter Multicom Pvt. Ltd. Sponsors gave brief presentations of their products and services.

The Summit proceedings started with a quick hello by the Master of Ceremony Dr. Abhijeet Joglekar – Sales head – Arkel India. After the lamp-lighting ceremony and the national anthem, a warm welcome speech was given by Abey George, treasurer, EECMAI and general manager (GM) – Fermator group.

Suraj Thodimarath, president of EECMAI, and managing director (MD) (Asia Pacific) of Wittur Group, made an insightful presentation on EECMAI — its importance in connecting industry and safety aspects, how it can make a difference, what is needed, its journey, progress and current and future activities. 

TAK Mathews, founder member of EECMAI and principal consultant — TAK Consulting Pvt. Ltd., gave a technical presentation on “IS 17900 – Are You Ready?” He shared a quick checklist of changes the industry should make to comply with the new standards.

The panel discussion session aimed at shedding light on the theme “Challenges Facing the Elevator Supply Chain in India” and was moderated by Harish Nakman — director, Harshal Control Systems Pvt. Ltd. The panelists were:

• Rajesh.R — director (Factory), Fujitec India Pvt. Ltd., 
• Joseph Kannan — MD, Cooper Elevators India Pvt. Ltd.,
• B. Rajesh Pandian — GM (South Zone Sales), Jindal Stainless Ltd.
• Kishor Kshirsagar – director (Strategic Sourcing), Wittur Elevator Components India Pvt. Ltd.

The discussions by the panel and thought-provoking Q&A session added to the event’s vibrancy. Participants had the opportunity to network with experts, gain a deeper understanding of market demand and supply and how to overcome obstacles currently faced by the industry.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Hiren Panchal, vice president of EECMAI, and MD of Apson Motor (India) Pvt. Ltd., followed by a networking dinner.

The next EECMAI Summit will be held in Mumbai in September.