The Beginning…..

It all began way back in 1980 when a young Electronics Engineer got the vision,belief and the big dream to carve out niche market based on automation and quality. Automation was just an idea for discussion in the mid and small sized business segments at that time.  In the bigger industries, automation was used but, selectively and was not a real hot topic in any way in those days. But, for the young Electronics Engineer, Mr. L.R. Katrat who heads the Katlax operation today as the Managing Director and CEO, the subject of Automation was more than a mere idea.  For him, it was a huge opportunity wave coming his way and inviting to be taken advantage of.

Mr. Katrat took a decision to devote his life for building an Indian company capable of giving the automation market, high quality and application-specific solutions.

Katlax was born to make this dream come true.

The Journey to Success Begins..

The young Mr. Katrat had his fundamentals very clear. The foundation of the company had to be absolutely strong and durable to withstand the huge business which he had plans to build over it. So during the first phase of the business, focus was entirely on building a large client base and a healthy product portfolio. During this phase over 1200 OEM clients were created and more than 750 products were firmly put in place.

The second phase was devoted to consolidating the foundation which began in phase one. Market expansion programmes were undertaken. Quality was inculcated and the company went in for ISO 9001-1994, EX certification and IP67 certification.

The third phase was the stage when the company opened up to benchmarking and building strong brand equity. The company was re-certified for ISO 9001 by ISOQAR by ANAB UK with a keen eye on winning the confidence of the overseas buyers; the company went in for the additional quality and safety certifications and to become qualified to sell in the International Markets. The certifications Katlax added to its bag are:

During this phase, the company also participated in International Exhibitions including:

1. Wescon 2003  - USA
2. Badungtex  -  Indonesia
3. Bursatex  -  Turkey

The company made breakthroughs and entered a number of overseas markets including USA, Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangla Desh etc.

Katlax has, in addition, participated as a visitor in the following International Exhibitions:

1. Hannover, Germany
2. ITMA, Italy and UK
3. ITMA – Asia, Singapore
4. Matelec, Spain

Further, the company has consistently participated in major International Exhibitions held in India including:

1. Elecrama, Mumbai and New Delhi
2. Plastindia, New Delhi
3. India – ITME, Mumbai
4. Automation, Mumbai
5. Interkama, Hyderabad
6. Pharmaexpo, Mumbai
7. Engimach, Ahmedabad

During the third phase, Katlax has also focused on building its infrastructure.  Company has acquired its third factory in an expansive area of over 30000 sq. ft. In addition the company has successfully established business outsourcing of non-critical parts of its product portfolio to increase productivity and reduce costs. Further, a comprehensive website has been designed and is in place.  Over 60000 hits get recorded every month, mainly from buyers overseas.  The company has its own designing department and has brought a series of presentation materials, catalogues, brochures etc.

The third phase also saw the setting up of an in-house R & D group with adequate facilities.  Katlax right from the beginning has been driven by a passion for quality and confidence building.
Cooperative joint ventures for outsourcing R&D got established.  In all the outsourced R & D, IPR is strictly maintained.  Company is presently working on Smart Sensors, entirely developed in-house. The product patent application is filed and listed final under WIPO regime by Indian patent office. The company has also applied for patent for its ESMS, unique product used for detecting / preventing adulteration of fuel during transport / transit and logistics. As concentrated efforts to fuel and asset management, now Developing Data Acquisition for CNG – PNG Dispenser in association with leading MNC in Automation for providing SCADA Solution.

Future plans are to move from conventional sensors to smart sensors (embedded technology).  The company plans to move from components to subsystems and keeping integration to functional systems as the final goal.

The fourth phase is expected to start from 2006.  The inputs of the first three phases will serve as foundation to move smoothly into the fourth and critical phase. Company will be professionally managed with very senior, qualified experts to lead the key functional areas.  Company plans to achieve an exponential sales growth and by 2012 be one of the major automation solution providers.  90% of this turnover is expected to come from Exports and Contract Manufacturing.

The Product Range ……

Presently the range includes:

1. Connector and Cable Assembly for sensors
2. Inductive Proximity Sensors
3. Capacitive Proximity Sensors
4. Namur Proximity Sensors
5. Photoelectric Sensors
6. Field Plate Sensors / Hall Sensors
7. Encoders
8. Peripherals, Relay Units
9. Magnetic Pick up Sensors
10. Industrial Automationj Modules like…

• Digital Panel Meters (to show in V, A, W, Hz, cosφ, °C, RPM, Lux, Hours, Bar, Customized)
• Three Phase Voltage / Current Scanners & Protection Relays
• Electronic Timers
• Digital Timers
• Digital Counters & RPM Indicators
• Programmable Length Counters
• Digital Event Counters
• Temperature Controllers
• Electronic Protection Relays & SPPs
• Under Speed Relay Units