Engineering Post in conversation with Mr. Salem Rehman, CEO, EMCO Industries
EMCO, a stalwart in the energy industry since its inception in 1954, stands as a beacon of excellence in the production of high voltage porcelain insulators, catering to the crucial domains of transmission and distribution. Engineering Post had an exclusive conversation with the company’s CEO, Mr. Salem Rehman. Under his leadership EMCO has not only established itself as a local industry leader but has also embarked on an impressive journey of global expansion.
During the conversation he explained that the early 2000s marked a significant shift in EMCO’s operations, as the company got into strategic joint ventures with Chinese, European, and Turkish companies for the production of multiple sub-station products through a deletion program eventually leading to 70% to 90% indigenization through technical collaborations. This diversification has not only fortified EMCO’s presence in the local market but has also catapulted it onto the international stage, effectively serving a broad spectrum of clients both at home and abroad.
Mr. Salem Rehman, reflecting on EMCO’s engagement with industry platforms, expressed gratitude for the pivotal role played by IEEEP (Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan) in fostering collaboration and product visibility within the energy sector. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder input, underscoring its indispensable role in amplifying industry awareness and fortifying industry linkages.
EMCO’s commitment to quality and innovation shines through its recent developments. “To enhance the performance our products from rapidly degrading environmental pollution, we have introduced the Room Temperature Vulcanisation (RTV) coating technology. Moreover we have also successfully introduced indigenized Disconnect switches for the 132kV market for which almost 1500 units have already been supplied and the order book confirms buoyant demand for the product,” said Mr. Salem Rehman. This consistent innovation shows EMCO’s unwavering dedication to providing the latest, cutting-edge solutions to its customers. During the conversation he further revealed that EMCO is in the process of producing voltage and current transformers upto 132kV “The most important thing about these transformers is that 60% parts are being made indigenously,” he added. EMCO is also planning to enter the 245kV market with its portfolio of products. 245kV Lightning Arrestors have already been type-tested and supplied to NTDC, and pre-qualification has been achieved for 245kV Station Post Insulators.
EMCO has become a renowned name not only in the local market but in the international market as well. The company’s foray into the international market is underscored by its impressive track record of exports, reaching destinations as diverse as UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the USA. Mr. Salem Rehman hailed the remarkable reception in the USA market, where EMCO’s products proudly bear the stamp, “Proudly Made in Pakistan”. This feat not only speaks volumes about the quality of EMCO’s offerings but also reflects the potential and prowess of Pakistan’s industrial landscape. “We have received tremendous success in the USA market in recent years and we plan to increase our product range to the US as well as to the Latin American countries,”
One of the greatest hurdles, for local manufacturers wishing to join the export market, has been the absence of a certification lab in Pakistan. In this regard EMCO has invested significantly in a state-of-the-art high voltage lab, capable of testing products for up to 500 kV voltage class. “We are in the process of getting Independent accreditation for the lab as well. This will help Certification and quality assurance needs for our products and we will also make it available for our partners in the industry,” said Mr. Salem Rehman In the words of Mr. Salem Rehman, “EMCO’s journey is one of continuous innovation and unwavering commitment to quality. Our products are a testament to the potential of Pakistan’s manufacturing industry. We are poised to further strengthen our global footprint while maintaining our core values of reliability and excellence.”
