The biggest effective change to modern cars has to be attributed to refinement. Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) is the most happening department after design for every automobile manufacturer. Even the tiniest affordable vehicles need to be quiet and comfortable. Uniproducts India continues to set benchmarks with its comprehensive range of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) control solutions. This is one such organisation that makes your vehicles isolated from the bustling streets outside your car. During a recent visit to their state-of-the-art facility, Sunil Pahilajani, CEO of Uniproducts, was kind enough to show us how this segment is constantly innovating to the increasing demands from its customers, and is a technical-textile maker for a lot of industries.
Established in 1986, Uniproducts India started as the first supplier of interior parts to Maruti Suzuki. Over the years, the company has grown to supply every major car manufacturer in India, including Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda. The company's reach extends to the commercial vehicle sector, providing NVH solutions for truck cabins, which are increasingly incorporating air conditioning and other comfort features. Currently, Uniproducts is the biggest supplier of NVH products across all Indian vehicle manufacturers.
Comprehensive Product Lines
Uniproducts India specialises in NVH solutions, which include around 26 different parts in a car designed to enhance comfort by controlling noise, vibration, and heat. These products are vital for creating a comfortable interior environment, whether in a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an electric vehicle (EV).
The company's product portfolio includes:
Floor Carpets: Custom-designed to reduce noise and improve interior comfort.
Headliners: High-quality materials used for the interior roof of vehicles.
Dash Insulators: Products that help in reducing engine noise.
Silencer Hoods and Heat Shields: To protect various components and reduce heat transmission.
Underbody Shields and Fender Insulations: Offering protection from road noise and improving vehicle durability.
Technological Advancements & EV Adaptation
Pahilajani highlighted the company's advanced R&D capabilities, which include a full-scale lab where entire vehicles or large components can be tested for NVH performance. This facility allows Uniproducts to innovate continuously and develop proprietary materials suited to different vehicle types, including electric vehicles.
With the rise of EVs, the nature of NVH solutions is evolving. While traditional engines are noisy, EVs present new challenges with quieter powertrains but increased importance on controlling wind and road noise. Uniproducts has adapted its solutions to meet these new requirements, ensuring comfort in EVs by addressing different noise and vibration sources.
Diverse Manufacturing Capabilities
Uniproducts operates four manufacturing facilities across India, located in Noida, Chennai, Gujarat, and Bangalore. Each facility is equipped with advanced machinery and integrated production lines, enabling the company to produce basic raw materials and finished products in-house. This vertical integration ensures high-quality control and cost efficiency.
The company employs over 1,500 people and has invested heavily in technology and skill development. Their Noida plant, for instance, is a fully integrated unit producing various NVH solutions from raw materials to finished products.
Sustainability Initiatives
In line with global sustainability trends, Uniproducts has implemented several green initiatives. These include solar energy installations, transitioning to biomass for heating, and optimising water usage. The company has also invested in thermic heating systems to reduce electricity consumption and improve energy efficiency. The facility also focuses on continuous improvement and sustainability, incorporating solar energy and biomass for heating processes.
Uniproducts India is poised for further growth with a target to achieve annual sales of INR 450 crore by the end of the fiscal year. The company continues to innovate in NVH technology, aiming to enhance vehicle comfort and performance while adhering to stringent quality standards tuned to the specific requirements of the manufacturers.
Pahilajani highlighted the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in the automotive industry. 'As cars become more advanced and customer expectations rise, NVH solutions will play a crucial role in ensuring comfort and performance. Our goal is to stay ahead in technology and efficiency, providing our clients with the best possible products and services,' he added.