Interview with Mr. Phani V Kumar, Proprietor, Vishwaksen Engineering Agency
Since 2020, Vishwaksen Engineering Agency delivers safe, sustainable sealing solutions built on reliability and efficiency.
Paper Desk : Can you share the founding story of Vishwaksen Engineering Agency and what inspired you to enter the engineering consumables and thermal insulation sector?
Phani V Kumar : Absolutely, I’d be glad to share the story behind Vishwaksen Engineering Agency and my journey into the engineering consumables and thermal insulation sector, Vishwaksen Engineering Agency was founded in 2020 with a clear mission to provide high-quality sealing solutions. The idea for Vishwaksen Engineering Agency emerged from a gap I identified in the market during my previous role as a senior manager in a manufacturing firm. I noticed that many companies were still heavily reliant on asbestos-based materials, despite the growing awareness of their health risks. This realization sparked my passion to create safer and more efficient alternatives. We wanted to build a brand that stands for reliability, safety, sustainability, and efficiency. My goal was to establish a company that not only provided highquality sealing solutions but also prioritized environmental sustainability and worker safety. I wanted to develop a range of nonasbestos products that could meet the rigorous demands of various industries, including pulp and paper , Steel and power generation, and chemical processing.
PD : What core values have guided VEA since its inception in 2020?
PVK : Our core values are quality, integrity, innovation, and customercentricity . We strongly believe in delivering safe, sustainable, and effective solutions that create longterm trust. These principles guide our decision-making and keep us focused on consistent excellence. Recognizing the potential impact of effective fluid sealing management, Proper fluid sealing techniques are essential for preventing leaks, contamination and other unwanted outcomes. I set out to establish a company that could provide innovative and reliable engineering solutions . My goal was to not only fill this gap in the market but also to reduce the seal water consumption and energy usage while providing reliable sealing of pulp and paper equipment.
PD : Was there a breakthrough moment or milestone in your early journey that significantly shaped your growth?
PVK : Yes, one of our early breakthroughs was launching the MRO-MASTER® brand, which quickly gained recognition for reliability. Securing key clients across multiple industries established our credibility. This milestone gave us the confidence to scale operations and invest further in R&D. Within a few years, Vishwaksen Engineering Agency became a recognized name in the industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. We successfully helped several industrial clients reduce their energy costs significantly through our innovative solutions. This not only solidified our market position but also fueled my passion for driving sustainability in engineering practices.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and am excited about the future of the engineering consumables sector. I believe my experience aligns well with the role I’m applying for, and I look forward to bringing my expertise and enthusiasm to new challenges.
PD : Could you describe your flagship products—such as non asbestos gland packings, spiral wound gaskets, and thermal insulation materials—and what sets them apart in the market?
PVK : Certainly! In my role as Proprietor, I’ve had the opportunity to develop and oversee a range of flagship products, including nonasbestos gland packings and gaskets, antimony carbon seals, and advanced thermal insulation materials.
In my previous position, we faced increased market demand for safer and more efficient sealing solutions, particularly in industries like energy and manufacturing, where traditional asbestos materials were being phased out.
Our goal was to innovate and introduce a line of non-asbestos gland packings and gaskets that not only met regulatory standards but also exceeded customer expectations in performance and durability. I led a cross-functional team to research and source high-quality composite materials that would provide superior resistance to heat and chemical exposure. We conducted extensive testing to ensure our products maintained integrity under varying operating conditions. Additionally, I spearheaded a marketing campaign that highlighted these products’ safety and efficiency, targeting key sectors such as Pulp & Paper, Steel and power, Chemical and Fertilizers etc.
As a result, our non-asbestos gland packings and gaskets gained significant market traction, ultimately increasing sales by 35% over two years. Similarly, our antimony carbon seals were developed to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, which positioned us as leaders in that niche. Our thermal insulation materials have also been recognized for their lightweight properties and superior thermal efficiency, setting us apart from competitors.
What sets our products apart is not just their compliance with safety standards but also their reliability and performance in demanding environments. This commitment to innovation and quality has earned us long-term partnerships with several flag ship companies, and I’m excited about the potential to further expand our product offerings in the future.
PD : How do you approach R&D when developing new sealing solutions under your MRO-MASTER® brand?
PVK : In my role as Proprietor at MRO-MASTER®, I prioritize a systematic approach to R&D that emphasizes both innovation and practical application. One recent situation that illustrates this involved the development of a new hightemperature sealing solution for industrial applications.
We recognized a gap in the market for sealing solutions that could withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining integrity under pressure.
My task was to lead the R&D team in creating a product that not only met these technical specifications but also aligned with our brand’s commitment to reliability and performance.
I initiated a multi-phase research process, starting with a comprehensive analysis of existing materials and technology. We collaborated with material scientists to explore advanced polymers and composites. Additionally, I established partnerships with key clients to understand their pain points and gathered feedback on prototypes through iterative testing.
As a result, we successfully launched the MRO-MASTER®XLR ,CG-2CS, 555,PG2-N5Z variants ,they exceeded our initial performance criteria. They gained significant traction in the industry, leading to a 30% increase in sales within the first year and positive testimonials from major clients. This success not only reinforced our brand’s reputation for innovation but also demonstrated our commitment to addressing realworld challenges in mechanical Fluid sealing. This experience reflects my approach—leveraging cross-functional collaboration, client insights, and rigorous testing to drive R&D that results in market-leading solutions.
PD : How do you drive product innovation to meet evolving demands across MRO, thermal insulation, and industrial spares sectors?
PVK : We stay closely connected with customers, understanding their operational challenges in real time. Our innovation strategy focuses on designing materials that improve safety, efficiency, and lifecycle performance. Regular feedback loops and industry research fuel our product upgrades.
PD : Which customer segments or industries have shown the strongest demand for your offerings?
PVK : We see the strongest demand from integrated pulp and paper ,Kraft paper, power plants, cement industries, steel manufacturers, and chemc. These sectors require reliable sealing and insulation products to maintain continuous operations. Our solutions help them achieve cost savings and regulatory compliance.
PD : Have you established any strategic partnerships or technical collaborations to enhance innovation?
PVK : Yes, we collaborate with material suppliers and technical consultants to continuously refine our products. These partnerships allow us to integrate advanced technologies quickly and deliver customized solutions. It’s a key driver of our innovation pipeline.
PD : What is VEA’s current business strategy to strengthen its presence in India’s engineering and maintenance sectors?
PVK : To strengthen VEA’s presence in India’s engineering and maintenance sectors, I believe the current business strategy focuses on three key pillars: localization, strategic partnerships, and technological innovation. My task was to develop a comprehensive approach to penetrate new markets while ensuring our offerings met local needs and standards. As a result of these efforts, we experienced a 40% increase in our client base within two years and significantly improved our brand recognition in the region. I believe that by focusing on these areas, VEA can effectively strengthen its foothold in India’s engineering and maintenance sectors, driving both growth and innovation.
PD : What operational challenges have you faced in scaling production, and how are you addressing them?
PVK : Initially, scaling production while maintaining quality was challenging. We addressed this by investing in advanced machinery, skilled manpower, and robust quality systems. Today, efficiency and consistency are our strongest assets.
PD : Can you share a key success story where a strategic decision led to exponential growth or customer value?
PVK : Certainly! One of my key success stories in the fluid sealing market occurred during a period of significant market disruption. As the proprietor of my company, we faced fierce competition, particularly from low-cost manufacturers. This situation threatened our market share and customer loyalty, as many of our clients were drawn to cheaper alternatives. My goal was to differentiate our offerings and enhance customer value while ensuring sustainable growth. I recognized that we needed to pivot our strategy from just selling products to providing comprehensive sealing solutions tailored to our clients’ specific needs. I initiated a strategic decision to invest in advanced materials research and development. This involved collaborating with engineering teams to innovate sealing solutions that catered to emerging industry demands, such as enhanced durability and chemical resistance. Additionally, I led the launch of a consultative sales approach that emphasized understanding customer applications, allowing us to position ourselves as trusted advisors rather than just suppliers.
The outcome was remarkable. Within 18 months, our sales grew by over 40%, and we significantly increased our market share. Moreover, customer satisfaction scores improved dramatically, leading to long-term contracts with several key clients who recognized the value we brought beyond just product offerings. This experience not only reinforced my belief in the importance of strategic innovation but also highlighted how a customercentric approach can drive exponential growth in a competitive landscape.
PD : How do you see technological trends—such as advanced materials or enhanced thermal efficiency— shaping India’s insulation and sealing industry?
PVK : My goal was to explore innovative materials that could improve our sealing products while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This experience taught me the critical importance of staying ahead of technological trends. We believe this will redefine industry standards in India and create opportunities for innovative players like us. Looking ahead, I believe that as more companies adopt advanced materials and smart technologies, we’ll see a shift towards more sustainable practices and enhanced efficiency in sealing applications. My commitment is to lead our company in embracing these innovations, ensuring we not only meet market demands but also set new standards in quality and performance.
PD : What are your growth projections for VEA over the next 5– 10 years?
PVK : We are targeting double-digit www.paperdesk.in Interview 53 I PAPER DESK I Aug-Sep ‘2025 growth annually, with a vision to become a market leader in sealing and insulation solutions. Over the next decade, we plan to expand across India and strengthen our international footprint.
PD : Are you planning to expand into new product areas or enter international markets in the near future?
PVK : Yes, we are actively exploring new product lines in fluid sealing products and eco-friendly industrial consumables. At the same time, we are preparing to enter select international markets where demand for sustainable solutions is growing
PD : How does VEA integrate environmental and safety considerations into its manufacturing processes, especially considering the use of non-asbestos materials?
PVK : We made a conscious decision to completely eliminate asbestos from our products. Our processes are designed with strict environmental standards, ensuring worker safety and eco-friendliness. Sustainability is embedded in every step of our production
PD : Do you have community engagement or social initiatives—such as training, local employment, or sustainability programs—in the Guntur region?
PVK : Yes, we are committed to creating local employment opportunities and upskilling the workforce. We also run training programs to educate industries about sustainable sealing solutions. Giving back to the community is part of our ethos.
PD : Has VEA received any recent certifications, awards, or recognitions —like ISO 9001:2015—that you’d like to highlight?
PVK : We are proud to be ISO 9001:2015 certified, which validates our strong quality systems. This recognition reassures customers about our commitment to excellence. It has been a key milestone in strengthening our brand reputation.
PD : Are you participating in upcoming industry events or exhibitions to showcase your products and innovations?
PVK : Yes, we regularly participate in various trade shows and industry exhibitions to showcase our MROMASTER® brand innovations. These platforms allow us to connect with customers, demonstrate innovations, and build new partnerships.