Interview with MR. MUKESH KACHHIA General Manager – Marketing Arvind Rub-Web Controls Ltd.
Since 1995, Paperex has been a vital platform for Arvind Rub-Web Controls to connect with paper mills, showcase innovation, and build lasting industry relationships. Our continued leadership is driven by deep industry insight, continuous innovation, and reliable, high-performance roller and expander solutions tailored to evolving paper mill needs.
Paperdesk: How has your longstanding association with Paperex evolved over the years?
Mukesh Kachhia: Our association with Paperex began in 1995, and over the years, we have seen the exhibition grow into a highly impactful platform for the paper industry. For us, Paperex has consistently enabled meaningful interactions with paper mills, helped us showcase our evolving technologies, and strengthened longterm industry relationships.
PD : How has Arvind Rub-Web Controls sustained its leadership in the paper industry for over four decades?
MK : Arvind Rub-Web Controls has sustained its leadership through continuous innovation, deep industry understanding, and a strong focus on specialized roller and expander solutions. Our ability to adapt to changing paper mill requirements and consistently deliver reliable, high-performance products has been key to our long-term success.
PD : What product highlights does Arvind Rub-Web Controls showcasing at Paperex 2025?
MK : At this edition, we are showcasing our unique range of rubber expanders, Teflon expanders, metal expanders, and specialized rollers for the paper industry. With nearly 44 years of experience, we take pride in being pioneers in the bowed rollers segment.
PD : How have your rubber, metal, and bowed roller solutions evolved to meet modern paper mill requirements?
MK : Our rubber, metal, and bowed roller solutions have evolved through continuous improvements in material formulations, design optimization, and bearing technology. These advancements enable our rollers to perform reliably at higher machine speeds, withstand demanding operating conditions, and consistently meet modern paper mill quality and productivity requirements.
PD : With paper machines operating at much higher speeds today, what challenges are becoming critical for roller performance?
MK : As paper mills move towards higher machine speeds, durability and consistent nip performance have become critical. Our rubber and metal spreader rollers are designed to perform reliably in demanding environments involving chemicals, starch, and water. We have successfully supplied these rollers to some of the largest paper mills globally, including major paper mills such as Sinar Mas (Asia Pulp & Paper – APP) Group.
PD : How has Arvind Rub-Web Controls engineered its bowed rollers to support high-speed paper machines while maintaining quality?
MK : To meet higher speed requirements, we have developed special-grade bearings in collaboration with European bearing suppliers, enabling smooth operation at speeds of 1,000 to 1,500 meters per minute. With Indian paper machines now reaching similar speeds, our bowed rollers are fully capable of supporting these high-speed operations while maintaining quality and performance.
PD : How has continuous innovation shaped Arvind Rub-Web Controls’ product development over the years?
MK : Innovation has been a continuous process for us over the last four decades. We regularly introduce improvements in rubber formulations, composite materials, and product designs to meet evolving industry needs. Every year and every decade has seen us develop and supply new solutions to the paper industry.
PD : How does your experience with global paper mills influence your longterm business strategy?
MK : Our experience with global paper mills provides valuable insights into industry trends, operational challenges, and emerging technologies. This helps us shape our long-term business strategy by aligning our product development, innovation, and service offerings to meet both domestic and international market needs effectively.
PD : How is Arvind Rub-Web Controls approaching the adoption of AI and automation within the organization?
MK : AI and automation are increasingly influencing manufacturing processes across industries. At Arvind Rub-Web Controls, our younger leadership team is actively exploring AI-based solutions, particularly in areas such as marketing, planning, and process optimization.
PD : What are the limitations and future plans for AI integration in your operations and products?
MK : Since much of our work involves customized and tailor-made solutions, full-scale AI integration into products is currently limited. However, we have already implemented AI partially in certain operational areas and plan to expand its use gradually to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and decision-making within the organization.
PD : What key challenges do you see impacting the future growth of the Indian paper industry?
MK : The Indian paper industry faces challenges such as rising imports, increasing demand for higher-quality paper, and the need to adopt faster and more efficient machinery. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining growth and competing effectively in both domestic and global markets.
PD : What upcoming material advancements can the paper industry expect from Arvind RubWeb Controls?
MK : We are currently preparing to enter a new phase with advanced composite materials, planned for introduction around April 2026. Supported by guidance from overseas consultants and our longstanding industry experience, these developments are aimed at delivering higher performance, longer life, and better value to paper mills.
PD : From your close interaction with paper mills, what key challenges do you see the industry facing today?
MK : While paper manufacturing is not our core business, our close association with paper mills allows us to understand the industry’s challenges and direction. One of the key challenges today is the growing import of paper, which puts pressure on domestic manufacturers.
PD : What areas should paper mills focus on to remain competitive in both domestic and global markets?
MK : To remain competitive, mills must focus on improving paper quality and increasing machine speeds. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on exporting paper products to international markets. Enhancing quality, efficiency, and productivity will be crucial for mills to sustain growth and compete effectively in both domestic and global markets.
PD : What does your 15th participation at Paperex 2025 signify for Arvind Rub-Web Controls?
MK : Paperex 2025 marks our 15th participation at the exhibition, a journey that began in 1995 when we first exhibited at Pragati Maidan. Since then, we have been continuously associated with Paperex and have seen the exhibition grow stronger and more impactful with every edition. This year’s venue has been well received, and the overall response has been very encouraging, with strong footfall and meaningful interactions with industry stakeholders
PD : Are there any recent milestones or developments that you would like to highlight?
MK : A key milestone for us is marking our 15th participation at Paperex 2025, which reflects our long-standing commitment to the paper industry. Additionally, we are preparing to introduce advanced composite materials in 2026, aimed at delivering higher performance, longer life, and better value to paper mills.