PRACTICING PRECISION

In the bustling industrial hub of Bengaluru, Colton Weldtek Pvt Ltd stands tall as a pioneer in the welding machine industry. Since its foundation in 1978 by Clifford Oliver, the company has been an embodiment of innovation, reliability, and customer-centricity, and continues to reshape possibilities and redefine welding technology.

Colton Weldtek Pvt Ltd (Colton), an SME in India, with an annual turnover ranging from INR 5-10 crore, has become synonymous with reliability and precision in welding machines. It manufactures a wide range of ARC welding machines, such as MIG/MAG, TIG/GTAW, MMAW, SAW, and PLASMA, that are used for joining or cutting a wide range of metals.

The company’s commitment to mastering arc welding through advanced technologies and unwavering manufacturing experience has earned it accolades not only in India but also on the global stage. It has a legacy of over four decades in manufacturing welding machines and is now well-poised to be the best indigenous manufacturer.

Customer-centric approach

“We have always been customer-focused and developed products to suit the needs of customers,” Carlton Oliver, Managing Director, Colton Weldtek Pvt Ltd.

The company, that has a team of around 50 dedicated employees, has now ventured into the global market, exporting its welding machines to the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia. This move not only showcases its technological prowess but reflects its understanding of diverse customer needs, norms, and preferences. “Although exporting welding machines can be a difficult undertaking, it is a fascinating opportunity as we engage with individuals from diverse countries with diverse norms, professional practices, customs, and preferences,” notes Oliver.

Reliability redefined

Reliability is the cornerstone of Colton’s success story. Many customers have witnessed decades of trouble-free performance from the company’s machines, often resulting in repeat orders. “It brings us pride to see some of our machines working for more than 20-25 years and the confidence in our customers,” shares Oliver.

From design and development to fabrication, high-frequency transformer/inductor manufacturing, sub-assembly, quality control, wiring, and testing, every step of the manufacturing process is meticulously handled in-house. Equipped with a team of creative minds spanning multiple dimensions—mechanical, electrical, electronics, and software verticals—together, they orchestrate the future of welding technology.

Innovating for tomorrow

The company’s commitment to innovation doesn't stop at reliability; it extends to staying at the forefront of welding technology. It has currently invested in a technology transfer from Germany for the manufacture of advanced SYNERGIC MIG/MAG welding machines to keep in line with the latest developments and norms. “This project will be completed in 2024,” reveals Oliver. “Under this project, we would manufacture world-class machines in India.”

“We are also focused on Industry 4.0, wherein a new range of welding machines will be networked, monitored, and controlled on a cloud platform dedicated to specific customers using multiple units,” he adds. “The welding engineer has all real-time data regarding machine utilization, power consumption, weight of filler wire deposited, and many more for a deeper analysis and error-free welds.”

Flagships of excellence

Colton’s product lineup boasts a range of exceptional welding machines. “Our ENDURA machines are recognized for their ruggedness, simplicity, and productivity. They are excellent workhorses for site jobs and are available in 250-600 A capacities,” explains Oliver. “Our TIG DC/AC-DC machines are known for being precise, and all functions are pre-settable for professional applications. They are available in 300-1000 A capacities.”

The company also manufactures cold wire feeders and water cooling units for its TIG/GTAW applications. “Our MULTIPROCESS machines are CC/CV flexible workhorse in capacities of 800-1200A capable of performing SAW/GMAW/MMAW and GOUGING in the same source. They can be configured along with different submerged arc welding heads like tractor/beam mount/column boom mount,” he elaborates.

“We have developed heavy-duty wire feeders for hard-facing applications that can feed wire sizes up to 3.2 mm. Our D-arc machines are dual-source machines with capacities of 800-3000 A capable of delivering full output from a single source or two dual-half outputs to two separate welders with independent controls,” he adds.

Additionally, Colton is all set to launch its handheld laser welding machines, further diversifying its product portfolio.

Vision for the welding sector

The Welding sector, according to Oliver, has grown dynamically in the last decade and contributes a substantial portion of the country’s exports, creating millions of jobs annually. “However, it still suffers from a burden of challenges. Most manufacturers of welding machines have shut down their manufacturing activities and started importing machines from China. There are numerous importers who have infiltrated the Indian market with similar cheap machines. This has killed the local manufacturers who have not adapted to the latest technologies,” he adds, highlighting problems in the sector.

The Governing bodies, he stresses, need to act accordingly to support the Manufacturing industry by bringing in the latest technologies, regulating the import of finished products, and upgrading skill development programs. “Meanwhile, we aim to stay dedicated to the development of innovative welding machines in the upcoming years,” he stresses. “We have always believed in the ‘Make in India’ concept and have invested heavily in local manufacturing.”

Achieving global impact

Colton’s commitment to skill development is evident through its welding skill training centers established across the globe. “We have centers in Belize, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Mongolia,” shares Oliver. These centers empower individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed for the Welding industry, contributing to job creation and skill enhancement worldwide.

Sovan Tudu Senior Sub-editor Magic Wand Media Inc Sovan.tudu@magicwandmedia.in

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