Industrial Economist (IE): What role is Eaton India playing in digital and smart energy solutions?
Syed Sajjad Ali (SSA): The demand in India has surged in recent years. This transformation is reshaping the energy sector, with significant implications for both consumers and industry players. Eaton India is actively contributing by providing innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and support the integration of renewable energy. Key initiatives include:
- Energy management solutions for industries.
- Smart grid solutions including automation and control technologies.
- Support for electric mobility by developing infra structure including charging solutions and energy storage systems.
IE: What recent innovations are you working on?
SSA: Two months ago, in Elecrama, the flagship showcase of the Indian electrical industry ecosystem, we launched a product called 9395 XR Range UPS. It is a 1.5 MW single unit UPS with the best-in-class footprint occupying less than 1.5 sq. m against the traditional ones that occupy around 3 sq. m. This showcases power density, that is modular and scalable.
IE: How does your product support sustainable energy transition?
SSA: Eaton’s products, such as the SF6 free XIRIA+ solid insulated switchgear, exemplify our commitment to reducing environmental impact. These technologies integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind into existing power grids more effectively, ensuring both operational reliability and sustainability. Additionally, we have recently launched the solar Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) and solar Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB), which can handle the unique demands of solar energy systems, providing robust protection and ensuring optimal performance. Our “Everything as a Grid” approach allows businesses to view their energy systems holistically, enabling them to optimise energy usage while contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon footprints. Whether it’s supporting electric vehicle infrastructure or helping companies transition to cleaner energy sources, Eaton is playing a vital role in fostering a more sustainable global energy ecosystem.
IE: A brief on your facility in Puducherry and operation across India.
SSA: We have recently ramped up production volumes. In the last four years, we have added around 200,000 sq. ft at our Puducherry plant. With the expanded facility, Eaton’s manufacturing footprint in Puducherry is over 260,000 sq. ft. This plant manufactures UPS, low voltage and medium voltage distribution & control, variety of fuses expulsion links amongst others. The latest addition of 120,000 sq. ft. to the facility includes state-of-the-art 100,000 sq. ft. dedicated to power distribution product lines. This doubles Eaton’s production capacity of power distribution assembly lines, manufacturing critical products such as Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs), Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs) and fuses. These products are essential to serve key segments like data centers, industrial, infrastructure, and large projects from utilities.
Eaton currently has more than 6110 employees across India, with 7 manufacturing sites and presence in 20 key locations. The 7 manufacturing sites in India include:
- Two aerospace manufacturing facilities in Coimbatore and
- Two mobility manufacturing facilities in Ranjangoan and Ahilyanagar.
- One electrical manufacturing facility in Pondicherry
- One GEIS electrical manufacturing facility in Chennai
- One filtration manufacturing site in Pune
The Eaton India Innovation Center, located in in Pune, Maharashtra is driving R&D projects for all Eaton’s global businesses with its 2470 plus strong engineering workforce. By the end of 2025, we target to be among the top 3 companies in the medium voltage segment including the RVAC Ring Main Units (RMUs), in the 11 kV switchgear segment.
IE: How are your team adapting to AI-driven operations?
SSA: AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s a backbone. The Puducherry plant has fully embraced AI as a supporting tool and a key driver of efficiency, consistency, and intelligent decision-making. We process massive amounts of data in real time. Instead of waiting days for a performance or order management report, our teams now have it at their fingertips. This empowers quicker decision-making and better resource planning. AI also plays a crucial role in quality assurance. Where manual checks once introduced the risk of human fatigue or error, AI systems now monitor parameters continuously, flagging issues proactively and ensuring precision.
IE: How do you ensure global quality while meeting local needs?
SSA: Despite technological advancements, the Indian electrical sector remains a challenging terrain. Two primary hurdles are the demand for constant innovation and the high sensitivity to pricing. But not all customers are driven by price alone. They are interested in durability, reliability and quality. Eaton’s strategy avoids getting caught in price wars. Instead, the company focuses on delivering value. Each feature has a purpose. If it matters to the customer, they will pay for it. The company’s ability to localise manufacturing in Puducherry and customise products for Indian clients gives it a competitive edge.
