Messung to redefine building automation

“We are confident that the partnership between Messung and Distech Controls will redefine the way in which buildings are automated in India,” says Farook Merchant, Chairman and Managing Director, Messung Group
 With the objective of revolutionising the building automation sector, Messung has re-entered the business arena. In an interview with ACE Update, Farook Merchant observes that its recently announced partnership with Distech Controls will be the game changer in this domain. Excerpts:  What makes Messung venture into building automation sector?Messung has pioneered in the automation sector in India. We designed and developed the first indigenous Programmable Logic controller (PLC) in India. Earlier we were in the business of factory automation, machine tool automation etc. In 1995 we became the distributors for Mitsubishi Electric, Japan and then in 2012 we sold our factory automation business to Mitsubishi Electric.
Building automation sector is at nascent stage in India; however it is rapidly gaining momentum. Realising the potential in this spectrum, we have ventured into the building automation sector to cater to the needs of the sector by bringing new technologies.
Could you brief us on the opportunities by partnering with Distech Controls?Canada-based Distech Controls is a leading building automation manufacturer having significant presence across the USA. Distech offers complete solution for building management known as Integrated Building Management System (IBMS).
Distech acquired Acelia and Comtec Technologie from the France-based company, Groupe Arcom. Groupe Arcom designs and manufactures a range of building automation products including HVAC, lighting and sunblind control systems. It also offers expertise in integrated room control technology that substantially reduces a building’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions. With this combination Distech is bringing European and Canadian technology to Messung.
We are confident that the partnership between Messung and Distech Controls will redefine the way in which buildings are automated in India.
Could you update us on the current status of revenue?We are an established company re-entering business. At the moment, we are in the stage of setting up the base, we have just signed a contract with Distech. We are planning to go into sales from 1st April next year and we are planning to achieve a target of ` 50 crore over the next five years.
What’s your roadmap to achieve this target?To begin with we will be focusing on the IT building sector due to the high demand from this sector.  In addition, commercial establishments, hotels and hospitals from Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities will also be in our radar.
Do you think building automation plays significant role in smart city?Yes of course, the moment we say ‘smart’ it has to be intelligent and connected. So efficient connectivity coupled with integrated building management systems will create smart cities.
Brief us on the offerings from Messung for sustainable building automation solutions.Messung will be focusing on the products from Distech and we are the master distributors for the Indian market. We will be offering solutions coming under category of IBMS. We will integrate all the facilities and equipment that go in for building together on a platform which can be visualised, which has remote connectivity and which gives remote maintenance solution to the building. On the other hand we will be providing exclusive solutions for energy management. We will also provide solutions for water and wastewater management in the building infrastructure sector.
What according to you makes a building smart?To have smart buildings it’s very important that each and every function should work efficiently with smart controlling systems and operations. All the functions have to be seamlessly connected. Implementation of remote maintenance is also critical. The combination of these things surely makes a building smart.
How do you see opportunities for smart buildings with smart cities movement?Plan for developing 100 smart cities is really promising. We see opportunity for smart buildings as we have technology, expert engineers and quality products to support this mission.
Where do you envision the company in the next few years? At the moment we are a new entrant in the market and we are planning to create new business opportunities and customers within the existing market. We are also looking forward to geographical expansion. We are sure, in the coming years, we will offer world-class solutions for building automation segment for the Indian market by increasing awareness about state-of-the-art technologies.  In near future, Messung will appoint nationwide network of system integrators and set up area offices in key cities.

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