Founded in 1993 by Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, STEER ENGINEERING PVT. LTD, is committed to the design, creation and implementation of advanced materials platform technology that effectively transforms and functionalises materials in the field of pharmaceuticals, plastics, food & nutraceuticals, biomaterials and biorefining. Operating 5 global offices, 10 satellite offices, 4 Application Development Centres and supported by a talented workforce of over 500 engineers, scientists and technicians, the STEER Group serves over 39 countries across the globe. STEER is driven by innovation and holds 90+ granted patents. With a vision to steer a new world, the Group remains focused on the development of advanced platform technologies and processes to improve the quality of life and change the way people live, eat and stay healthy.
Our companyABOUT US
TO STEER A NEW WORLDOur Vision
At STEER, we envisage a brave new world steered by intelligent technology, paving the way ahead for humanity. Our mission is to drive the world towards a simpler, better and more evolved tomorrow. We strive to make this a reality with state-of-the-art technology, that helps create a better quality of life and enables quantum leaps in the way we live, work and play.
STEER Journey
STEER Engineering founded by Dr. Babu Padmanabhan to steer a new world and create a better tomorrow
STEER designs, creates and supplies its first twin-screw compounding element, helping GE Plastics produce better compounds.
Manufactures elements from design to finish in a 36 days against industry average of 112 days
Begins exporting twin-screw extruder elements to Switzerland Germany (considered the best in the business) putting India on to the world map
- Certified ISO 9001:1994
- Develops the exact geometry of a transition screw element from Single to Multiple flights
Designs and develops the revolutionary fractional-lobe geometry, replacing the conventional integer-lobe design and transforming the way work happens inside a mixing vessel.
- In 6 short years, breaks into multiple international markets supplying to Spain, France, Italy, Singapore, Mexico, USA, China and Japan.
- Develops the WR5 series an advanced wear-resistant treatment system to increase the life of elements.
- Develops a new twin-screw geometry capable of superior dispersive mixing
- Helps visualise the flow of materials in an extruder by building a fully transparent glass barrel lab extruder.
- Applies for a patent for the revolutionary fractional-lobe design.
Manufacturing capacity increased to over 1000 elements a month
- Launches STEER Information Technologies to provide high-end software services to the polymer compounding industry.
- Dedicated Extruder division launched to meet growing demands
Develops and sells its first co-rotating twin-screw extruder — the Omega 60
- Establishes a special tool steel plant to manufacture its own special steel.
- Sets-up a dedicated R&D facility and secures the AIPMA Best Research Award for Polymer science, technology and engineering.
- STEER America LLC and STEER Japan set-up to meet the growing demands of U.S and Japanese corporations.
- Launch of the Application Development Center (ADC) dedicated to the development of advanced materials.
- Patent for the Fractional-lobe design granted
SAP introduced as an ERP T
ool. > Develops the Omega Platform Technology with 1.71 Do/Di
Wins the International Award for Manufacturing Excellence awarded by TPM
- Omega 40 establishes a record with a production capacity of 900 Kg/h.
- Establishes the Polymer Science Diagnostic Center (PSDC) for quality testing and development.
- Manufactures its first production class extruder (Omicron 12) for the pharmaceutical industry, getting widespread recognition.
- Develops ACCROLLOY, a vanadium rich tool steel that works against the forces of abrasion.
- Applies for 16 new patents
- Develops its first 100mm Dia extruder to process black masterbatch.
- Designs and develops the clam shell barrel and the miniature chilled roller for the pharmaceutical industry.
- Forays into the Brazilian market.
- Ranked top 5 amongst extruder manufacturers in under 7 years
- Wins the prestigious Plasticon award for best Research and Development.
- Submits its 25th patent for Dynamic Stirring Elements and launches them in NPE
- Launches its first complete production line for SPL 40 at PLASTINDIA 2012.
- STEER’s Special Tool Steel Plant introduces forging for its wear-resistant tool steels.
- STEER records 41,495 elements and 50 extruders
- Launches the world’s smallest extruder, the Omicron 10.
- Begins its journey towards revolutionising the pharma sector
- Gets DSIR recognition.
- Forays in to resin markets.
- Creates platform technology for food processing.
Melt formation elements invented enabling new applications in food, pharmaceuticals and highly critical plastics processing
Deploys 500th Extruder
Major reactive extrusion plant for food processing
Announces technology for Glass Fiber pipe manufacturing
WHAT WE BELIEVE IN
OUR CORPORATE VALUES
STEER has been built on the foundation of human principles and values. We treat employees in the organization equally and encourage them to realise their true potential. We value human resources above all in the organization. We measure the true worth and effectiveness of technology based on whether it produces the highest quality of results effectively, consistently and in the most efficient manner possible.
We strive towards total involvement in our work at all times, since mistakes and errors are a result of distraction. To that effect, we view problems as challenges that require innovation and a shift in perspective, and not just as situations in need of rectification or correction.
We believe that life has a deeper purpose and it is our constant endeavour to make life better and more meaningful.
OUR COMMITMENT TO HEALTH, SAFETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
At STEER we believe in sustained development. Growth is achieved through our commitment to safety and health standards. It is combined with keeping the environment in and around the place clean. Across all our manufacturing sites there are dedicated health and safety departments to ensure that our systems are in line with the international standards. Environmental protection is a vital part of planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of all our projects. Environmental monitoring and regular audits are done to ensure compliance to all the environmental protection laws. We constantly strive to prevent pollution, maximize recycle and reduce waste. Some of the key regulatory steps and its own initiatives which STEER implements are CE Safety, ISO 9001-2008, ISO 140001-2004 EMS, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), State Factory Rules, State Pollution Control Norms, Audit & Advice by National Safety Council and so on.
OUR PASSION FOR INNOVATION
STEER’s successful progress over the years is largely due to innovation. With technology creations and by investing in Research & Development (R&D), STEER has intensified its contributions in new products, new applications and new processes that can significantly improve the quality of life. We file patents and regularly publish technical papers besides presentations at international seminars. Our in-house Technology Center, Polymer Science & Diagnostic Center and Application Development Centers are all a result of our passion to engineer, re-engineer and innovate.
OUR EMPHASIS ON TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
An integral approach to channelizing the potential of human resources includes systematic training and development of STEER Stars. In times of changing technology, the importance of training cannot be over emphasised. Both technical and soft skills training are part of the year long human resource development program at STEER.
Meet the Leadership
R. Padmanabhan, Chairman
Mr. Padmanabhan is the guiding force behind STEER. He single-handedly set up STEER’s entire operations (foundry & machine shop) at Coimbatore at a remarkable short span of 9 months. A meticulous planner, a strict disciplinarian and a born leader, Mr. Padmanabhan, through sheer hard work and expertise in his field, moved up from being a maintenance-in-charge to becoming the executive director of a large textile industry. He carries with him a vast administrative ability, honed over 43 years of working.
T.N. Hari, Executive Chairman
Mr. T.N. Hari is a distinguished professional with a multifaceted career, serving as an Angel Investor, Advisor to Venture Capitalists, trusted sounding board to founders, prolific author, and columnist. Armed with degrees from the prestigious IIT and IIM, Mr. Hari has carved a niche for himself as a sought-after advisor and mentor for numerous startups and emerging entrepreneurs globally.
Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer
Engineer, Entrepreneur, Researcher, Author, Founder and the Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of STEER Engineering Pvt. Ltd, Dr. Padmanabhan’s journey began with a vision To steer a new world and to help create a better tomorrow through engineering, research and innovation. He has made immense contributions to the field of polymer processing using twin-screw extruder platform technology. His work in designing processing section components has led to the development of innovative extrusion technology that caters to the global market. With patents on fractional and higher-lobed design elements, super treated twin-screw elements as well as fully wiping elements credited to his name, he is considered a visionary in the field of plastics. STEER’s revolutionary Omega platform technology with a 1.71 Do/ Di, created under his leadership, sets a new standard for polymer compounds processing. With Dr. Babu at the helm, STEER, is today, a world leader in materials platform technology that effectively transforms and functionalises materials in the fields of plastics, pharmaceuticals, food & nutraceuticals, biomaterials and biorefining.
Satish Padmanabhan, Joint Managing Director, STEER Group
First generation entrepreneur who incorporated STEER Engineering in 1993 along with elder brother Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, the Founder & Managing Director of STEER. A Chartered Accountant & Cost Accountant by qualification but a ‘Common Sense’ engineer having built STEER together with Dr. Babu Padmanabhan from its inception. He was STEER’s global financial head all along till he took over as CEO of STEER India in November 2008 and then as Global CEO of STEER in 2010. As CEO of STEER India, he spearheaded entry of STEER’s Extruders in the Pharmaceutical and Food Industry. Currently as Joint Managing Director, Satish’s key role lies in providing strategic leadership and direction to this group for all emerging businesses of STEER World.
Nitin Gupta, GCEO, STEER Engineering
Nitin brings to STEER in-depth know-how of line solutions and continuous processing equipment’s applicable to foods & beverages, oil & gas and other domains, having worked with companies viz Tetra Pak, GEA and Thermax. Until recently, Nitin was Director APAC, Middle East & Africa with Tetra Pak Processing Solutions & Equipment based out of Singapore with primary responsible for Channel Management, Strategic Partnerships and Key Components Management. During his 15 years in Thermax and 5 years in GEA, Nitin was primarily engaged in turnkey project sales for variety of end segments. Nitin holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from National Institute of Technology Karnataka graduating in the year 1996.
Akihiko Sato, President & CEO, STEERJapan Corporation
Sato San is a graduate in Polymer Chemistry from Gunma University, He began his career with Dow Chemical and was associated with them for over 27 years grew up to be a Business Development Director, where he was responsible for Business development, M&A, forming JV, setting up new business establishments, for businesses mainly in Chemicals, Plastics, Water treatments, Battery and Consumer Businesses.
He later joined Owens-Corning, where he was managing the Glass Fibre business as MD , North & South Asia & Japan, lead multiple geographies & was associated with them for 15 years & progressed to be a President General Manager, Japan.
Niranjan Shrikant BOKIL, Chief Operations Officer, STEER Engineering
Niranjan comes with 30+ years of experience in Equipment manufacturing, Automation Engineering and Steel plant operations. He also carries expertise in Export led growth in manufacturing, Project management and Business excellence. Previously he was associated with Signode Automation, John Cockerill , Saint Gobain Abrasives and Tata Steel.
Niranjan is a PG from BITS Pilani with graduation in Mech Engg from College of Engg Pune and certifications in project Mgmt and Six Sigma.
Vijay Srinivas, Director, Business Excellence STEER
Vijay Shrinivas is an Engineering & Management professional with over 35 years of experience in the fields of Power Generation, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering in Manufacturing, Technology Development, Global Sourcing, Engineering Services and Materials Science. His core competencies include Strategic Planning, Acquisition Integration, Six Sigma, New Product Development, Enterprise Risk Management, Global Sourcing & Materials Science. At STEER Engineering, he is the Director – Materials Development & Business Excellence since Dec’18. Prior to STEER Engineering he was the Vice President – Quality & Business Excellence, QuEST Global Engg. Pvt. Ltd. He had also worked in GE Energy as the Technical Leader & Six Sigma BB during Nov’ 98 – Oct’04.
Nitin Sardeshpande, Senior VP: One Operations
Nitin is a qualified Mechanical Engineer from Walchand College of Engineering and has done his Post Graduate Diploma in Manufacturing Management from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai. He is also a Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9000 from TUV International and a Six Sigma Black Belt from IACT Global. He comes with 30+ years of experience in Automotive and Heavy Engineering equipment MNC’s with focused exposure on Manufacturing management. He has had pertinent experience in planning, budgeting, manufacturing, cost control, quality assurance, process improvements, materials management, inventory control, vendor development, safety & compliances, and stakeholder/team management in his career span.
Prasanna Kumar, GM Technical Services and Business Operations, STEER America
Prasanna has been with STEER for the last 17 years and is currently leading business operations in China. He has handled the testing and commissioning of over 100 extruders at customer plants in countries like the US, Japan, Germany, Thailand, Istanbul and China. Prasanna has been instrumental in setting up an entire plant that utilises twin-screw extruders and has built a great technical services team globally. He holds a Diploma in Rubber Technology from IIT, Delhi.
Thomas, Business Development, STEER China Global
Graduated with a Bachelor in Polymer engineering from University, and MBA degree. More than 20 years experience in plastic processing and processing machine industry. Leading as Business Development for Steer China since 2018.