The transformation that MB Pneumatyka is driving in the Indian CV industry is profound. By focusing on customization, ease of assembly and disassembly, and the use of high-quality brass materials in their PTC (push-to-connect) fittings, the company is setting new standards for pneumatic systems in commercial vehicles. The Indian automotive market is poised for significant growth, and with innovative solutions like those from MB Pneumatyka, it is well on its way to achieving new heights, notes Rajesh Rajgor in this article.
According to forecasts, commercial vehicle volumes are expected to stabilize at around 24 million units per annum by 2029. The Indian industry is shifting to high-end trucks, driving substantial value growth despite flat global volumes. In India, the CV industry is expected to surpass 1 million units in 5 years,” said Mr. Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles.
These data show that the Indian automotive market has huge potential and is a real target for many manufacturers of components for commercial vehicles. The Polish company MB Pneumatyka, a well-known manufacturer of PTC (push-to-connect) fittings for pneumatic systems in commercial vehicles, understood this very well and two years ago opened its production plant in Gujarat, India. Among the megatrends impacting the Indian CV industry, there are two in which MB Pneumatyka with its PTC connectors plays a significant role. They contribute to the Scrappage Policy by allowing customers to reuse fittings, and they take responsibility for the ecosystem since their fittings are compact, smaller than others, and positively impact fuel consumption.
MB Pneumatyka was founded by Małgorzata Bieniaszewska and has grown into a leader in the production of high-quality pneumatic fittings. The company’s journey began with a vision to provide innovative and reliable solutions for pneumatic systems in commercial vehicles. Over the years, MB Pneumatyka has built a reputation for excellence and innovation, becoming a trusted partner for major commercial vehicles, buses and trucks manufacturers. Their expertise and commitment to quality have allowed them to expand their operations globally, including the strategic move to open a production facility in India to better serve the local market.
Tailor-made Fittings
PTC (push-to-connect) fittings are a crucial component in pneumatic systems, enabling quick and secure connections without the need for tools or additional sealing materials. The significance of PTC solutions lies in their efficiency, ease of use, and reliability. These fittings are designed to provide maximum air tightness, which is essential for the proper functioning of pneumatic systems in commercial vehicles. They also help in reducing installation time and costs, making them an attractive option for manufacturers looking to optimize their production processes. By offering tailor-made fittings, MB Pneumatyka ensures that their products meet the specific requirements of their clients, providing customized solutions that enhance the overall performance and reliability of the vehicles.
The minimal and necessary requirements for pneumatic systems used in commercial vehicles are maximum air tightness, minimal installation space, and optimized assembly and disassembly. MB Pneumatyka excels in meeting these demands through tailor-made fittings. With a catalog of over 4,000 different part numbers, the company focuses on customization, adapting its solutions to the individual requirements of customers. For many years, it has been a supplier-partner to companies like ZF (Wabco), Knorr-Bremse, and Haldex. Valve manufacturers are looking for partners who possess expertise in their field and can design connection solutions according to specific technical requirements. MB Pneumatyka easily meets such demands.
Tool-free, Repeatable Assembly and Disassembly
One of the standout features of MB Pneumatyka’s PTC fittings is the possibility of repeated assembly and disassembly. Thanks to a patented solution—a gripping sleeve that tightens on the polyamide tube when compressed air is applied—these fittings can be assembled and disassembled on the tube multiple times. This is a significant advantage compared to existing fittings in the Indian market. Furthermore, the assembly and disassembly can be done without any tools. The dominant solutions in the Indian OEM market involve components that are either screwed together or assembled with special tools. In both cases, disassembly is not possible. With MB Pneumatyka’s solution, assembly is done by simply pushing the tube into the fitting without additional tools. Disassembly is accomplished by removing the blue protection cap, pressing the gripping sleeve with fingers, and simultaneously pulling the tube out of the fitting.
Everything is done without additional tools.
The efficient design of MB Pneumatyka’s fittings significantly shortens the assembly time for air suspension and air brake systems. Since these fittings do not require additional tools for assembly and disassembly from the tube, the effective work time of the assembly line worker is significantly reduced. This results in substantial cost savings, as assembly time directly translates to money. The company compared the assembly time of ferrule-type fittings with its PTC solution, and the result was clear: PTC assembly is about half the time. Moreover, MB Pneumatyka’s fittings are compact, consisting of only one part rather than the two or three components typical of other solutions. This compactness makes them ideal for the minimal installation spaces available in pneumatic systems. The forgings used to produce T-fittings or elbows are designed to specific dimensions, further contributing to their compact nature.
Optimizing Pneumatic Systems in India
A key material choice in MB Pneumatyka’s fittings is brass, which is used instead of other materials like nickel-plated steel. Brass is more expensive than steel, but the company values quality and durability, which means prioritizing corrosion resistance. Brass inherently does not corrode, ensuring that MB Pneumatyka’s fittings remain durable and leak-free even during the monsoon season in India. This is in stark contrast to competitors’ steel fittings, which corrode over time and require replacement, leading to additional vehicle servicing.
Is the Indian automotive industry ready for such optimization of pneumatic systems? Małgorzata Bieniaszewska, founder of MB Pneumatyka, reflects, “I opened my production branch in India in 2022. Since then, I have been systematically implementing PTC solutions in this market. I have many valuable meetings with manufacturers of trailers, semi-trailers, trucks, and buses. The market response is very positive, and I have no doubts that manufacturers understand and recognize the advantages of this solution. I am convinced that in the future we will systematically expand our customer portfolio.”
MB Pneumatyka’s commitment to innovation and quality extends beyond product development to include exceptional customer service and support. The company has a dedicated team of professionals who work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions. This customer-centric approach has helped MB Pneumatyka build strong relationships with leading automotive manufacturers and establish a solid presence in the Indian market. “Our goal is to not just be a supplier, but a true partner to our clients, helping them achieve their objectives through innovative and reliable solutions,” says Małgorzata Bieniaszewska.
Looking ahead, MB Pneumatyka plans to continue expanding its product portfolio and enhancing its production capabilities to better serve its customers. The company is committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that its products remain at the forefront of the industry. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, MB Pneumatyka is poised to make a lasting impact on the Indian CV industry and beyond.
The company has appointed Dinesh Kothiya as General Manager and Nandhini Vembaiyan as Key Account Manager in India. Dinesh Kothiya plays a crucial role in overseeing overall operations, ensuring strategic alignment and efficiency. Meanwhile, Nandhini Vembaiyan manages customer support operations, providing timely and effective assistance for MB Pneumatyka’s clientele. Their presence accentuates the company’s commitment to superior service and strengthens its foothold in the Indian market. These strategic appointments aim to facilitate smoother interactions with customers, further solidifying MB Pneumatyka’s position as a reliable partner in the industry.
