Report Overview

The Industrial Visit to Antony Garage Private Limited, located in Patalganga MIDC, Raigad, Maharashtra, was organized for the second-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering students under the supervision of Prof. Arjun Deshmukh. The visit was scheduled on March 13, 2025, at 01:00 PM, with the aim of offering students’ practical exposure to advanced manufacturing techniques, production processes, and automotive technologies.

The source person for the visit was Mr. Uday Gothivarekar, the Plant Head at Antony Garages Private Limited, who led the session and provided valuable insights into the operations of the company.

Profile of the Source Person

Mr. Uday Gothivarekar, the Plant Head at Antony Garages Private Limited, has over 30 years of experience in automotive production management. His career has seen him hold various key positions, such as Production Manager at Von Automobile Nig. Ltd in Lagos, Nigeria, and Bharat Coach Builders Pvt. Ltd in Panvel, Maharashtra. Mr. Gothivarekar’s wealth of experience, particularly in automotive manufacturing and production management, made him an invaluable source of knowledge for the students during their visit. His leadership in the automotive industry and expertise in manufacturing practices contributed significantly to the educational value of the visit.

Key Points of the Expert Talk

During the industrial visit, Mr. Uday Gothivarekar provided an in-depth overview of the manufacturing processes employed at Antony Garages. He explained the various stages of production, from assembly line operations such as welding, body construction, and painting, to sub-assembly processes involving the chassis, body, engine, and transmission.

The students gained a deeper understanding of how complex automotive production can be and how each stage contributes to the final product. One of the significant aspects discussed was theextensive testing and quality control procedures employed by the company. Mr. Gothivarekar emphasized the importance of crash testing, road testing, structural testing, and vibration and durability testing, which ensure that the final product meets the required safety and performance standards. The visit also highlighted Antony Garages’ commitment to sustainability. Mr. Gothivarekar shared insights into the company’s use of electric bus technology, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and the adoption of recycled materials in production. These efforts align with the global trend of reducing the environmental footprint of industrial manufacturing. Another key discussion was on the materials used in the manufacturing process. Mr. Gothivarekar explained the significance of using high-strength steel, aluminum alloys, composite materials for weight reduction, and eco-friendly interior materials to meet both performance and sustainability standards.

Finally, the expert talk covered the importance of supply chain management. Antony Garages works closely with various suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality components like engines, axles, and electronics. Mr. Gothivarekar emphasized how integrating suppliers effectively is crucial to maintaining production schedules and ensuring product quality.

Innovative Ideas, Strategies, or Technologies Mentioned:

During the visit, the students were introduced to several innovative ideas and strategies used in modern automotive manufacturing. Mr. Gothivarekar discussed how Antony Garages has embraced advanced practices in manufacturing process innovations, ensuring that their production lines remain efficient and capable of meeting high-demand specifications.

The company’s approach to testing and quality control also incorporated new technologies and techniques, ensuring their vehicles meet rigorous standards for safety and durability. In terms of sustainability, Antony Garages is leading the way in integrating electric vehicle technology into their product lineup and incorporating energy-efficient manufacturing processes, which reduce waste and improve overall efficiency. The materials used in the manufacturing process were also at the forefront of the discussion, with Mr. Gothivarekar highlighting the shift toward lighter, more durable materials such as aluminum alloys and composites. This not only improves the performance of the vehicles but also reduces their environmental impact. Supply chain management strategies were discussed in detail, emphasizing the need for strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure the seamless integration of components like engines, axles, and electronics. These strategies are crucial to achieving both efficiency and quality in production.

Conclusion

The industrial visit to Antony Garages Private Limited was an eye-opening experience for the students, offering a unique opportunity to see the application of theoretical concepts in the real world. From advanced manufacturing processes to cutting-edge technologies in sustainability, the visit provided a comprehensive overview of modern automotive production.

Mr. Uday Gothivarekar’s expert insights helped students understand the complexities of automotive manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality control. Overall, the visit was a valuable educational experience that bridged the gap between classroom learning and industry practices.

Report Overview

On February 25, 2025, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at PHCET organized an industrial visit for third-year Diploma students to Swegon Bluebox India Pvt. Ltd., located in Taloja MIDC. The visit aimed to provide students with practical insights into HVAC system design, optimization, and energy-efficient technologies in the real-world setting of a leading industrial company.

Prof. Arjun Deshmukh, the faculty in charge of the Diploma program, oversaw the event, ensuring that students received a valuable learning experience. The industrial visit, which involved ten students, offered an opportunity to witness firsthand the complexities of HVAC systems and their components, while also bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application.

Profile of the Source Person

The visit was addressed by Mr. Ajit Parab, the Head of Research and Development at Swegon Bluebox India Pvt. Ltd. With a wealth of experience in the HVAC industry, Mr. Parab is highly specialized in HVAC system design, optimization, and energy-efficient technologies. His expertise spans areas such as heat pumps, HVAC control systems (including DDC and BAS), Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, and advanced refrigeration cycles.

Mr. Parab is also proficient in performance testing and simulation techniques, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and lab testing. In addition to his technical skills, he is well- versed in HVAC regulatory standards like ASHRAE and ISO. His work in smart HVAC integration and IoT has significantly contributed to the development of innovative and energy-efficient solutions in the industry, making him an ideal resource for guiding students interested in the future of HVAC technologies.

Key Points of the Expert Talk

During the industrial visit, Mr. Ajit Parab shared his deep knowledge of HVAC systems, focusing on the importance of monitoring and analyzing key parameters in both air-cooled and water-cooled systems. He discussed various data points essential for optimizing the performance and efficiency of HVAC systems, such as chamber ambient temperature, evaporator water inlet and outlet temperatures, suction pressure, and compressor performance. These parameters are critical for maintaining the system’s overall efficiency, and Mr. Parab emphasized how understanding these variables can help in improving energy consumption and system longevity. He also provided insights into the significance of suction line temperature, discharge pressure, and compressor power consumption, explaining how these factors contribute to the proper functioning of the system. Students were shown practical examples of how real-time data collection from these variables could be used to assess and fine-tune HVAC systems, demonstrating the relevance of such practices in their future careers.

Innovative Ideas, Strategies, or Technologies Mentioned

Mr. Ajit Parab highlighted several innovative ideas and technologies used at Swegon Bluebox India Pvt. Ltd., focusing on advanced methods for collecting and analyzing data in HVAC systems. One notable innovation discussed was the use of IoT-based systems for smart HVAC integration, which allows for real-time monitoring of critical parameters.

By using advanced sensors and automation, the company can collect detailed data on factors like evaporator water flow, suction superheat, and compressor efficiency. These technologies enable continuous system optimization, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency improvements.

Mr. Parab also explained how the integration of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems contributes to better energy management and more adaptable climate control solutions in industrial environments. He further emphasized the importance of maintaining HVAC systems in line with regulatory standards such as ASHRAE and ISO, ensuring that performance and efficiency remain at the highest levels. Through these discussions, students were exposed to the practical application of modern HVAC technologies and how they can be leveraged to achieve sustainability and energy efficiency in the industry.

Conclusion

The industrial visit to Swegon Bluebox India Pvt. Ltd. proved to be an invaluable learning experience for the third-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering students. Under the guidance of Mr. Ajit Parab, the students were able to witness firsthand the practical applications of HVAC system design, optimization, and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in a real-world industrial setting. The insights shared by Mr. Parab, particularly in terms of data collection, system optimization, and smart HVAC integration, enhanced the students’ understanding of the complexity and significance of these technologies in modern-day engineering.

By exploring advanced systems such as VRF, heat pumps, and IoT integration, students gained a deeper appreciation for the innovations shaping the HVAC industry. This visit not only bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application but also inspired students to think critically about the role of technology in shaping sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in the field of mechanical engineering.