Meet R.K. Anbarasu: Technical Head at Bostik India Pvt Ltd
What is your background and your area of expertise? What brought you to Bostik?
I have a Master of Science degree in Chemistry and have hands-on experience in the field of epoxy resin, acrylic, and polyurethane. For example, I have worked for companies in the areas of epoxy resin manufacturing, construction chemicals, adhesives, and sealants. I have over three decades of broad experience in research & development, technical support, quality control, and sales and marketing.
I am involved in new product developments and lead development projects with end-to-end responsibility. I drive innovation according to our business units, and customer requirements. The work I do is aimed at maximising product profitability and improving product performance.
Another of my roles is to ensure that our technical competencies are aligned with our business objectives and strategies.
And your career at Bostik? Can you give us a picture of where you’ve worked? What projects you have been involved in, and perhaps two or three of your Bostik career highlights so far?
Two highlights for me have been my involvement in the launch of the new ranges of Sealing & Bonding products and Seal & Block waterproofing products for Bostik India.
India is a very large market. What does your role as Technical Head entail?
My role as Technical Head involves the following functions:
- Leading the development of a full range of products to meet market demands.
- Ensuring the provision of technical services to customers in coordination with our marketing team.
- Working closely with our Marketing & Sales team to understand market dynamics for technology, new trends, etc.
- Identifying new projects with good business potential.
- Executing and managing R&D projects from initiation of a new programme through to successful commercial launch.
- Actively searching for best-in-class technologies among competitors and developing an innovation roadmap.
Tell us about some of the innovations and trends that Bostik has driven in the past in the Indian market.
Bostik PU Sealants, acrylic-modified two-component cementitious waterproof coating, and polyester-based anchor grout are some of our recently introduced products, and they have been widely accepted in the Indian market.
Can you tell us about any new developments about to emerge in adhesives that you are involved in?
I have been involved in the development of new products as follows:
- Seal‘N’Flex 2K Pourable PU sealant
- Ultraseal PU 1K moisture cure PU waterproofing membrane
- Localisation of waterproofing membrane based on polyurethane dispersions (PUD).
Please give us an overview of the Bostik Academy. What is it all about? What is its purpose, and who is it aimed at?
The Bostik Academy exists to improve Bostik’s reputation and brand in the market by providing a best-in-class technical training facility for our customers.
Our academy consists of the following facilities:
- Learning Centre
- Product and technology display area
- Demo & mock-up area
- Meeting room & storage area
What benefits does the Academy hold for not only users of Bostik products but also the wider construction industry in India?
The Academy provides complete training facilities for our customers and applicators. This strengthens the Bostik brand, improves technical sharing and collaboration with customers, and enhances our customers’ knowledge of Bostik products and their proper application.
What benefits does the Academy hold for not only users of Bostik products but also the wider construction industry in India?
The Academy provides complete training facilities for our customers and applicators. This strengthens the Bostik brand, improves technical sharing and collaboration with customers, and enhances our customers’ knowledge of Bostik products and their proper application.
What is your involvement with the Academy? How long have you been involved?
My involvement has been primarily in supporting the Bostik Academy in India. This work includes identifying the right tools and equipment for product application demos as per the global Bostik guidelines.
I am also involved in the preparation of cured samples and technical presentations for our products to meet our customers’ expectations.
How does Bostik use the Academy to highlight aspects such as innovation in adhesives, as well as sustainability and quality?
With the help of product training and technical presentations, we can keep our customers updated regarding the latest innovations.
Are there any new developments that users of the Academy can expect to see there in the near future?
Users can expect to see a rollout of our smart solutions, which are aimed at our customers’ exact requirements.
Thank you R.K. for your time today. Bostik India is in safe hands with you leading as the Technical Head.