Amid evolving steel quality standards and increasing demand for application-specific solutions, Akash Steel Crafts Pvt. Ltd. is reinforcing its focus on stringent quality assurance programs (QAP), ASTM compliance and specialized stainless steel pipe and tube manufacturing. In an exclusive interview with Tube & Pipe India, Mr. Mohanan Narayanan, Director, Akash Steel Crafts Pvt. Ltd., discuss changing steel market dynamics, customer expectations, sectoral demand trends and why disciplined sourcing, QAP-driven manufacturing and consistent quality control remain central to their long-term growth strategy.

Tube & Pipe India: How are the evolving steel dynamics-quality, pricing, availability, shaping your manufacturing strategy of steel pipes, tubes and other products?

Mohanan Narayanan: Changes in steel prices, availability of specific stainless steel grades, and increasing quality expectations directly impact our manufacturing strategy for ERW and EFW pipes and tubes. To manage these changes, we focus on disciplined raw material sourcing and efficient production planning. We procure materials strictly as per customer specifications and approved quality assurance programs (QAP), which helps us maintain product consistency even when market conditions are volatile.

At the same time, we continuously work on improving operational efficiency so that we can remain competitive on pricing without compromising on quality. Our focus remains on delivering reliable, ASTM-compliant stainless steel pipes and tubes across different grades and applications.

TPI: In the tube and pipe sector, how critical is steel quality in determining product performance, reliability, and end-use acceptance? How do you ensure the best quality of your pipes and tubes?

MN: Steel quality is one of the most important factors in the tube and pipe industry because it directly impacts strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and overall product life. For industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, construction, and power, product reliability is critical, and that starts with using the right quality steel.

At our company, quality is non-negotiable. Every order is backed by a defined quality assurance program (QAP), and manufacturing is carried out strictly according to approved specifications and ASTM standards. From raw material procurement to final testing and inspection, every stage is monitored carefully to ensure consistency and dependable performance.

TPI: Which end-use sectors are currently driving demand for your steel products, and how is this influencing your portfolio?

MN: Demand for our products is currently strong from industries such as sugar, fertilizer, water treatment, chemicals, and general manufacturing. These sectors require stainless steel pipes and tubes that can perform reliably in demanding environments, which is why our focus remains on producing high-quality ERW and EFW products in a wide range of grades, sizes, and specifications. Their evolving requirements continue to shape and strengthen our product portfolio.

TPI: Are customers increasingly looking for application-specific steel products rather than standard offerings? If yes, how are you catering to the demand?

MN: Yes, we are clearly seeing a shift toward application-specific products. Customers today are more focused on finding materials that match their exact operational requirements rather than choosing standard products.

To meet this demand, we work closely with customers to understand their technical requirements, including material grade, dimensions, finish, and performance expectations. Based on that, we source the right raw material and manufacture products suited to their specific application. This approach helps us deliver better product performance and long-term reliability.

TPI: With turnkey solutions in the tube & pipe sector taking a gradual and selective spotlight, how do you view your business evolving or what steps are you taking in the direction to provide end-to-end solutions to the customers?

MN: At present, our focus is entirely on manufacturing and supplying stainless steel pipes and tubes. We do not currently offer turnkey solutions because we do not have in-house facilities for products like fittings and valves that are needed for a complete package. That said, our strength lies in our specialization. By focusing only on ERW and EFW stainless steel pipes and tubes, we are able to deliver better quality, consistency, and service to our customers.

TPI: Does offering a wider range of turnkey solutions provide a competitive edge, or does it add operational complexity?

MN: It can do both. Offering turnkey solutions can create a competitive advantage because customers often prefer a single supplier for convenience and better coordination. However, it also brings added complexity in sourcing, quality control, and execution. For us, staying focused on our core product category allows us to maintain tighter control over quality and operations. We believe specialization helps us serve our customers better.

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TPI: How do you ensure consistency and quality across your diversified product portfolio?

MN: Consistency starts with raw material selection. Every order is executed according to the approved Quality Assurance Program (QAP), and materials are sourced only from approved suppliers based on customer requirements. By maintaining strict control from procurement through production and final inspection, we ensure that every product meets the required standards and performs reliably in the field.

TPI: Going forward, will growth be driven more by scale in core products or by diversification into specialized steel applications?

MN: Our primary growth strategy is to strengthen and scale our core business of ERW and EFW stainless steel pipes and tubes. While we will continue to support specialized applications wherever customer demand exists, our focus remains on expanding our core product range, increasing capacity, and building deeper expertise. We believe this is the most sustainable path for long-term growth.

Demand for our products is currently strong from industries such as sugar, fertilizer, water treatment, chemicals, and general manufacturing. These sectors require stainless steel pipes and tubes that can perform reliably in demanding environments, which is why our focus remains on producing high-quality ERW and EFW products in a wide range of grades, sizes, and specifications.