On May 22nd 2012, Mahindra Group's world class engineering, research and development centre, Mahindra Research Valley (MRV), consolidated its position in the field of automotive engineering once again. The Central Manufacturing Engineering team of MRV, which was represented by Hudson Thomas, K.M. Sharma and Shankar Rangarajan, was felicitated with the Special Jury Award in the Productivity Category for its project on ‘Frugal Kitting Concept in XUV 5OO TCF Door Sub Assembly Line’.
The award ceremony was held at the Automotive Engineering Show held in Pune on April 27, 2012 in the second edition of the Excellence Award for Innovation and Creative Automation. This award ceremony, which is hosted by Automation Industry Association (AIA), recognises the talent and achievements of plant manager who uses automation in a creative manner in their manufacturing process.
Besides this, the Prashansa Patra Award for National Safety was awarded to the MRV Construction Project. It was awarded to acknowledge development and implementation of effective management systems and procedures for achieving good performance in occupational safety and health. Union Minister, Labour and Employment, Government of India, Mallikarjun Kharge presented the team with the award at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on October 19, 2011.
Rajan Wadhera, Chief Executive, Technology, Product Development and Sourcing, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, said, “These awards bear testimony to the fact that MRV is a truly focused on developing products based on technology-driven innovations. Such awards are milestones in strengthening Mahindra’s commitment to technology and innovations.” According to him, the company will continue garner many such awards while developing top-of-the-line products which match the group's global endeavours.
Based in Mahindra World City, MRV is the country's first fully planned and integrated business city, which houses all design and Research and Development (R&D) facilities at a single location. It facilitates collaborative approach and seamless knowledge exchange between different teams.
The class-leading research, design and development facilities at the disposal of the engineers and designers gives them a free hand to pursue activities in fields like environment friendly advanced propulsion systems - hydrogen, fuel cells, bio-diesels and hybrids. Other areas that the personnel at MRV can pursue are embedded systems, infotronics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics and advanced telematics.
MRV also provides researching capabilities to the team working in the field of alternative polymer technology for automotive applications, vehicle passenger safety and validation of aggregates and vehicles. Automotive global networking is achieved through the top-of-the-line communication network of the facility.
Cross-functional team members representing diverse groups, including design, manufacturing, marketing, vendor development and R&D, work alongside the in-house design groups. The product development time is significantly reduced by encouraging simultaneous engineering by grouping the team members together, thus reducing the inter-departmental barriers. This ensures teamwork from the beginning of the project itself. Dedicated teams are responsible for the various levels of the project, from the draft to actual production of particular model or platforms.
There will be an Engine Development Centre housing various groups catering to all the facets of powertrain development. These groups are responsible for designing, modifying, developing, calibrating and evaluating the existing units. They are also accountable for the evaluation of various performance, reliability, durability, legislative and customer requirements to develop new powertrains. In order to ensure swift development of competitive power plants with focus on lowering emissions, this centre is replete with advanced software and hardware. It also incorporates a prototype building and allows the testing of motors.
MRV has set up a NVH Lab comprising Semi Anechoic Chamber for Chassis Dyno, PTO Dyno, Modal Room and Sound Quality Room after considerable efforts towards identification on the best practices in coordination with international auto manufacturers.
