Southco Delivers The Broadest Portfolio Of Premium Access Solutions Available.

Veeresh Manrai

General Manager – Business Development, Southco Manufacturing

What are the core activities and competencies of the company?

Southco is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, Southco understands that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 75 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognised brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch-points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. Southco India has been operating out of Pune since 2008 and has been growing its manufacturing presence in India substantially over the past 25 years.

What are the latest products and solutions offered?

Some of Southco’s latest product innovations that address the needs of the construction vehicle and equipment industry include:

Rotary latch R4-25: This latest addition to Southco’s rotary latch portfolio offers increased security and access control in rugged environments by enabling electronic actuation and providing an electronic status signal – the ideal solution for any exterior panel.

ULS (Universal Latch Sensor): This product consists of a simple magnet that attaches to an existing latch, and a magnetic sensor that attaches to the inside of an existing door frame. The electronic signals, sent by the magnet when coming into proximity with the sensor, can be used to turn on indicator lights on a dashboard when a panel is open or used to illuminate the inside of a stowage compartment.

E6 one-way torque hinge: This position control product enables heavy doors and panels to be lifted more easily by removing friction from the hinge in one direction, while providing high torque to hold them securely in place.

AH bi-foldable hinge: These hinges are the ideal solution for fold-out tables as they prevent table flaps from falling open during operation and improve the end user experience and safety.

What are your plans at Excon this year to attract customers?

As the global leader for access hardware solutions for construction vehicles and equipment, Southco will showcase proven as well as new product solutions, including:

• Entry door latch systems to secure vehicle entry and enable remote actuation
• Robust and vibration-resistant locks and latches for chassis applications, keeping dust and dirt out and reducing noise
• Positioning hinges and monitor mounts for cab interior to allow operators to adjust equipment to unique preferences
• Electronic locks and access controllers that easily integrate with smart and autonomous vehicles for increased security and safety

What are your expansion plans and market outlook?

Southco’s continuing expansion of their footprint in India contributes to Southco’s strategy of driving global business growth and is a long-term commitment of the business to deliver more value to their customers and meet the growing needs of the Indian and global markets.