Coimbatore-based EKKI Group, a leading pump and water technology manufacturer, is stepping up its global expansion with plans to enter new markets across Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The company currently derives about 79 per cent of its revenue from the domestic market and 21 per cent from exports, with shipments reaching more than 25 countries, including developed markets such as the US, Germany and Japan, Kanishka Arumugam, Co-CEO of EKKI Group, told businessline.
EKKI manufactures a wide range of pumps — from 0.5 HP to 200 HP — serving agriculture, buildings, public utilities, industrial sectors and water management applications.
Mixed impact of global disruptions
According to Arumugam, the evolving US tariff regime and the ongoing West Asia crisis have had a mixed impact on the pump manufacturing sector.
“The evolving US tariff situation initially created uncertainty, and we did see customers pause decisions on new product development unless it was business-critical,” he said. “However, India gained a relative advantage in certain materials compared to China, and we saw sourcing opportunities shift towards Indian manufacturers.”
However, geopolitical tensions in West Asia have posed a more immediate challenge by disrupting supply chains and increasing input costs.
“The West Asia crisis has pushed up raw material prices—particularly castings and steel—and increased logistics costs and transit times,” Arumugam said, adding that longer shipping durations are also leading to extended payment cycles.
To offset rising costs, industry-wide price hikes of 8–12 per cent are becoming inevitable, although companies are absorbing part of the increase to remain competitive.
India’s opportunity
Arumugam remains optimistic about the long-term outlook, pointing to a structural shift in global sourcing strategies.
The company expects growth of 10–30 per cent in the current financial year, driven by strong demand across the agriculture, housing, infrastructure and wastewater segments. Investments in automation, advanced technologies and product development are also expected to support expansion.
“Customers are increasingly looking to diversify beyond single geographies, and India is emerging as a reliable manufacturing hub,” he said.
Citing industry estimates, Arumugam said the global pump market is valued at around $65 billion, while the Indian market is pegged at approximately $2.9 billion.
Founded in 1981 by P. Arumugam, EKKI has evolved from an agricultural pump manufacturer into a diversified group with interests spanning manufacturing, engineering, real estate and education.
The privately held firm does not disclose revenues.