In this exclusive interview, we speak with Mr. T. K. Radhakrishnan, Vice President – Food Systems Business Unit at HRS Process Systems Ltd., as he offers an in-depth look into how the company is shaping India’s rapidly evolving food and beverage processing landscape. Renowned for its advanced thermal processing technologies and turnkey engineering capabilities, HRS continues to empower food, beverage and dairy manufacturers with solutions that elevate product quality, strengthen hygiene, enhance automation and improve energy efficiency.
Mr. Radhakrishnan shares valuable insights into HRS’s operations in India, its expanding technological innovations, customer-centric customisation, and the strategic initiatives that are positioning the company as a preferred partner for modern processors striving to meet global standards and sustainability goals.
To begin with, could you give our readers an overview of HRS Process Systems Ltd. and its operations in India?
HRS Process Systems Ltd. is a leading food processing equipment manufacturer in India specialising in advanced thermal processing technologies for the food, beverage and dairy industries. We operate as an end-to-end partner, offering both high-performance heat exchanger-based systems and fully integrated turnkey processing solutions tailored to a wide range of applications. Our capabilities span the complete project lifecycle — from process consultancy, engineering design and pilot-scale trials to in-house fabrication, installation, commissioning and long-term operational support.
Over the past decade, we have significantly expanded our local engineering, automation and project management infrastructure, enabling us to deliver world-class hygienic processing solutions with faster delivery timelines and greater customisation. This strong foundation ensures food processers from India, benefit from reliable technology, assured performance, and dependable after-sales service as they scale to meet the growing demands of modern food, beverage and diary consumers.
The food and beverage sector in India has been evolving rapidly, with growing demand for efficient and hygienic processing solutions. How does HRS contribute to this segment, and what are the key product applications of your heat exchangers and systems in food and beverage processing?
HRS contributes by delivering technology that integrates product quality, food-safety hygiene and production efficiency. Our core product range pasteurizer, sterilizer, UHT, evaporators, aseptic filler is used across multiple applications: pasteurisation and UHT treatments, sterilisation, heating and cooling of sauces and ketchups, fruit pulps and tomato processing, milk treatment, concentration and recovery of whey, and process steps for curd, yogurt and cheese. We also supply complete process lines and skids that combine heat transfer, mixing, separation and CIP (clean-in-place) systems — so a beverage, dairy or processed food manufacturer can adopt an optimised, hygienic flow from raw ingredient through to finished product.
Innovation remains central to staying competitive in the process equipment market. What new technological advancements or product innovations has HRS introduced recently to address the rising need for automation, sustainability, and digital integration in food manufacturing?
Innovation at HRS focuses on modularity, automation and measurable efficiency. Recently we have accelerated development of fully skid-mounted, plug-and-play process modules that simplify installation and commissioning. These modules are delivered with integrated PLC/SCADA controls, enabling process automation, recipe management and data logging suited to modern food production. We’ve also enhanced our sanitary designs and integrated remote monitoring capabilities for predictive maintenance. On the sustainability front we’ve advanced heat recovery packages and energy-optimised control strategies so automation is not only about consistency but also about minimising utility consumption
Energy efficiency and sustainability have become key performance indicators for food producers today. How do HRS’s heat recovery and energy-saving technologies help companies reduce operational costs and achieve their environmental targets?
Energy efficiency is a core benefit of good heat transfer design. HRS offers several practical measures that reduce operating costs and carbon footprint: high-effectiveness and regenerative corrugated tube heat exchangers that recover heat from hot process streams to preheat incoming cold streams; optimised counter-flow designs that maximize thermal exchange with minimal surface area and lower pumping energy; and multi-stage recovery systems tailored to the plant’s thermal profile. These solutions lower steam and cooling demands, reduce power consumption and shrink overall utility bills. In addition, our systems are designed for minimal product loss and easier CIP cycles, contributing to lower water use— all important metrics for customers tracking sustainability targets.
With a strong presence across India and global markets, how does HRS approach customization to meet the varying demands of regional food processors, whether in dairy, beverages, sauces, or ready-to-eat categories?
We combine deep process knowledge with modular engineering to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions. Customization starts with process mapping: understanding the product, desired texture and shelf-life, existing plant utilities and regulatory constraints. For example, dairy customers focused on yogurt and cheese receive process trains optimised for gentle heat treatment, rapid cooling, whey recovery and yield improvement. Beverage and fruit processors often require gentle pulp handling and accurate thermal cycles; sauce and ketchup lines demand high-viscosity heat transfer and robust CIP. We offer modular skids sized for unit operations, flexible control logic for regional recipe variants, and scalable designs that allow customers to expand capacity without major plant disruption. Local engineering teams work closely with customers to adapt materials of construction and automation to regional preferences and compliance requirements.
Beyond technology, what strategic advantages, such as engineering expertise and after-sales support, give HRS an edge in delivering value-added solutions to customers in India and abroad?
Our strategic advantages are threefold: domain engineering expertise, integrated project delivery and committed after-sales service. First, our teams include process and mechanical engineers experienced in food hygiene, thermal dynamics and plant-scale implementation, which reduces design-to-delivery risks. Second, we deliver systems as turnkey solutions — combining design, fabrication, factory acceptance tests, installation and commissioning — so clients benefit from single-point accountability. Third, after-sales support is built into every engagement: spare parts availability, comprehensive field service, remote troubleshooting and training for plant operators. We also document performance and provide validation support for hygienic processes — which is particularly valuable in regulated food segments. A recent client testimonial from Sonai Dairy highlights how our approach translated into measurable improvements in throughput and product quality, and we routinely use such feedback to refine installations.
Looking ahead, what are HRS’s future plans for growth in India’s food and beverage sector? Are there any upcoming projects, product launches, or strategic collaborations that will further strengthen your position in this space?
Our growth plan in India is centred on expanding turnkey capability, deepening domain solutions in value-driven dairy processing (including curd, butter, cheese and whey systems), and strengthening partnerships with large and mid-tier food manufacturers. You will see more modular process lines aimed at fast-track plant rollouts, enhanced digital tools for remote commissioning and predictive maintenance, and tailored heat-recovery packages targeted at energy-intensive plants. We are also pursuing strategic collaborations with local EPC partners and OEMs to shorten project timelines and broaden our service footprint. Internally, we continue to invest in application development and demonstration plants so customers can validate processes before scaling. These initiatives are all designed to make HRS the preferred technology partner for India’s rapidly evolving food and beverage sector.
