The industrial and environmental sectors are largely driven by regulatory compliance, with companies prioritizing minimum standards over innovative solutions. In India, bureaucratic systems enforce regulations without engaging with the industry, thereby stifling innovation. Moreover, customers often focus on meeting basic requirements rather than adopting advanced technologies. Additionally, Indian regulators tend to favor multinational standards, creating a competitive disadvantage for local manufacturers.
The lack of local testing facilities further limits the development of competitive, homegrown solutions. This regulatory preference for international products leads to a market where cost-cutting becomes the focus, hindering the growth of innovative, locally-produced alternatives. Amidst these challenges, Prima India stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience. With a clear commitment to “Made in India” products, the company has carved a niche in offering industry-leading emission monitoring systems and safety equipment that not only meet but also exceed regulatory standards.
The Purpose-Driven Journey
Prima India was founded by Dr. Pritesh M Shah, whose early experience in industrial instruments and pollution monitoring shaped the company’s direction. After graduating, he worked at Lawrence and Mayo in Mumbai, gaining hands-on exposure to scientific and pollution monitoring equipment. This experience helped him recognize the growing importance of environmental and health-focused solutions. Two years later, he represented a company dealing in safety equipment and pollution monitoring devices. Coming from a seven-generation business background, he moved to Vadodara with just 140 rupees to begin his entrepreneurial journey.
In the early years, he represented environmental monitoring products in a market that was not yet ready, which required extensive customer education. In 1995-96, the company began manufacturing occupational health monitoring equipment, starting with a handy sampler. It later developed a flue gas analyzer that helped industries save fuel costs and gain operational efficiency, bringing wider recognition. By 1999, the company introduced its Continuous Emission Monitoring System, with the first installation in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone.
As the company grew, its purpose extended beyond manufacturing. Prima India committed itself to globalizing Indian-made gas analyzers and detection systems. In 2018, it set up a small laboratory that evolved into Asia’s 1st-ever second-largest testing facility for CEMS testing as per EN 14181, EN 15267-3, EN 15259, and US EPA RATA standards. In 2021, the company earned international accreditation from the USA for European standard testing, becoming the second facility worldwide after TÜV Rheinland in Germany.
In total, its core values emphasize high-quality, internationally competitive products and education over enforcement in environmental control. Today, the company believes in educating users on pollution Monitoring and product benefits. Its vision focuses on building technological competency, strengthening consumer understanding, and transforming regulatory requirements into opportunities for savings, contributing to both environmental protection and cost optimization to Build Sustainable Solution.
Advanced Environmental Solutions
The company’s primary product is the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS), which monitors emissions from industrial chimneys and boiler stacks, transmitting real-time data to regulatory bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board. This has been well-received in India, where local companies appreciate high-quality products without foreign currency costs. "Since 2021, we have been the only manufacturer of CEM System with EN-based performance test reports and MCERTS-certified from CSA Group UK, firm in Asia," states Dr. Pritesh M Shah, Chairman of Prima India.
In addition to CEMS, Prima India offers after-sales service, ensuring components are available within 48 hours due to in-house production of embedded circuits, electronics, software, and microprocessors. The company continues to innovate, with predictive emission monitoring on the horizon, allowing industries to forecast emissions six months in advance. Furthermore, the company also offers a range of safety gas detectors, including portable, palm-sized, and fixed models for hazardous environments like chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Empowered Workforce
Prima India has a workforce of over 90 professionals, including engineers and software programmers. The company fosters a culture of innovation by allowing employees to learn from mistakes, with a focus on continuous product improvement. The team’s mantra, "I am possible," promotes growth. Additionally, they support children’s education through a charitable foundation and organize team-building activities like picnics and national celebrations while regular evaluations ensure ongoing development.
Setting the Benchmark
Prima India has been a leader in technological innovation, implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) in its systems as early as 2015, ahead of the industry curve. Initially focused on data loggers, the company recognized the need for wireless data transmission, leading to the development of groundbreaking IoT-enabled products. Today, the company continues to innovate by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to improve automation and data retrieval.
However, a major challenge remains: the market has been slow to adopt these advancements. Industrial sectors, unlike consumers embracing technologies like smartphones, are hesitant to invest in innovations like Industry 4.0. Despite these challenges, the company remains committed to advancing technology, driven by a vision of skill development and AI progress, supported by government initiatives. On the whole, the company is determined to lead the way in technological advancement.
Only with a clean environment and intention, rises a clean, great Nation
The Future Roadmap
Prima India has set a target to expand its global presence, aiming to reach at least 12 countries by 2027. With international accreditation, they are looking to open a manufacturing FAT process outside Asia, likely in Europe, to cater to the US and European markets. With its guiding principle “excellence in innovation” – the company is committed to constant product innovation and improvement.
Dr. Pritesh M Shah, Chairman, Prima India
Dr. Pritesh M. Shah is the Chairman of Prima India and a pioneering leader in environmental and industrial safety technologies. Starting Prima in 1992 with just INR 140, he built it into a globally respected manufacturer of emission monitoring systems and testing laboratories. A visionary entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor, he champions innovation, sustainability, and nation-building through affordable, reliable, and world-class environmental monitoring solutions.
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