Founder by Radha Krishnan Detroit Engineered Products (DEP) is today the global leading product engineering and development company catering to various industry verticals including automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, electronics, biomedical, and oil and gas, etc.  Enterprise IT World spoke to Radha Krishnan to understand his vision and growth strategy. Excerpts.

Briefly tell us about Detroit Engineered Products (DEP), it’s genesis and growth so far.

Detroit Engineered Products (DEP) was established 26 years ago in Michigan, initially concentrating on CAE services and software. Since then, we’ve experienced significant growth, expanding our operations to five countries and establishing seven offices, supported by a robust network of global partners. Our flagship CAE platform, MeshWorks, has undergone continuous enhancement, and we’ve successfully launched a product development division that has introduced innovations such as drones, e-scooters, agricultural equipment, and laser cutters. A standout achievement is our IC sensor technology, which improves engine efficiency and reduces emissions. Our journey has been marked by consistent growth, and as we broaden our service offerings, we’re excited about the future ahead.”

“At DEP, we concentrate our efforts on key markets, including Japan, India, Europe, and the USA.”

Radha Krishnan, President and Founder, Detroit Engineered Products (DEP).

What are the products and solutions DEP offers to the market?

Our service portfolio includes a comprehensive range of offerings, such as CAE services, product development, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), electronics, powertrain solutions, talent acquisition, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and automotive interior and exterior solutions, as well as vehicle engineering services.

Our flagship proprietary software, DEP MeshWorks, represents a significant advancement in product development cycles, featuring next-generation CAE/CAD morphing, concept modeling, and CAE parametrization. This enhanced tool leads to substantial time savings and optimized product outcomes.

In terms of product development, we offer innovations like drones, in-cylinder sensors, people movers, high-efficiency engines, micro trailers, electric two-wheelers, and medical protection solutions.

Our solutions serve a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, electronics, biomedical, and oil and gas, proudly supporting over 500 satisfied clients, including major OEMs and tier-one companies.

Which verticals the company is focussed on?

At DEP, we concentrate on three key verticals: Engineering Services, CAE Software, and Product Development. Our proprietary platform, DEP MeshWorks, stands at the forefront of our CAE software offerings, enabling us to provide advanced solutions that significantly accelerate and optimize the product development process.

In the realm of Engineering Services, we deliver comprehensive support that spans the entire development lifecycle. This includes benchmarking, design iterations, CAE evaluations, value engineering, lightweighting, and prototyping. Our approach ensures that we meet the unique needs of each client while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Additionally, we have established a dedicated Product Development division aimed at helping clients bring their custom ideas to life. This has led to the creation of a diverse array of innovative products, such as drones, people movers, e-scooters, agricultural equipment, and laser cutters. By focusing on these verticals, we aim to drive innovation and provide our clients with the tools and solutions they need to succeed in an ever-evolving market.

Which countries, the company is focussed on and why?

At DEP, we concentrate our efforts on key markets, including Japan, India, Europe, and the USA. These regions are recognized for their advanced industrial sectors and a robust demand for innovative engineering solutions. Each country presents unique opportunities for innovation, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, and energy industries, which aligns seamlessly with our expertise in product development, simulation, and digital engineering services.

Our presence includes direct offices and our headquarters in Detroit, along with locations in India, China, and Japan, allowing us to effectively serve our clients in these vital markets. By maintaining a strong foothold in these regions, we can respond rapidly to industry trends and client needs.

Additionally, we collaborate with strategic partners and distributors around the globe to extend our reach and enhance our service offerings. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our capabilities but also ensures that we stay at the forefront of technological advancements. By focusing on these key countries, we aim to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our clients, positioning ourselves as leaders in the engineering sector.

Who are major customers of the company?

At our company, we focus on building a dedicated team committed to delivering value to our customers and the community. With over 500 satisfied clients, including leading OEMs and major players in the automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, electronics, biomedical, and oil and gas sectors, we’ve established a strong market presence. While our longest-standing work is in automotive, we support CAE design engineering across various industries, including aerospace and marine.

What are the competitive advantages?

DEP MeshWorks is our key competitive advantage. This proprietary tool is customizable, allowing us to tailor solutions specifically to our clients’ needs.

We assist companies in the design phase by significantly shortening the design cycle using CAE technology. Virtual product testing with MeshWorks is a cost-effective alternative to expensive physical prototypes. Clients can run multiple CAE simulations electronically, thanks to our unique parametric technology. This means they can explore different design options digitally before committing to production, ensuring both cost efficiency and optimization.

MeshWorks eliminates the need for physical testing, which helps avoid delays in the design process if the results are not as expected. It also allows for performance calculations to be conducted early, reducing the costs associated with bringing a product to market.

Some standout features of MeshWorks include highly automated meshing and model assembly tools, which can cut CAE model-building time by 40 to 50%. Additionally, existing finite element (FE) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models can be easily converted into intelligent parametric CAE models, enabling quick design iterations and Design of Experiments (DOE) studies. Clients can also automate their CAE processes, achieving time savings of 2x to 10x.

What is the growth strategy for next 5 years?

Our growth strategy for the next five years centers on expanding our footprint in global markets while enhancing our technological capabilities. We recognize the immense potential that exists across various regions and industries, and we are committed to increasing our geographic reach to tap into these opportunities.

In addition to geographical expansion, we aim to invest in advanced technologies that will allow us to deliver even more innovative solutions to our clients. The engineering sector is constantly evolving, and we are eager to stay ahead of the curve by embracing new developments and trends.

This is an exciting time for our company, as we anticipate engaging in transformative projects and fostering strategic collaborations that will drive our success. By partnering with other industry leaders and innovators, we can leverage our combined expertise to create cutting-edge solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.

As we move forward, we will focus on nurturing talent within our organization and cultivating a culture of innovation. This commitment will enable us to not only achieve our growth objectives but also make a lasting impact in the engineering landscape. We look forward to the journey ahead and the opportunities it will bring.

What is the vision of the company?

DEP’s vision is to drive sustainable innovation and expedite the product development process while making it accessible to all. To achieve this vision, we have outlined a three-fold strategy. Firstly, we aim to democratize CAE and Engineering through our software platform, ensuring that advanced technologies are readily available to everyone. Secondly, our focus is on continuously generating solutions that foster invention and fuel innovation. Lastly, we prioritize building a dedicated and committed team that places utmost importance on delivering value to our customers and the community. With this comprehensive approach, we are determined to realize our vision and leave a positive impact on the product development landscape.

How are you present in India?

DEP has a significant presence in India, with five offices strategically located in Chennai, Bangalore, and other areas in Tamil Nadu. This network allows us to tap into the diverse talent and resources available in these regions, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that meet local market demands. Each office plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration with clients and partners, enhancing our ability to drive innovation and growth. Our commitment to India reflects our dedication to contributing to the engineering landscape and capitalizing on the opportunities within this dynamic market.

What kind of growth DEP sees in India?

At DEP, we are experiencing rapid growth in India, driven by a strong market and a wealth of talented professionals. The country’s dynamic engineering landscape presents significant opportunities for us to expand our offerings and impact. We currently operate five offices across India, located in Chennai, Bangalore, and other areas in Tamil Nadu.

These strategic locations enable us to tap into the local talent pool and foster innovation, which is essential for our continued success. As we strengthen our presence in India, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients while contributing to the growth of the engineering sector in the region. We believe that our investment in India will yield substantial returns and help us achieve our long-term growth objectives.

About the Radha Krishnan, President and Founder, Detroit Engineered Products

Radha Krishnan is the founder and president of Detroit Engineered Products (DEP). He I established the company in 1998. With more than 35 years of experience in the automotive industry, Radha Krishnan has worked with leading Tier 1 companies and OEMs, giving him a deep understanding of the innovative solutions that modern industries require. Before founding DEP, he held positions at General Motors, EaSi, and Tata Consulting Engineers.  He is passionate about technology and pioneered DEP MeshWorks, a proprietary CAE platform that streamlines product development. Radha Krishnan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras, India, and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo, Ohio, USA.