What do Indian entrepreneurship, Swedish hydraulic expertise, and a compact pilot valve from Herdorf have in common? Together, they form the foundation for a new generation of valve blocks used in demanding mobile machinery applications, from truck-mounted cranes and aerial work platforms to excavators and drilling rigs. Since 2023, Thomas has been supplying the Integrated Pilot Head (IPH) to the Indian company Oilpower. There, it is integrated into the newly developed valve blocks “Direction Control Monoblock Valve OP7” and “Load Sensing Directional Control Valve OP10.” Behind this development is a unique collaboration: Indian entrepreneur Vijay Shekhavat, Swedish high-end expertise in main control valve design, and the IPH from Thomas.
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The story behind this development begins in India. In 2002, Vijay Shekhavat founded the family-owned company Oilpower with the goal of developing mobile hydraulic solutions for demanding applications in the Indian market – solutions that are both commercially and technically competitive on a global level. This was made possible through the Swedfund program, established in 1979, which is a Swedish development finance institution that promotes sustainable investments in developing and emerging markets.
For Oilpower, this international connection became a critical building block: Indian market expertise met Swedish hydraulic know-how. The result was a company that understands local requirements while leveraging proven European experience.
A key role was played by the family-owned company Olsbergs Hydraulics, which transferred essential foundry and valve technology expertise to Oilpower. To this day, Oilpower’s valves continue to be developed under the leadership of experienced Swedish designer Carl Omberg, who brings more than 50 years of expertise in valve design.
For Managing Director Vijay Shekhavat, the IPH from Thomas is a key component in delivering high-performance hydraulic solutions from India to global markets:
“With a focus on the future, I provide high-performance and competitive hydraulic solutions from India to the global market. The IPH, with its integrated hydraulics, enables a compact yet powerful design of our valve blocks. With a flow rate of 2.5 l/min and strong resistance to contamination, it meets our customers’ requirements and gives Oilpower in India a unique competitive advantage,” says Managing Director Vijay Shekhavat.
More compact design enabled by the IPH
The practical benefits are demonstrated by the OP7 valve block. It is designed for precise control in construction equipment with flow rates of up to 75 l/min. It can be used in skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, front-end loaders, agricultural machinery, and mini dumpers, in short, wherever hydraulic functions must be controlled reliably, precisely, and in a space-saving manner, especially where installation space is limited.
The IPH plays a key role in achieving the compact design of the valve block. Thanks to its integrated valve sleeve, the design can be implemented more efficiently without compromising performance. For Oilpower, this creates a technical advantage that is especially important in mobile machinery: reduced installation space, robust functionality, and a solution tailored to demanding applications.
Direction Control Monoblock Valve OP7
Integrated Pilot Head (IPH)
Technology partnership with global ambitions
The collaboration between Oilpower, the Swedish hydraulic designer Carl Omberg, and Thomas demonstrates how international partnerships can lead to practical hydraulic solutions. With the IPH, Thomas provides a key component for compact, high-performance valve blocks tailored to the needs of mobile machinery. For Oilpower, this opens up opportunities to further develop Indian hydraulic solutions with global ambitions, clearly differentiate itself from competitors, and deploy them in demanding applications – from construction equipment to specialized vehicles.
State-of-the-art infrastructure at Oilpower
In the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, a modern production facility was established through technology transfer from Sweden, covering a total site area of 10,000 square meters. The built-up area covers 3,300 square meters. The facility includes an integrated production chain with an in-house precision casting foundry – unique in India – along with a machine shop, assembly lines, and a testing department.
Oilpower manufactures proportional directional control valves and gear pumps for a wide range of flow rates and pressure ratings. Components such as spools, cartridges, and gears are produced in-house and machined using precision equipment. Today, Oilpower supplies OEMs in Europe and continues to steadily expand its customer base.
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