Name: Vaibhav Shah Position: Managing Director for API India Years with the company: 3.5
What was your childhood like?
I was born in an average middle-class family and understood the value of things very early in life; I used to love opening up toys to understand their mechanisms and most times didn’t fix them. Music was my first love and has been ever since.
Who was a hero to you growing up? Why?
It was my Grandfather, his sacrifices for India and contribution to the freedom fight was something I always looked up to. His teachings of discipline, respect, and family values have always stayed with me.
What are your hobbies?
They have changed over time, from music, playing the drums and guitar, and bike rides to watching sports, exercising, gardening, or reading about new technologies.
How did you end up in metrology? Did you go to school for it?
My childhood desire was to be a fighter pilot and join the Indian Air Force. That passion continued, and the interest in aerospace and CAD dimensioning led me to Metrology. After getting a Bachelor’s in Electronics and a Master’s in Business Administration, I still feel lucky to be with a company that has technology at its core rather than ending up in investment banking.
How did you come to be at API?
API is a pioneer in metrology and a true research driven organization, which is one of the main reasons to be here. Of course, Dr Lau inspired me. The invention of the Laser Tracker changed everything around us: modern aircrafts, defense equipment, ships, space antennas, automotive. I’m proud to work with a company that has contributed immensely to making the world a better place.
What are your roles and responsibilities with API?
I am responsible for managing and developing business on the Indian subcontinent and some parts of Southeast Asia for all of API’s Products and Services. I am also involved in the product management for our world-class Machine Tool Calibration (MTC) products.
What sets API apart from other metrology companies in your mind?
Our vision to think about products and solutions before the rest of the industry, being ahead of the curve and developing those products is something very unique to API. World-class products and highly talented people put API distinctly ahead.
What API Product or Service are you most excited to tell people about?
Apart from the world-class laser trackers, my personal favorite is the MTC product line. API’s XD Laser true calibration system was introduced decades ago when no one was able to even develop basic interferometry. Testing all the geometrical errors and positional accuracy together gives a far better evaluation of a CNC machine in extremely short time.
What about API’s future excites you?
Firstly, the constant innovation, long term vision and consistent updates and upgrades to existing products gives customers more value. Secondly, we have a non-commercial approach to R&D where there is ample freedom to think of new ideas or ways to simplify products or create new products to provide better metrology solutions.
What does “Nothing Beyond Measure” mean to you?
At API, it’s all about measurements – metrology in true sense. We talk metrology, we speak metrology, we breathe metrology. If you have a small pin, or an aircraft to be measured, API has a solution for you. We are limitless when it comes to metrology solutions across all industry verticals. So, if you have a question, reach out to us; you will be welcomed.