Meet Suraj and Vijay from IPG
Globally connected, locally empowered
In 2024, we shared how IPG leverages its international network to serve customers in the Netherlands more efficiently and intelligently. A lot has happened since then. Our team in India has grown and now plays an integral role in both technical and commercial support.
Sales engineer Suraj Sonawane has become a familiar face within our team, and as of July, we’re proud to welcome Vijay Sharma as our new product specialist.
Together, they provide fast technical support, smart calculations, and act as a true extension of our Dutch team all with the same IPG mindset: down-to-earth, reliable, and always focused on the customer.
HOW DOES OUR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION WORK?
To support our customers in the best possible way, IPG operates with a core team in the Netherlands and an extended technical team at our international office in India. This setup allows us to respond to email inquiries more quickly during business days – even outside Dutch office hours.
From India, our sales engineers assist with pump selection, preparing quotations, processing requests, and handling the technical preparation of projects.
This collaboration is seamlessly integrated into our processes: customers experience the same high level of service and quality, while benefiting from faster turnaround times, specialized knowledge, and a team that truly works together across the globe.
MEET SURAJ SONAWANE
Suraj has been working as a Sales Engineer for IPG for two years from our international office in India. In his role, he combines technical analysis with customer-focused advice – a combination he greatly enjoys:
"What I enjoy most about my work as a Sales Engineer at IPG is the blend of technical problem-solving and customer interaction. I am able to build long-term relationships with clients while also staying close to engineering – it keeps my work both challenging and rewarding. I also get exposure to multiple pump brands such as Xylem, KSB, Sulzer, Ebara, Grundfos, etc."
A typical day for Suraj involves processing customer inquiries, preparing technical and commercial quotations, and coordinating with suppliers and colleagues. He plays a key role in connecting customer needs with technical execution:
"It’s a good mix of technical analysis, customer interaction, and project follow-up."
According to Suraj, the collaboration with the Dutch team is particularly strong:
"The collaboration with the team in the Netherlands is effective because of the open communication, clear roles, and shared technical understanding. There’s a strong culture of support and accountability, with mutual respect and a shared focus on quality solutions."
WELCOME VIJAY SHARMA
Since June 2025, Vijay Sharma has joined IPG as a Sales Engineer (Product Specialist). He brings solid experience in sales support within water utility domain i.e. water and wastewater treatment, smart cities and industrial applications. His decision to join IPG is a deliberate step toward further specialization.
"I chose pumps due to my growing interest and experience in this field. What attracted me to IPG is the opportunity to work with a diverse range of pump technologies and after sales service which will allow me to gain exposure to global markets and products from multiple OEMs."
Vijay’s first impressions of the team are very positive:
"All team members, including the management, are approachable and supportive. Even though we function as individual contributors, the team often collaborates and supports one another like a close-knit family."
At IPG, he aims to deepen his knowledge of centrifugal pumps and their applications in areas such as industrial, building, mining and water & wastewater treatment:
"These segments offer a wide range of technical challenges and learning opportunities that align well with my interests and career goals."
International collaboration with substance
With the addition of Suraj and Vijay, IPG demonstrates that international collaboration goes far beyond being available in a different time zone. It’s about technical expertise, dedication, and reliable service – no matter where in the world.
Our colleagues in India are not just an extension, but an integral part of the team. Their support enables us to respond faster, handle more complex requests, and serve our customers more effectively – without compromising on quality or personal attention.
At IPG, we continue to build a strong and flexible team that helps our customers move forward: today, tomorrow, and in the future.