About

About Dr. Lal

Scientist. Operator. Partner to manufacturing leaders.

My career started in quantum chemistry labs and grew into leading R&D, DOE programs, and supplier networks for global friction and gasket manufacturers. Today I run SLC Friction Materials & Plastic Laminates LLC to help OEMs, Tier-1s, and investors build dependable programs without guessing.

Mission & focus

I work with leaders who need to stand up or stabilize R&D: establishing DOE practices, troubleshooting scale-up issues, and connecting teams with the right suppliers. The engagement is collaborative—teaching the methods while delivering the technical result.

  • Guide manufacturers through new product development for friction materials, gaskets, and advanced composites.
  • Coach internal teams on DOE, SPC, and analytical techniques so the playbook stays in-house.
  • Connect clients with trusted partners in the US, India, and Middle East for resin, fiber, and manufacturing needs.
  • Bridge executives, engineers, and suppliers with documentation that survives audits and customer reviews.

Career at a glance

SLC Friction Materials & Plastic Laminates LLC (2024-present)

Founder & President. Consulting for OEMs, Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers, investors, and startups needing formula design, DOE roadmaps, supplier vetting, and fractional R&D leadership.

Scan-Pac Manufacturing Inc., Wisconsin (2005-2023)

Vice President of Technology. Designed 50+ custom friction formulations, built rail wear pads that generated $2M+, eliminated $1M in scrap through DOE, and kept OEM audits green.

Aditya Birla Group, Corporate Technology (2003-2005)

General Manager for Technology Strategy. Introduced NIR/Chemometric process control and gas chromatography scale-up methods that cut analysis time for cellulose fiber and chlorination programs.

Sundaram Brake Linings Ltd., India (1990-2003)

Senior Manager & Head of R&D. Led 18 scientists, won the Deming Application Prize, launched asbestos-free linings for international markets, and delivered 100% OEM share for multiple programs.

Signature achievements

  • Generated $5M+ in new business by creating brake lining, clutch facing, and disc pad formulations for commercial, rail, and specialty applications.
  • Reduced analytical testing time by 25% and scrap by $1M annually through DOE, SPC, and new QC procedures.
  • Developed proprietary friction dust and resin technologies that improved thermal stability and product longevity.
  • Built supplier qualification systems that shortened audits and secured dual sourcing across three continents.
  • Authored SAE papers, FEAST conference work, and quantum chemistry research still referenced for binder design.

Credentials & training

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
  • M.Sc. & B.Sc., University of Calicut.
  • Formal training in DOE, SPC, Lean, Six Sigma, TQM, TPM, ISO 9001:2015, and EOS-based project management.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with SEM/EDS, TGA, GPC, NIR/FT-IR, GC, Raman, UV-Vis, and friction-specific test methods.