The challenges are many but the industry is facing uncertainties due to various economic factors says Wilfried Theissen, Managing Director, Putzmeister Concrete Machines Pvt Ltd, in an interview with EPC World…
The new Government has given renewed thrust on infrastructure & construction sector. Against this backdrop how do you see the demand of concrete equipment?
So far all the various announcements haven’t had any or only little positive effect on the demand. The major problems are the availability of credit for the construction companies and still very little pressure and commitment on the speed of execution. The construction industry continuous to be on the black list of the RBI and cheap and unqualified labour is still readily available. We are however confident that the trend will change in the not too far future (6-12 months) and have started in partnership with the NSDC ( National Skill Development Corporation ) to train additional operators so that when the boom comes the skilled workforce will be available. Potentially the market can grow from ` 1000 Cr to ` 3000 Cr within the next 3 years.
Putzmeister is always in the forefront in offering innovative pumping solutions to the industry. Could you tell us latest innovative pumping solutions you introduced in the market in the recent past? What are the salient features of your truck mounted boom pump, the M36-4?
Putzmeister has always offered highly innovative products and has introduced the new generation boom pump M36-4 NG that has been built using aluminium and high-grade lightweight steel to reduce the weight by more than two tons. Our Boom Pumps come equipped with ‘Big Mouth’ delivery cylinders of 230 mm diameter, are 32% more efficient in filling the pipeline than its smaller counterparts with a diameter of 200 mm. The Hydraulic tank capacity has been reduced to 275 litres, which is 30% less compared to other machines in the market, making it much more economical and eco-friendly to run. They come with advanced features like, Z fold system, OSS and Radio remote. The OSS (one sided support system) is the most advantageous feature, this innovation makes sure that construction is running smoothly in space constrained jobsites. Many metro and urban projects run into difficulties as truck mounted concrete pumps block the service roads and create traffic congestion. This technology allows the operator to extend the outriggers only where the concrete placement is required.
High rise pumping, long distance pumping, and high grade concreting are some of the specialized pumping applications, which need expert support from the OEMs. What kind of support you offer in this direction?
Putzmeister has a countrywide sales and service network with regional and local offices all over India. The company is on a constant mode of expansion to meet the nation’s growing infrastructure demands, helping customers access competent and cost-effective concrete pumping solutions that bring down the overall cost of operations considerably. In addition to its technologically advanced products, Putzmeister offers its customers competent advice and customised concepts. It also imparts training on all aspects of concreting technology to its customers to spread awareness about the advantages of mechanisation and automation of construction technology in India. Putzmeister ensures a solution for every challenge – and the elephant is truly taking a ‘Great Leap’ in 2015.
What according to you are the primary challenges in conducting your business today?
The challenges are many but we face uncertainties due to various economic factors. There are a few key macro-economic factors like; easy access to credits, a friendly legislation to get projects under way, a high number of projects throughout the country and a significant increase in the speed of execution. As long as the number of projects are low, the speed of execution of little importance and cheap labour largely available, the mechanisation will not take off.
Could you tell us more about your export Market. From the total production, how much (in terms of percentage) you export? Has the consumption of your products increased in the domestic market when compared to last two years?
Our quality and technical excellence in line with the worldwide Putzmeister standards have allowed us to substantially increase our export product portfolio over the last 3 years. High quality demanding markets like Japan and Korea are now amid our regular customers.
In 2014 the export counted for 30% of our total TO. Unfortunately the domestic market was again very weak in 2014 and the first half of 2015 only looks slightly better.
How do you visualize concrete equipment segment two years down the line?
India has yet to live up to the likes of Turkey, Korea not even to mention China. Currently truck mounted pumps represent only about 100 units/ year in India whereas in Turkey the number is 700 and China even though there is a crisis still requires 2000 plus. So, if India lives up to the expectation of the market and most importantly to the expectation of its formidable people than the future will indeed be bright.
About Wilfried Theissen:
Wilfried Theissen is the CEO & Managing Director, Putzmeister Concrete Machines Pvt Ltd. Apart from being a management graduate,Theissen also has degree in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Under his guidance Putzmeister is doing well in the market of India and his aim is to make Putzmeister India best of class manufacturing facility. He believes that with a motivated team nothing is impossible and the biggest asset of any company are the employees.
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