Connect with us

Product Development

The industry will grow at the pace of 20-25%

Published

on

Shares

AV Dikshit, Technical Director, Aquarius Engineers

Having produced equipments for major projects like the Delhi Metro Rail Project, Mumbai Pune Expressway, Aquarius Engineers have become one of the reliable names in the concrete equipment manufacturing industry. AV Dikshit, Technical Director, talks to ICR about the current market scenario, the products manufactured by the company and their future plans.

What is the current market share of the company in the equipment manufacturing industry? Do you envisage increasing it and what are the strategies for the same
We enjoy 15-20 per cent market share, based on the products manufactured. We would definitely like to envisage increasing our market share. As far as strategies are concerned, we participating in the exhibitions so that our products get featured and we get more and more exposure. Hence we will also be participating in the upcoming bCIndia.

What are your views on the current scenario of the concrete equipment manufacturing industry?
There has been a slowdown in sales due to lack of decisions at government level. The first two quarters of this financial year have been sluggish. Compared to last year, the Q1 and Q2 results dropped by 20 per cent this year. However, there are a few signs of recovery this month. Export market is also showing a good growth for us. We are finding better growth in B and C class cities as against major deficits in A class cities.

What is the company’s annual production capacity?
Our manufacturing plant in Pune, has a capacity of 150 batching plants and the one in Goa can produce over 600 pumps annually. These are the only two plants we have.

What is the USP of your products?
We manufacture products having global technology, suited to Indian conditions. The major USP has been our innovative capability to bring out new products catering to varied customer requirements. We are proud of our service network and spare parts support provided across the country. We offer a total turnkey solution to our customers after understanding their applications.

Could you highlight a few of your ongoing projects?
We have recently supplied equipment to mega factories and are planning to produce Hollow Core Slabs for mass housing projects, since we have got two or three orders. One or two plants have already gone to hollow core slabs. Proper handling is required for Hollow Core Slabs since they are prefabricated or made in the factory and then assembled on site. Restrictions are imposed when it comes to the creation of slumps created. And we provide those services.

Also elaborate on the various quality and safety features adopted by the company in the manufacturing of your product?
We are an ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified organisation. Our products are also CE and SONCAP certified.

Have you launched any new product of late?
We plan to launch our new product range in the upcoming bCIndia exhibition in Mumbai. We wouldn’t like to get into details about those products but would say that those equipment are customised suiting the international needs. However last year in November 2011, in Bengaluru we launched three products. One was 20 m boom pump, 21 cu m batching plant and SP 30 stationary plant.

What are the major clients that the company handles?
We cater to the requirements of most of the infrastructure companies, housing segment, RMC segment, hirers, etc.

Could you tell us about sales and network distribution of the company across the country?
Our sales and service network is well spread across the country. We have our regional offices at Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Patna, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Indore, Nagpur, Raipur, Mangalore, Vijaywada, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar apart from Pune and Goa.

What are your future plans? Any plans for expansion?
We have recently completed major expansion at our factories. The capacity of the plant is raised to 600 from 350 pumps. And for the plant we can produce 150 batching plants, but we produce only 100. We have no immediate plans for further expansion in the current economic situation.

To which countries do you export your equipment?
We export pumps to Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka and the batching plants are exported to the African countries like Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya etc.

Do you customise your equipment to suit the international needs and how different are they as compared to the domestic ones?
As of now we do not. India is 10 years ahead in terms of awareness as compared to the countries we export our products to. Like in India we know what kind of concrete to be used and the operators know what kind of concrete is pumpable and what is not. The concrete equipments or the batching plants are complex in operations and can handle the complex functions very well, but the Africans are very apprehensive using complex operations.Thus, in the forth coming exhibition we are planning to launch products which adheres to their needs and will be simpler in operations.

How do you see the over all growth of the concrete equipment industry?
The entire industry has faced a slump in the first two quarters and has just starting gaining momentum. However till the situation changes nothing can be said since we lack on infrastructure. Post this bad patch the industry will grow at the pace of 20-25 per cent per year. Probably post elections, the time of 2014-16 will be our time.

What support do you think is required by the industry from government at the policy level?
First of all alot of projects have been pending since the clearances are not in place. Various policies have been announced at the budget, but the implementation is very slow. Also, there is no standardisation on quality and quantity of concrete that is to be used. No proper guidelines have been given on what kind of buildings are to be made, areas to be inspected. Everything is so haphazard. Polices are involved only during the commencement of the construction of the building and post completion. What happens during the construction is nobody’s business.

Lastly it is said that the entry of foreign players in the Indian market has boosted the demand of the equipment. Your take on it.

Demand does not increase due to the entry of foreign players. It’s the other way round. Nevertheless, due to entry of foreign players, we have big names from the countries like Japan, Korea. But these players have been attracted due to higher demands in the Indian market.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Economy & Market

Power Build’s Core Gear Series

Published

on

By

Shares

A deep dive into Core Gear Series of products M, C, F and K, by Power Build, and how they represent precision in motion.

At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. Power Build answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.

Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors
Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.

Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors
Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.

Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors
Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.

Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors
For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers the freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect Power Build’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.

http://www.powerbuild.in
Call: +919727719344

Continue Reading

Economy & Market

Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain

Published

on

By

Shares



Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.

Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.

How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.

How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.

What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.

How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.

What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.

How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.

Continue Reading

Economy & Market

Impactful Branding

Published

on

By

Shares

Advertising or branding is never about driving sales. It’s about creating brand awareness and recall. It’s about conveying the core values of your brand to your consumers. In this context, why is branding important for cement companies? As far as the customers are concerned cement is simply cement. It is precisely for this reason that branding, marketing and advertising of cement becomes crucial. Since the customer is unable to differentiate between the shades of grey, the onus of creating this awareness is carried by the brands. That explains the heavy marketing budgets, celebrity-centric commercials, emotion-invoking taglines and campaigns enunciating the many benefits of their offerings.
Marketing strategies of cement companies have undergone gradual transformation owing to the change in consumer behaviour. While TV commercials are high on humour and emotions to establish a fast connect with the customer, social media campaigns are focussed more on capturing the consumer’s attention in an over-crowded virtual world. Branding for cement companies has become a holistic growth strategy with quantifiable results. This has made brands opt for a mix package of traditional and new-age tools, such as social media. However, the hero of every marketing communication is the message, which encapsulates the unique selling points of the product. That after all is crux of the matter here.
While cement companies are effectively using marketing tools to reach out to the consumers, they need to strengthen the four Cs of the branding process – Consumer, Cost, Communication and Convenience. Putting up the right message, at the right time and at the right place for the right kind of customer demographic is of utmost importance in the long run. It is precisely for this reason that regional players are likely to have an upper hand as they rely on local language and cultural references to drive home the point. But modern marketing and branding domain is exponentially growing and it would be an interesting exercise to tabulate and analyse its impact on branding for cement.

Continue Reading

Trending News

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

 

Don't miss out on valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like minded professionals.

 


    This will close in 0 seconds