India is a highly price-sensitive market
What are the main challenges the industry is currently facing?
There are a few key challenges right now, including delays in customer payments, a shortage of skilled manpower, and the burden of upfront GST payments, even when payments from customers are delayed. The industry is capital-intensive, requiring heavy investments in equipment and training. Any support from the government to address these financial hurdles would be incredibly helpful for the sector.
How do you see the rental business performing in the industry right now?
The rental industry has experienced significant growth over the last three to four years, and we expect Mtandt to double its growth in the upcoming financial year. Our infrastructure is designed to handle operations worth about 150 crores annually, and we plan to scale that by investing in more assets. To support this growth, we’re focusing on expanding our workforce, enhancing service setups, and boosting operational teams. Additionally, we send our service engineers overseas to OEM facilities for specialised training to enhance their skills.
How do you manage the balance between cost and quality in a price-sensitive market like India?
India is a highly price-sensitive market, but safety and quality are non-negotiable. While cost is always a consideration, clients understand the value of reliability and safety. A single accident can erase any savings from choosing a cheaper option. Our rental rates reflect the high standards of safety, quality, and operator training we maintain. Clients are willing to pay a premium for that added assurance.
What after-sales services do you provide for rental equipment?
In our rental business, our commitment doesn’t end when we deliver the equipment. We take responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of machines, ensuring operators are properly trained, and keeping track of machine utilisation. If any hazardous conditions arise on a project site, our operators are trained to stop work until the issues are resolved. We take full ownership of both safety and operational efficiency throughout every project we’re involved in.