“Financial management a challenge in rental industry.”
Premier Heavy Lift stands as a leading force in the heavy lifts and transportation sector. Since its inception with merely two cranes, PHL has evolved dramatically, boasting a fleet of over 360 equipment units valued at more than Rs 900 crore. Siddharth Sharma, Director, Premier Heavy Lift, speaks on the current landscape of the construction equipment rental market in India.
Provide an overview of the services offered by Premier Heavy Lift?
We offer comprehensive suite of services that encompass more than just equipment rental. Our fleet includes crawler cranes, telescopic cranes, truck lattice cranes, all-terrain cranes, and tower cranes to meet the diverse needs of our clients. In addition, PHL provides project consultancy services, hydraulic axles, pullers, and comprehensive factory-to-foundation services.
The strategic acquisition of Allcargo’s equipment division has reinforced our capabilities, integrated industry best practices and expanding our customer base. Moreover, we are now venturing into EPC projects, particularly in the wind energy sector. Here, we will be undertaking multiple EPC packages, taking full charge from transportation to commissioning of towers. This positions PHL as a one-stop solution for lifting and transportation needs across various sectors.
Can you provide an overview of the current landscape of the CE rental market? What are the latest trends you’re observing?
The construction equipment rental market is in a state of flux, influenced by evolving industry trends. PHL is responding to these changes by enlarging its fleet with higher capacity equipment, such as the 800-tonne crawler cranes, to address the escalating demands of the wind energy sector. This strategic expansion ensures our readiness to tackle large-scale and specialised infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, we observe a growing acceptance of Chinese-manufactured cranes from OEMs like Sany, XCMG and Zoomlion. Historically, I’ve favoured German cranes for their quality; however, Chinese cranes have gained popularity due to their attractive pricing and quicker availability compared to German alternatives.
The recent entry of Chinese equipment into mainstream markets has also resulted in falling rental rates over the past four to five years, intensifying competition. It will be interesting to see how these machines stand the test of time over the next decade.
As the industry evolves, concerns loom over the used crane market’s future, especially given the precedent set by sectors like piling rigs and vibro hammers. The appeal of new Chinese machines, combined with age restrictions imposed by contractors, is reducing the demand for used machinery. In this dynamic environment, PHL remains vigilant, adapting to ensure we continue providing reliable and innovative solutions to our clients.
What challenges do construction equipment rental companies currently face in terms of market competition and demand fluctuation?
Navigating the competitive rental market poses significant challenges, particularly in maintaining operational efficiency and meeting client expectations amid fluctuating demand. PHL addresses these hurdles by adhering strictly to industry regulations, prioritising safety, and making continuous investments in advanced technology and equipment upgrades. PHL emphasise that these commitments to excellence, safety, and innovation distinguish them in the industry, fostering long-term client relationships and positioning us as a trusted partner.
With the rise of technologies like IoT and AI, how do you see them impacting the construction equipment rental industry?
Technology is a transformative force in the equipment rental industry. PHL has fully embraced technological advancements, integrating sophisticated systems like automated cranes and cutting-edge machinery to enhance operational efficiency. Our adoption of digital tracking systems, remote monitoring capabilities, and predictive maintenance tools ensures optimal equipment performance and availability. These technological advancements cement PHL’s status as an industry leader, committed to delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet our clients’ diverse needs.
Finance is often a significant aspect of running a rental business. What are the key finance challenges that construction equipment rental companies encounter, especially in today’s economic climate?
Financial management remains a critical challenge in the equipment rental industry. Delayed client payments pose significant risks, but PHL has developed a robust system to ensure timely collections and minimise the risk of bad debts. We also prioritise engaging with clients who demonstrate strong financial health, avoiding collaborations with companies that might pass on project losses to contractors or equipment providers. To maintain a positive cash flow, PHL leverages various banking opportunities, such as term loans, usance, leasing, and LC payment terms. These strategies provide financial stability and mitigate the impact of economic fluctuations on our operations.
Rental challenges such as equipment maintenance, logistics, and customer service are crucial for the success of rental businesses. What strategies or best practices do you recommend for overcoming these challenges?
Overcoming these challenges is integral to PHL’s operational strategy. We emphasise our commitment to intensive operator and safety training, managed by our HSSE department, which adheres to international safety protocols. This dedication to safety is reflected in our achievement of zero accidents over the past year, with no lost man-hours. Additionally, each of our machines is meticulously maintained using original OEM parts, without tampering with any crucial equipment details such as manufacturing year. This commitment to integrity, safety, and detailed maintenance ensures consistent and reliable service, helping us uphold the highest standards and exceed client expectations.
A-303, Navbharat
Estates,
Zakaria Bunder Road,
Sewri (West), Mumbai - 400 015,
Maharashtra, India
+91-22-24193000
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