It is essential that we have more constructive codes and specs
All Soilmec rigs and equipment are fitted with the latest inbuilt features, such as maintenance alert, warning systems, work mode selection, electronic controllers, monitor display, amongst other standard safety features, says Sanjoy Chakrabarty, MD, Soilmec India. In a free-wheeling chat with Equipment India, Sanjoy speaks about the latest trends in the foundation equipment, and some of the challenges faced by the industry. Excerpts from the interview.
How do you view the present potential and trends in the foundation equipment industry?
Growing at a steady 30 per cent, the Indian construction industry has emerged as one of the most appealing investment areas for domestic as well as foreign investors, sustaining merely a minor hit in 2009. In view of the demand generated by the construction of urban infrastructure (roads, improved housing, water supply and sanitation, schools, universities, health and security,), mining, ports and power projects, the construction equipment sector in India has developed into a proportionately fruitful avenue.
What kind of response has there been to CFA technology?
CFA technology has received the required welcome. It is not only green technology, making it easier to deal with the green norms but also the required innovation that Indian piles required due to the varied soil structures. Talking about the benefits of CFA, the drilling method allows to excavate in a wide variety of soils, dry or water-logged, loose or cohesive, and also to penetrate through low capacity, soft rock formations such as loamy clays, limestone and sandstone, etc. No shocks or vibrations are induced when the system is performed; in addition, the equipment is fully sound-proofed, as per law requirements, making CFA the most convenient piling method for construction in town centres.
The execution of the pile with almost of the soil allows working close to the existing structures. Besides, no bentonite mud is needed for the excavation, which means that provision and space for the side plant are reduced, there is no danger of bentonite contamination and, consequently, all problems connected to the disposal of the excavated materials are simplified. The reduced volume of soil brought up to surface by the flight auger means less amount of excavated material, which has to be transported to the disposal point.
What are the solutions offered by Soilmec in special foundations?
We provide full range from large diameter piles, continuous flight auger, hydromills, cranes and micro piling.
Could you tell us about the safety features inbuilt in the machines?
We follow all the safety procedures that are laid down as per the CE. All Soilmec rigs and equipment are fitted with the latest inbuilt features such as maintenance alert, warning systems, work mode selection, electronic controllers, monitor display, amongst other standard safety features.
How strong is your presence in the rental segment?
The rental segment is a very cost- sensitive market and is not growing very fast anymore due to increased usage. The users would rather purchase a rig than rent it. Although the rental market is slow, we have a strong presence as we are known for our service and on-site help.
How do you view the business pattern - is it from the direct-user segment or the rental segment?
The business is booming in the direct- user segment as compared to the rental segment due to the rising use of piling. The business in the rental segment is slow and more companies find purchasing rigs more viable.
What is target for this fiscal, and how do you look at the growth prospects in the next five years?
We expect to do approximately 50 machines, 1,000 tools and 50 desanders in 2011 and we see this prospect remaining constant for the next five years.
Do you have plans to set up manufacturing facility in India?
We already have a facility at Vasai on the NH-8, where we do desander, tools and repair work. We will be shortly shifting into a much bigger plant.
Can you tell us about any prestigious project?
At present, we are using our latest technology at the Rajapura site in Bengaluru and has yielded very good results. It has brought down the overall construction cost by huge margins; the user-friendly machinery assisted by our promptness, has helped us in achieving our targets on time.
How do you view the present potential and trends in the foundation equipment industry?
Growing at a steady 30 per cent, the Indian construction industry has emerged as one of the most appealing investment areas for domestic as well as foreign investors, sustaining merely a minor hit in 2009. In view of the demand generated by the construction of urban infrastructure (roads, improved housing, water supply and sanitation, schools, universities, health and security,), mining, ports and power projects, the construction equipment sector in India has developed into a proportionately fruitful avenue.
What kind of response has there been to CFA technology?
CFA technology has received the required welcome. It is not only green technology, making it easier to deal with the green norms but also the required innovation that Indian piles required due to the varied soil structures. Talking about the benefits of CFA, the drilling method allows to excavate in a wide variety of soils, dry or water-logged, loose or cohesive, and also to penetrate through low capacity, soft rock formations such as loamy clays, limestone and sandstone, etc. No shocks or vibrations are induced when the system is performed; in addition, the equipment is fully sound-proofed, as per law requirements, making CFA the most convenient piling method for construction in town centres.
The execution of the pile with almost of the soil allows working close to the existing structures. Besides, no bentonite mud is needed for the excavation, which means that provision and space for the side plant are reduced, there is no danger of bentonite contamination and, consequently, all problems connected to the disposal of the excavated materials are simplified. The reduced volume of soil brought up to surface by the flight auger means less amount of excavated material, which has to be transported to the disposal point.
What are the solutions offered by Soilmec in special foundations?
We provide full range from large diameter piles, continuous flight auger, hydromills, cranes and micro piling.
Could you tell us about the safety features inbuilt in the machines?
We follow all the safety procedures that are laid down as per the CE. All Soilmec rigs and equipment are fitted with the latest inbuilt features such as maintenance alert, warning systems, work mode selection, electronic controllers, monitor display, amongst other standard safety features.
How strong is your presence in the rental segment?
The rental segment is a very cost- sensitive market and is not growing very fast anymore due to increased usage. The users would rather purchase a rig than rent it. Although the rental market is slow, we have a strong presence as we are known for our service and on-site help.
How do you view the business pattern - is it from the direct-user segment or the rental segment?
The business is booming in the direct- user segment as compared to the rental segment due to the rising use of piling. The business in the rental segment is slow and more companies find purchasing rigs more viable.
What is target for this fiscal, and how do you look at the growth prospects in the next five years?
We expect to do approximately 50 machines, 1,000 tools and 50 desanders in 2011 and we see this prospect remaining constant for the next five years.
Do you have plans to set up manufacturing facility in India?
We already have a facility at Vasai on the NH-8, where we do desander, tools and repair work. We will be shortly shifting into a much bigger plant.
Can you tell us about any prestigious project?
At present, we are using our latest technology at the Rajapura site in Bengaluru and has yielded very good results. It has brought down the overall construction cost by huge margins; the user-friendly machinery assisted by our promptness, has helped us in achieving our targets on time.
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