We have a new hybrid technology, wherein we will be able to bring down the power consumption considerably, says Abhijeet Pai, Managing Director, Puzzolana Fabricators. Excerpts of the interview.

The crushers segment is still on a consolidation mode. Has this had any impact on Puzzolana?
There is a lot of consolidation happening, which is a good sign for us. We have strengthened our position by developing a range of products as per the requirements of the market. We are the first company to develop sanders and classifiers for high performance screens. We have all the solutions available -right from 100 TPH up to 1,200 TPH in aggregates. Puzzolana is also developing a solution-up to 2,000 TPH-for the coal sector. If there is a requirement for 5,000 TPH, we can also provide a solution for them.

At Puzzolana, which is the fastest selling range of crushers? In terms of volume, how much is your market share?
Our minimum range starts from 100 TPH. In fact, we are the first company to manufacture cone crusher of 100 TPH. In this business, we have more than 55 per cent market share. We are as good as or even better than our competitors - in cost per tonne and owning cost.

The 200 and 300 TPH plants are the higher selling models. We have over 1,800 plants in India alone, and our nearest competitor has about 1,000 plants. So there is huge difference. We are [definitely] No. 1 in terms of volume. In fact, we have also supplied four 500 TPH plants, but the requirement for these plants is very low. In mineral processing, our range starts from 400 TPH to 1,200 TPH.

What are advanced features you offer in your range of crushers?
Our main focus is on reducing power and increasing the lifespan of the machine. We are improving on the design and metallurgy front. We are the first company in India to come out with dual power mode - diesel electric. We have very good control systems, productivity measuring systems, etc. Puzzolana is coming out with online tracking of production. However, customers are not ready to pay the extra buck for these features. We believe-in another three years down the line-things will change drastically.

What about the change in service parameters?
The customer is becoming more advanced and demanding as there is plenty of options available. We feel that the service requirements are becoming much more competitive. We have our own foundry, which gives us an edge over our competitor. At Puzzolana, we make spares in-house, and it is readily available at more than nine locations. Our aim is to give spares within a day.

Brief us on your R&D activities.
Our core focus is on product development. We are also focusing on metallurgy to increase the life and decrease the wear and tear. Puzzolana has around 60 people in engineering, developing products to meet the requirements of the market. We have a new hybrid technology, wherein we will be able to bring down the power consumption considerably. A new fleet of machines will be launched in another year or so, which will give the customer higher productivity at lower operating cost.

Are you open to any joint venture (JV) or technology transfer?
We don?t see any reason why we should do it even today as we are not into debts. What is important for us is to develop products, which meets the market requirements. In another three years or so, we will be the top player not only in India but also in Asian and Africa markets.

At Puzzolana, we will explore the opportunity for technology transfer above 2,500 TPH plants for the mineral segment. Below that range, I don?t think we need any JV.

What is your mantra for success?
Dedication and persistence, and of course technology. We have a solid team, and there is a great team atmosphere. We believe in forward thinking. We have developed products and sold it even before Europeans or Americans have started thinking of it. Today, we are invited to China.

In mineral processing, we have range from 400 TPH to 1,200 TPH.