We have introduced productive and cost-effective products in the market and we also have worked on bridging the product portfolio gaps to meet the demands of niche segments, says Ajit Kumar, Marketing Manager - Portable Energy, Atlas Copco Construction Technique. Excerpts from the interview....

What are the latest product offerings from Atlas Copco?
Atlas Copco Construction Technique is a growing business area in the Atlas Copco India group. We ended last year on an unexpectedly good note through continuous product innovations and delighting customers through value additions and stronger partnerships. In the portable compressor business, we have introduced many models in 2014. While we did upgrade our small and medium compressor range, we also launched many new models especially for the water well segment which gave us a lot of dividends last year. XAXS 600 and XRV1350 are the models specifically for water well segment which were well accepted in the market.

Which are the industry segments where you provide your range of portable solutions?
Our portable compressors are offered in many segments like quarry and mining, construction, water well drilling, and oil and gas sectors. Each of these segments has varied pneumatic applications such as blasthole drilling, sandblasting, over?burden removal etc. With the growth of core, industrial and general infrastructure in India owing to the requirement of the burgeoning economy, Atlas Copco is looking to leverage its market presence of the Portable Energy division.

How flexible is your product range?
All Atlas Copco product offerings are made with multiple applications in mind. Yes, we do give tailor-made solutions but the product is so well engineered that it can be used for multiple applications. For example, our XAVS600 is a 600 CFM and 200 PSI model is designed to be used for borewell drilling in the water well segment. But the same product proved its worth even in the mining segment and is one of the best selling models for this application today.

Brief us on engines and sub-systems used in your range.
We use various engine combinations in our product portfolio. Siemens motors for electrical range, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Kuboto and Cummins. The power of the engine is selected considering the best load pattern, optimal fuel economy and good enough power margin.

The parent design of all our platforms and canopies come from our principle company in Belgium. A lot of R&D efforts have gone into, while designing the frame. Utmost priority is given on manoeuvrability and weight of the machine. Hence the footprint of Atlas Copco portable air compressor is the best in its class.

What are the features in-built that can efficiently counter extreme operating conditions?
Atlas Copco portable compressor range has been specifically designed to operate at LAT of 50oC. Some models even have LAT of 52oC. Many factors contribute to help achieve this best LAT in its class such as the well designed canopy which is the most durable and ensures maximum protection from heat and corrosion. Besides, all our machines have good ingress protection factor for dusty conditions.

How do you ensure best volume of air for the end tools?
We are in the global industry for more than 142 years now and in India we are here since 1960 which is already 55 years. We have the expertise to produce and suggest best fit models to our customers for various applications. We believe in partnering with the customer while also acting as consultants to them. Atlas Copco makes its own screw elements and they are designed keeping in mind the best efficiency, which ensures that the machines are best-in-class in terms of fuel efficiency, and has the maximum flow at the designed pressure.

What is the demand-supply scenario?
Mining, construction and quarrying segments have not revived as expected post the formation of the government. But it has shown some revival in pockets. There is continued demand from our existing customers as well.

Our portable compressors are offered in quarry, mining, construction, water well drilling, and oil and gas sectors.