From fully integrated control systems that drive more intuitive operator interfaces, to implementing control system-based fuel saving innovations and energy-efficient direct drive transmission strategies, our equipment are at the forefront of the latest industry advancements, says Rajen Khoda, Director Sales, Asia and Middle East, Powerscreen. Excerpts of the interview.

To what extent has the market for crushers and screens been impacted due to the slowdown?
Overall, the road sector has not been without challenges during the last two years. These challenges have been slow project execution, drying credit lines and lower government spending on new projects. Regulatory issues, investigation, and judicial intervention have certainly had an impact on the commencement of new projects. Fortunately, Powerscreen has one of the most advanced and experienced dealer networks and has been working with local customers to address and help solve their concerns.

How do you look at the growth potential from state highways and rural roads?
We have certainly seen some movement around state highway works. Crushers and screens always play a crucial role in these projects and we have noticed a requirement for the smaller and more compact models in our range. One example is the Metrotrak which is a compact, high performance track mobile jaw crushing plant. With an aggressive crushing action and a high output even at tight settings, the Metrotrak is ideally suited for small to medium sized operators in the mining, quarrying and recycling industries.

What are your views on the growth potential for the next few years?
As we head towards 2020, it is clear that the market and government trends will be towards more environment-friendly technologies. Powerscreen has seen an increase in the demand for alternative power solutions. To meet this demand, we have designed dual power options for our screen range. Once positioned on-site and connected to an external electricity source, the unit can be switched to operate on electricity, meaning it will have zero emission while retaining all the benefits of a mobile machine. By having the option to operate on diesel fuel oil or electricity, the Powerscreen dual power mobile screens can reduce diesel fuel oil consumption, operating costs and depending on set up, may also reduce machine downtime due to reduced refuelling and engine servicing.

Will there be any more investment or new launches in 2014?
In 2014, we will officially launch three new machines at the Conexpo-Con/Agg Exhibition in Las Vegas. These are the Premiertrak 300 jaw crusher, the Trakpactor 320SR impact crusher and the Warrior 2100 heavy-duty screen. Further, we will put on preview more exciting new equipment at the Hillhead Exhibition in June 2014. These new machines are the product of months of work and development through our intensive R&D programme and allow us to show customers how we can provide innovative solutions consistently.