We are keen to expand our business and find new opport?unities. One of our main obje?ctives is also to become a dealer or franchise for some of the top companies at national as well as an international level, says Vimal Shah, Chief Executive Officer, Shah Auto Earthmoving Spares (SAES). Excerpts from the interview.

Tell us about the core competencies and strengths of SAES.
SAES (Formally known as Shah Auto Electric) is going to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year in 2014. To serve as a vital and trusted partner for customer in constructions, mining, industrial and other business in India as well as in global market. We are offering wider range of products such as engine parts for Simpson & Co, Perkins, Isuzu, Komatsu, and Xinchai. Applicable equipment are CAT424 and L&T851 backhoe loaders, ACE and Escorts Hydra Cranes, Godrej and Voltas forklifts, Advani and Cummins DG sets, welding set and pavers and many other construction equipment.

To what extent the slowdown has impacted SAES?
The off-take of equipment has come down; however we are in this business for almost five decades. Due to our rich track record we have loyal customers and trusted suppliers and OEMs. We have succeeded in maintaining efficient operational system, and even in challenging times, we have been able to create new avenues; in fact we have seen growth in our rural market across several regions.

What is the impact of devaluation of rupee?
The market sentiments' are not yet very good to imported products as the cost has increased drastically. Our import content is marginal which has helped balance the cost, as such the rupee downslide has little impact on our cost. Several buyers are purchasing our products because of the value proposition. Our main advantage is our commitment and services which keeps us to our clients.

Brief us on ?value for money' propositions?
We are the dealer for Simpson & Co for the last several years. They also offer wide range of products for construction equipment, which is a value added advantage to SAES. As a dealer, we basically promote our OEM's products. We work closely with our customer to provide best solutions, and supply high quality products to our customer at very reasonable price. Equipped with a good stock of various products, we also provide prompt service and delivery of spares to the customers.

How do you assess Excon 2013?
Excon is a number one exhibition in India for construction equipment. As per reports the current edition will have more than 900 exhibitors from national and global level, and the expected business visitors are over 35,000, which augurs well for companies like us. We are keen to expand our business and find new opportunities. One of our main objectives is also to become a dealer or franchise for some of the top companies at national as well as an international level.

We have succeeded in maintaining efficient operational system.