Our survival strategy is to be innovative.

01 Mar 2013 CW Team

AV Dikshit, Director, Aquarius Engineers Pvt Ltd

A tryst with technology is this company's aim. Established in 1981, Aquarius Engineers has an impressive product line that includes concrete pumps, batching plants and slip-form pavers. Having launched seven new products at bC India 2013, the company also demonstrated a concept machine at the event. AV Dikshit, Director, tells us more about these machines and the company's strategies to cope with these trying times in conversation with SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN.

What are the new machines introduced at bC India?
We introduced two boom pumps, three stationary concrete pumps - revamped with new features and a new look - and introduced a very compact model for the mobile line pump for smaller areas. We also demonstrated a concept machine for which we have applied for a patent. This machine can produce and deliver concrete at the same time. Electrically operated, it is a silent machine with features that can be controlled by just one operator as he has all the controls within his reach. However, this machine is yet to be validated and, hence, we are not putting it up for sale; we want feedback for now.

Will you offer any training on your machines?
We have a training calendar for the year and will conduct an exhaustive seven-day training programme for operators. On commissioning a new machine on site, we train new operators who will control the machine.

Tell us about your R&D department.
We have in-house capability to develop new launches that are backed with state-of-the-art technology. Sometimes, we have also seen international companies replicating what we have been offering for years - this speaks volumes about what we are doing. Thanks to our excellent R&D team, we have been able to introduce seven new machines.

What's the Indian market for RMC at present?
Recently, the demand for batching plants has been lower. It's the same for concrete pumps, slip-form pavers, excavators and any other construction machinery. The economic situation has really hit the construction industry and we have not grown at the rate we should have. But these are cycles one should understand and accept; we are sure things will change.

How has this slowdown affected the sales of your company for this year?
Sales are down by at least 20 per cent. They should have gone up by 30-40 per cent as per the previous trend. So that is a major shortfall.

Further, projects are getting stuck owing to lack of funds, clearances and land acquisition problems. How does this affect the equipment industry?
Construction machinery is just one component; there are many industries that are affected. A change is required. We cannot continue like this. The Cabinet Committee on Investment has recently been introduced and it should help the infrastructure industry.

Do you think this is a step in the right direction on the part of the Government?
The step taken is right but it comes too late. These situations were known five to 10 years ago as well. There has to be some guidance on the direction in which the country needs to move, how many roads have to be built every year, how many new tracks, and metro rails, etc. Plans have to be fixed and individuals should be accountable if things don't work out.

In this scenario, what are your strategies to keep yourself moving ahead smoothly?
We are competing against world-class companies and our survival strategy is to be innovative. If we can meet the needs of Indian customers through our product, that's the best way to survive in this market. There is no point living with the perception that what works in Germany will work for India as well. You need to find what your customer needs and give it to him - this is the only way to survive this game.

AV Dikshit, Director, Aquarius Engineers Pvt Ltd A tryst with technology is this company's aim. Established in 1981, Aquarius Engineers has an impressive product line that includes concrete pumps, batching plants and slip-form pavers. Having launched seven new products at bC India 2013, the company also demonstrated a concept machine at the event. AV Dikshit, Director, tells us more about these machines and the company's strategies to cope with these trying times in conversation with SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN. What are the new machines introduced at bC India? We introduced two boom pumps, three stationary concrete pumps - revamped with new features and a new look - and introduced a very compact model for the mobile line pump for smaller areas. We also demonstrated a concept machine for which we have applied for a patent. This machine can produce and deliver concrete at the same time. Electrically operated, it is a silent machine with features that can be controlled by just one operator as he has all the controls within his reach. However, this machine is yet to be validated and, hence, we are not putting it up for sale; we want feedback for now. Will you offer any training on your machines? We have a training calendar for the year and will conduct an exhaustive seven-day training programme for operators. On commissioning a new machine on site, we train new operators who will control the machine. Tell us about your R&D department. We have in-house capability to develop new launches that are backed with state-of-the-art technology. Sometimes, we have also seen international companies replicating what we have been offering for years - this speaks volumes about what we are doing. Thanks to our excellent R&D team, we have been able to introduce seven new machines. What's the Indian market for RMC at present? Recently, the demand for batching plants has been lower. It's the same for concrete pumps, slip-form pavers, excavators and any other construction machinery. The economic situation has really hit the construction industry and we have not grown at the rate we should have. But these are cycles one should understand and accept; we are sure things will change. How has this slowdown affected the sales of your company for this year? Sales are down by at least 20 per cent. They should have gone up by 30-40 per cent as per the previous trend. So that is a major shortfall. Further, projects are getting stuck owing to lack of funds, clearances and land acquisition problems. How does this affect the equipment industry? Construction machinery is just one component; there are many industries that are affected. A change is required. We cannot continue like this. The Cabinet Committee on Investment has recently been introduced and it should help the infrastructure industry. Do you think this is a step in the right direction on the part of the Government? The step taken is right but it comes too late. These situations were known five to 10 years ago as well. There has to be some guidance on the direction in which the country needs to move, how many roads have to be built every year, how many new tracks, and metro rails, etc. Plans have to be fixed and individuals should be accountable if things don't work out. In this scenario, what are your strategies to keep yourself moving ahead smoothly? We are competing against world-class companies and our survival strategy is to be innovative. If we can meet the needs of Indian customers through our product, that's the best way to survive in this market. There is no point living with the perception that what works in Germany will work for India as well. You need to find what your customer needs and give it to him - this is the only way to survive this game.