Technocraft Group added a new feather in its cap at the recently-held bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2018. The newly-launched MACH ONE formwork system which is an addition to the MACH range of scaffolding and formwork system enables construction of monolithic reinforced concrete columns, slabs, beams, stairways and walls, according to Arun Nair, Vice President, (Formwork Div), Technocraft Group.

Brief us about your offerings at the expo.
We launched MACH ONE formwork system which offers construction of monolithic reinforced concrete columns, slabs, beams, stairways and walls. The new addition to our MACH range of scaffolding and formwork system offers safe, fast and easy solution for the forming of repeated floor plans, either horizontally (row houses) or vertically (multi-storey apartment buildings).

The market is growing and we expect good numbers this year. Monolithic formwork system has gained immense popularity in India due to its ease of erection and fast cycle times. The formwork erections are simple and can be done by semi-skilled workers. Our system is light in weight, amply priced with its 100 per cent extruded profile.

How can formwork be made more sustainable?
The industry is dynamic and there is a need to improve products every day. Value engineering is required on a daily basis given the ever increasing labour cost and the subsequent challenge of finding labour. We believe in providing quality products due to which customers always look forward to our new launches despite using our products since a long time.

What major challenge have you faced this year in terms of your products?
Product performance wise, we did not face much challenge because we always do prototype and testing before launching any product. Raw material prices have been slightly wavering which customer also understands. So, there was no problem on that front as well.

What is the biggest obstacle that companies like you are facing currently?
Earlier, there were a number of obstacles which are now fading out. In India, nobody used to use formwork in construction before; this idea has gradually started catching up. Also, construction was largely unorganised earlier which was one of the obstacle but now the sector is getting organised which is a good sign for us. Now, people have started understanding not only the quality but
time as well where the mind-set is changing. Still, 70 per cent of the market is still unorganised.

What’s your outlook for 2019?
There has been a slew of budgets announced both in buildings, whether commercial or residential, mass housing projects, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and lot many
projects from the infrastructure side – fast track bullet train, high speed rail, Mumbai trans harbour and national highway projects are in line.

Value engineering is required on a daily basis given the ever increasing labour cost and subsequent challenge of finding labour.
Arun Nair,
Vice President, (Formwork Div), Technocraft Group