The demand for new access equipment from end users has seen marginal increase during the pandemic. But overall cash flow in both the business remains a big challenge says Krishna Patel, Head – Access SBU at Maco Corporation (I) Pvt Ltd.

How do you see the market for Access equipment in the wake of the current pandemic?
Access Equipment Market has seen some temporary slowdown due to current pandemic. Rental market has been largely affected due to temporary closure of all construction site. Additionally, the scarcity of labours during the lockdown has added to more misery. But we see the rental market coming back to normal by the end of the second quarter. Though the operational challenge will continue due to interstate travel restriction. The demand for new access equipment from end users has seen a marginal increase during the pandemic. But overall cash flow in both the business remains a big challenge.

Despite the pandemic, the government has put the vital road and infrastructure projects on priority wherever possible, how positively will such measures impact the access equipment industry?
The measures taken by the government are commendable, but it has to be implemented on ground level to create a real impact. It will take some more time to feel the real impact in the access equipment industry. Though the government has taken adequate steps, we feel that, the liquidity issue has to be addressed with more clarity on the ground level.

Tell us about the product portfolio you offer in the access equipment segment.

We continue to offer a wide range of access equipment on rental and for sale. Our product portfolio includes slab scissor lifts, vertical lifts, spider lifts, articulating booms, telescopic booms etc.

What is your opinion on the hybrid technology which has been an ongoing trend in the access equipment segment? Are such products saleable?
Well, hybrid technology is definitely exciting in access equipment. Genie already has a few hybrid model in their product range since many years, as an official Genie Distributor, we offer a wide range of Genie products to our clients. The Indian market has witnessed the demand for such machines. Recently all the OEM have upgraded their hybrid machines, with more power and new features. Such hybrid machines have a bright future in the Indian market, but it will take few more years before it turns into a sizeable market.

As far as maintenance and after sales service is concerned, how are you managing it in the post lockdown period?
Since the lockdown, our service team has conducted online webinars on maintenance and operation of the machines for our customers. We have seen very good response from our customer. Such online training has helped customer utilize their equipment with any trouble or breakdown. Fortunately our service team is based at various locations across India, which helps providing service to local customers easily, without travelling far distances. During lockdown period we have managed to supply, commission and service more than 15 machines of our customers across India. We are committed to provide remote as well as local support to all our customers without compromising the safety measures post lockdown.

How do you see the business potential for rental in the coming days?
We have positive outlook towards rental business, but cash flow and operations would be more challenging in coming days.