Sooraj Cherukat, DGM—Business Development at Hailstone Innovations, discusses the company’s impressive journey at Bauma 2024, where they unveiled their latest product, the EC 3500. Hailstone’s commitment to sustainability, technological advancements, and skill development highlights its forward-thinking approach to both domestic and international markets.

With the regulatory landscape constantly evolving, how does Hailstone stay ahead of new rules and ensure compliance across different regions?
Our dedicated team monitors regulatory changes across various nations and territories. This team ensures that we are always informed about new regulations and policies. We prioritise staying ahead of the curve by proactively implementing changes that align with government regulations and authority guidelines.

Our approach is to stay well-informed and take action quickly. When new regulations are introduced, we promptly ensure that all our systems and products are updated and compliant. This proactive approach has been key to maintaining our strong market presence and ensuring that our products meet the highest industry standards.

Looking ahead, can you share some insights into any new products in your pipeline or your plans for market expansion?
Our vision for the future includes expanding our reach not only in India but also in international markets. Domestically, we have already established a strong presence nationwide, but we are exploring new market segments to broaden our scope further. We aim to diversify our product offerings and explore new verticals that align with our growth strategy.

On the international front, we are looking to increase our footprint in key global markets. We are pushing forward with efforts to tap into these international markets while continuing to focus on the domestic market to maintain our leadership position. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability will remain central to our product development and market expansion plans.

Tell us about any workforce skilling programs you’re running to meet the industry’s growing need for skilled manpower.
The shortage of skilled manpower is a significant challenge in today’s market, so we have prioritised workforce development. We are committed to nurturing talent through various skilling initiatives. We collaborate with top-tier institutions, including Class 1 and Class 2 MBA colleges and engineering colleges, to ensure that we are attracting and developing the right talent.

We have established Graduate Aptitude Test (GAT) programs and technical training schemes to continuously upskill our workforce. We believe in fostering a culture of learning and growth. Hailstone India is relatively young, with most of our employees aged 30 to 35. To help our team grow, we have several schemes to promote youth talent into senior roles within the organisation. It’s part of our long-term strategy to ensure that we not only develop the next generation of leaders but also strengthen the skills of our existing employees.

What new technology and sustainability features have you integrated into your products?
We are fully committed to reducing our environmental footprint and improving efficiency across our products and operations. One of the key innovations we’ve focused on is the development of hybrid machines, particularly in the mobile segments. These hybrid machines help reduce emissions while improving fuel efficiency, aligning with our sustainability goals.

We have implemented advanced waste management systems and made significant improvements in energy efficiency to minimise power wastage. By optimising energy use, we are contributing to environmental sustainability and driving cost savings for our clients.

Another important aspect is the focus on improving workforce safety and well-being. By integrating the latest automation technologies and safety features in our machines, we are ensuring that operators work in a safer environment, which is essential for us. These advancements are crucial for improving both operational efficiency and the health and safety of the employees who use our machines.

Could you share your experience at Bauma and tell us about the product you showcase this year?
This marks our third consecutive year at Bauma, and it’s been a wonderful experience for us. Bauma is a significant event that provides an excellent platform to connect with a wide range of customers. We have had strong interactions with North Indian clients and several international visitors.

As for the product on display, we are showcasing the EC 3500, a 350 DPH fixed shaft compression machine. We decided to opt for an indoor display this year due to some logistical issues, but the feedback we have received has been great, and it has allowed us to engage more effectively with potential customers.

For more information, visit: https://www.hailstonein.com/