Mr. Anand Sundaresan, Managing Director at Ammann India, briefly elaborate on the Innovative, sustainable asphalt plants. He also highlights how they address durability,cost, and environmental challenges in road construction.

Please discuss the exciting and encouraging industry trends or developments regarding asphalt batching plants.
We at Ammann India are excited about several emerging asphalt batching plant industry trends. The increasing adoption of green and sustainable technologies is particularly encouraging. Many companies are investing in asphalt technologies, which reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. We also witness a trend towards using recycled asphalt, driven by a growing awareness of sustainability and resource optimisation. At Ammann India, we
are deeply committed to these values and consistently innovate to keep pace with these positive trends.

What are the key factors that impact the quality of asphalt produced by a batching plant?
The quality of asphalt produced by a batching plant depends on numerous factors. The quality and proportion of aggregates, fillers, and bitumen, accurate temperature control, the dust removal process, and the consistency of the mixing process are all critical. At Ammann Asphalt Plants, we have rigorous quality control protocols at every
process stage, from raw material selection to the final mixing. We use automation and advanced sensing technologies to ensure the consistency and quality of our asphalt. Our automation software, AS1, is industry renowned for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the mix.

What are some of the main challenges the road construction industry faces today?
The road construction industry faces various challenges today, including increased demand for durable and sustainable roads, rising costs of raw materials, and environmental concerns. Advanced asphalt plants can play a significant role in addressing these challenges. These include intelligent plant control systems with a user-friendly GUI and energy-efficient asphalt and concrete plants with remote monitoring and optimisation. We also focus
on sustainability by offering solutions for recycling reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and utilising alternative and
renewable energy sources in our plants. In the RAP segment, we already supply a wide range of solutions, including 25 percent, 40 percent, or even 60 percent RAP plants, both new and as retrofits to existing asphalt plants.

Additionally, we also can produce 100 percent RAP plants. Another innovation we recently introduced is asphalt plants capable of producing mastic asphalt. Mastic asphalt is a derivative of asphalt that is highly durable and resistant to wear. Our goal is to provide innovative, reliable, and sustainable solutions enabling our customers to achieve higher productivity, quality, and profitability in road construction projects.

How about the investments to expand the existing capacities across your batching plants?
At Ammann India, we continually invest in expanding our capacities and upgrading our plants with the latest technologies. Digitalisation and automation are key to improving operational efficiency and production effectiveness. We have incorporated automation in various processes, including material flow, temperature control, and quality control. These technological advancements enhance our production capabilities, reduce manual errors, and increase workplace safety.

How important is regular maintenance and servicing for asphalt batching plants?
Regular maintenance and servicing are critical for ensuring asphalt batching plants’ efficient operation and longevity. Preventive maintenance can help detect potential issues early and prevent costly breakdowns. At Ammann, we recommend routine checks of critical components, timely replacement of worn-out parts,
and regular cleaning and lubrication. We also provide comprehensive training to our clients on proper plant maintenance to ensure our equipment’s durability and optimal functioning.

Looking to the future, how do you see the role of asphalt batching plants evolving in road construction?
As we look to the future, asphalt batching plants will play an even more vital role in the road construction industry. The demand for efficient, sustainable, and high-capacity plants will only grow with increasing urbanisation and infrastructural development. At Ammann India, we are committed to staying at the forefront of this industry. Our focus will be on developing more energy-efficient plants, further integrating digital technologies for improved operational efficiency, and producing high-quality asphalt that meets the evolving demands of our clients and
the environment.

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