Bauma CONEXPO 2023 was a positive experience for us because we were able to engage with genuine and quality visitors interested in infrastructure projects across the country as well as export markets,” says Manoj Pillai, Managing Director of Armix.

Can you talk about the newly-innovated mixers and Paver Block machine?

We launch the most advanced planetary mixer in the industry to become the market leader in the concrete equipment field. Armix is one of the few Indian companies that manufacture planetary mixers ranging from 15 to 240 m³ with all models. While most of the firms dealt with twin-shaft and pan mixers mainly for standard mixing but the semi-dry mix applications needed homogenous concrete. Presently Armix is the only manufacturer in India to produce planetary mixers with a capacity of 240 m³ in India. We are mainly focused on export markets and well accepted with the features and quality of our planetary mixers. Furthermore, we are in discussion with other OEMs to supply the same to other suppliers in the global market with volume business.

We also introduced our BM9 model paver block machine, which can make high-quality pavers, bricks, tiles and blocks with special colour mixes and textures. It can also be used to make fly-ash bricks with higher consumption of flyash and slag. Multi-colour shading and autumn leaf colouring systems are very unique in the industry. This will give a major edge to Armix Machines in the value-added product segment.

Apart from this, we have introduced the British-designed hydraulic wet press machine, Italian Hermetic tile press and self-loading mobile truck mixers. We decided to work with the well-known Kirloskar engines to ensure fuel efficiency and product longevity. Other components, such as the weighing scales, water pumps, loading arms and axles, are either imported or from foreign subsidiaries available in India.  The complete structure is designed in such a way for smooth driving similar to a wheel loader and other construction equipment’s and with an additional feature of spider movement for flexible movements. We are working with dealership options all over the country and abroad to ensure the service support is available on a 24/7 basis.

What measures have you taken to ensure efficiency and reliability across your equipment line?

We used the pandemic time to provide value addition to our product portfolio which results in an advantage for customers. This is achieved through innovations and design improvisation and operational efficiencies. As a result, we manage to build over and above 30 planetary mixers and 10 mid-size plants within this short period. We have also strived to improve our product line’s energy economy, fuel efficiency, dependability, and durability which is very much necessary for any capital-oriented equipment. To ensure efficiency and reliability we have to concentrate on the best designs and technologies along with metallurgy and OEM components. The designs, technology, metallurgy, sub-suppliers and OEM suppliers along with the team of assembly and installation engineers are an integral part of it. Apart from this, all the customers need further assistance in terms of foundation civil works, building construction, raw material identification and employee training which we considered as a partner to support customers. This is very much important for an investor to get major support from the supplier and gain the confidence to move forward with the project.

Please talk about the technologies enforced in these machines to improve their hydraulics and performance efficiency.

All models of Armix machines are built with the latest technology and high-quality components available in the global market. As an example, Siemens and SEW come out with a new set of PLCs, HMI and VFD and advanced valves for hydraulics and pneumatics. We adopt and integrate the new components launched by Bosch Rexroth, SMC and Balluff with our machines. This will always give an advantage in terms of quality, maintenance and other value additions are concerned. Compare to multiple sensors the latest encoder systems are much more accurate and resistant to water, dust and other external effects. Controlling the same will be much easier. All of these technologies and solutions are well accepted and available on a global scale. As a result, our customers can handle the availability and serviceability of the parts with local market sources and not necessarily wait for the delivery and minimum downtime.

How do you ensure appropriate O&M practices at the client’s site during a breakdown?

In any industry, service is inevitable and plays a major role to build a strong customer base. No manufacturers could keep up spare parts in all countries or regions due to practical and financial reasons. But where will more service come from if maintenance is not performed or if the necessary grade of materials or components is absent? In our instance, we always select only top-tier products for OEM components, which reduces maintenance or wear and tear breakdowns. Secondly, we are working on total integration to plug-and-play solutions in future. It means already the sub-assemblies and mainframes are integrated and tested in our facility before dispatch and installation.

What is the current industrial demand for cubing systems and wet press machines?

Manpower is a major problem in any part of the world and India is also no different maximum automation is important. Concrete and cement products are volume businesses and handling with manual labour is non-dependable at this point. We introduce the cubing of concrete products at this stage and help to make the bundles without any manual interference and related time lapses. Similarly, we were working with a British company to develop the wet press machines in India and supplied to most of the gulf countries which are very particular in quality and performance standards. Even during the pandemic time, we manage to supply the machines to Qatar and Dubai, and repeat orders are in process. Apart from this the Hermetic tile presses and other models are gaining market across India due to our quality standards. As a result, the material handling and hydraulic press machines have been very successful in a short period. Our new machines are the advanced versions compared to the designs and technology used during the association with British partners. As you are well aware of Indian IT and service the industry is well known in terms of productivity and adaptability matters and Armix is dedicated to quality.

With the massive infrastructural push across the world, what will fuel the demand for concrete equipment?

Construction is the backbone of any economy and concrete plays a major role in it. Cement is the second most expensive building material after steel and inevitable for any construction whether residential, commercial, industrial or infrastructure is concerned. This will be in the form of ready-mix, precast, blocks, pavers, bricks, tiles, pipes, kerbs or other segments are used. The central government has launched several initiatives, including NHAI across the country, Sagarmala Port projects, industrial corridors and above 50 airports and landing bays to ensure the best connectivity and growth for the nation. A massive push in exports and manufacturing will be taking shape and this will take a few years as the focus should be on quality and competing with top German, Italian and American companies. Unfortunately, in the last 2 decades, the majority of Indian companies were trying to compete with Chinese players and were only concerned about the cost which normally the local market is asking for this will not be helpful for export projects and this is high time to change the strategy. Armix has gained acceptance in the international market due to quality and technology and obtaining orders from major British and German suppliers. In this way Indian companies could contribute a major portion to the GDP and the market is moving ahead without a doubt.

For more details visit: https://armixmachinery.com/