Mtandt is an AWP company and is one of the leading companies in the segment. The company is looking forward to good infrastructure growth in India and is gung-ho about it for the booming industry. According to Managing Director Pradeep Agarwal, the company has exhibited new product range such as Portadeck mats and new Geocells under PRS brand.

Discuss about the equipment around prime lime light?
There are two new products exhibited – Portadeck and Geocells. Portadeck mats are for temporary road construction and we have got good response for the same. Geocells are the solution to economise road construction permanently. This year, we have launched PRS and are expecting good business with the same.

Which of your products performed the best in 2018?
All products are contributing well; primarily, we are an AWP company, so obviously AWP is one. Performance-wise, Portadeck did well. Most probably, we will be able to close ` 40-crore business this year.

How do you see the renting market for the coming year?
With growing infrastructure, renting will also grow eventually. It depends on the rate of growth – whether 20 per cent or 40 per cent. I believe my company will grow around 20 per cent.

During Kerala flood, you’d supported the state with rescue Portadeck mats. Could you throw light on it?
Portadeck mats can float and be used in marshy landor wherever you can’t reach with heavy machinery like gas pipelines, natural oil and gas companies, etc. We have received good response from the customers and are gung-ho about it.

Could you please discuss about virtual reality, the training solution exhibited at bC India 2018?
That’s a separate company and we are the key licenser. Basically, Mtandt is coming with Mtandt University where we are going to train the operators, service engineers, technicians, etc. We have lot of programmes in the AWP world, virtual reality is one of the tools to give training. Upcoming Mtandt University is already registered with British Skill development and we are participating in other forum also. Additionally, curriculum and virtual reality programme is under development, and preparations are being made to roll out the full module.Initially, we would like to cover areas like AWP, forklifts and tower cranes and then, all construction equipment.

What are the challenges you faced for the acceptance of AWP?
Right now, everybody knows about AWP. There were challenges 10 years back where we had to explain and educate people, but now, this solution is well accepted in the market.

Struggle in this business is capital intensive and one need lots of money to run the show. The government is rolling out all the policies in our favour. Pricing is a matter of demand and supply, hence always
a struggle. Recovery is a big threat in the industry.

Is it something related to credit issue in the market or fund availability?
Overall cycle is delayed and demand is high. However, there is not much seriousness about the same either due to more funds being pumped in or funds not being available at cheaper rates. That’s the main issue in India. I think government must put infra development in subsidies trust or something like that as the country will grow faster if the industry gets incentives.

Do you have any separate association for AWP?
Yes, we do have association of AWP and are one of the members. However, the current 50-member association needs to be bigger, though it is continuously growing.

What are your plans for the coming year?
PRS and Mtandt University would be new for the next year. Let’s hope for the new products.However, currently we are fully occupied but these two things are going to happen.

Pricing is a matter of demand and supply, hence always a struggle.
Pradeep Agarwal, Managing Director, Mtandt Group