Diversification makes sense for Ajax Fiori

Now we feel that we need to diversify to add value to our esteemed customers in the concrete equipment value chain.

Jagadish Bhat,
CEO, Ajax Fiori

Ajax Fiori is a leading concrete machinery manufacturer with a range of solutions including self-loading concrete mixers, batching plants and pumps. Now the company would like to give a new dimension to its business by diversifying the product range, informs Jagadish Bhat, CEO of Ajax Fiori.

Congratulations on launching the JSP 50 concrete pump. Could you brief us on the unique features of this new launch?
We entered the concrete pump industry in 2013, with two models, the JSP 40 and the JSP 70 with a pumping capacity of 40 cu.m/hr and 70 cu.m/hr respectively. Concrete pump with 40 cubic metre capacity is not suitable when continuous pouring of concrete is needed as the activity happens in batches depending upon the transit mixers availability. Also, a capacity higher than 70 cu.m/hr will be too high to meet the current demand. Therefore we felt that the gap between these two ranges is quite higher and the market needed an intermediate product in terms of capacity. JSP 50 is an ideal size to meet the fairly large volume of concrete in a stock-stop basis. So the new concrete pump will bridge the gaps between our existing product ranges.

What makes the customers reach out to you even when there are other competitors in the market?
We have been known for the support to our customers. Our nation-wide reach and spare parts availability is second to none. On top of that, our products get a very high resale value even after an extensive usage after 3-4 years. These make us stand out from the crowd.

How was the performance of your company during the past one year?
We performed pretty well last year. Even the current financial year was good as we will be growing at a rate of almost 35-40 per cent than the last year. We are also planning to launch some new products in the coming year. We have always been perceived as a single product manufacturing company with self loading mixers for years. However, now we feel that we need to diversify to add value to our esteemed customers in the concrete equipment value chain. The diversification will allow us to grow faster in terms on product portfolio and market penetration.

Is road sector going to drive your growth?
In case of developing bigger roads like national highways or express ways, the requirement of concrete is huge and we need to set up larger size of batching plants to cater the need of the project. While developing comparatively smaller roads like intra-state roads and rural roads, the requirement of concrete is lower. Self loading concrete mixers and concrete pumps are in high demand in these projects. However, a bulk of our machines is used in irrigation projects and making rural roads and bridges.

Ajax Fiori has presence all-over India. Still which region has been your prominent for your business?
The markets in southern part of India are strong contributors to our business. Of late, because of increasing infrastructure development related activities, Telangana has become a hub. We have provided many machines for the irrigation projects in this new state. However, we will continue to grow all over the country with the introduction of new product verticals.