How did you successfully manage your business in the COVID times? 

None of us were prepared to handle a pandemic in March 2020. It certainly caught us unaware. It was a great challenge to support customers, give them necessary instructions for proper shutdown of the machines (during complete lockdown) and handle my team members – few of them had a unique set of problems including travel, food and lockdowninduced professional issues. Some of my engineers were on duty in places away from their place of posting, and bringing them back was very difficult. Nevertheless, we managed the situation to the best of our ability. A few of my employees and their loved ones had Covid-infected people at home and we had to support them emotionally and also, help them get oxygen beds in hospitals. 

Working from home option is not always possible for an engineering company like ours, so we had to make the best use of the possible solutions. 

All our parts are indigenously made and so, our supply chain was not affected. It really helped that we achieved 100 percent localisation, earlier on. 

How do you view the recovery in the Crushing & Screening market so far? 

The Budget 2021 focussed on construction and CAPEX-led economic recovery and I think this is one of the key factors in driving the growth for the crushing and screening market. The construction and infrastructure development projects such as roads, dams and railways which are lined up play a major role in escalating the demand for crushers and screens. The road to recovery has been tough but we are hopeful of better times very soon. Propel is known for its resilient nature and we are geared up for the challenges. We always want to be ahead of our competitors and we will be. 

What are the key challenges in the market apart from the pandemic impact? 

Following environmental norms, coping up with the ever-increasing demands of the customers, staying up-to-date with technology, constantly upgrading our products to meet customer demands, tailor making solutions for the customers are some of the key challenges that we face in the market. 

What kind of policy support is required for the market revival? 

I am of the opinion that we already have the right kind of policy support for market revival though I feel the government should support us more in terms of research and development. The industry-focused government policies, the massive drive for infrastructure development and large scale construction activities are creating newer avenues for the crushing and screening sector. Export markets are also opening up and this is good news. 

In the Independence speech delivered, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that we have to work together for next generation infrastructure, world class manufacturing, cutting edge innovation and new age technology. The ‘Prime Minister Gati Shakti national master plan’ is sure to open up newer avenues. I am hopeful that the `100-lakh crore worth infrastructure schemes of the Gati Shakti plan will act as a booster for the economy. 

What are your strategies for business revival? 

Propel Industries has turned its focus towards digitalisation in all aspects of operations. We have embraced the finer aspects of Industry 4.0. 

We have also turned to automation for better results. We are pooling in all our resources so that we are able to deliver products and service to the customers in lightning speed. We are doing our best to hand hold our customers and they in turn stay connected with us, through digital means. We have upheld the customer first slogan always and it will remain so, in the future too. All our plans are driven by this slogan. 

How do you assess the growth next year and beyond in the Crushing & Screening market? 

I expect the crushing and screening market to do well in the coming years as there is an urgent urge to revive the economy. Given the infrastructure projects that are lined up and the policies drafted by the government, I am sure there will be a surge in demand for the crushing and screening market. As the infrastructure development happens, the crushing and screening market is also sure to grow.