Though metro construction in India is still dominated primarily by the pre-cast and tensioned construction, Interarch Infrastructure division is tapping this market further, informed Ishaan Suri, Head – Corporate Marketing and Business Processes, Interarch Building Products
The Indian pre-engineered steel buildings (PEB) market is experiencing robust growth fuelled by infrastructure development and the increasing popularity of PEB systems in the industrial sector. Sectors such as automotive, power, logistics, pharmaceutical, FMCG, and capital goods provide huge growth opportunity for PEB in India. It has been an interesting journey for the PEB industry over the last almost three decades, observing changing trends in Indian construction industry. There have been times when pre-engineered solutions were not much in demand, but gradually with the time.
Growing importance of PEBThe simplicity of PEB solution is its versatility across the sectors. Interarch has had the privilege to work with some of the most diverse construction projects from agriculture, rural retail, and healthcare to amusement parks. In fact, many modern corporate parks and commercial buildings are also now turning to pre-engineered metal structures. Reliance Corporate Park is one such example. Housing construction spaces are also getting fascinated by pre-engineered constructions with customised solutions. Stemming from the PEB industry, what is taking shape is the new heavy engineering and larger infrastructure projects which are the next in-line for the infrastructural development of the country. Projects like airports, international terminals, power plants, ports etc. require heavy steel structures and a different approach in comparison to PEB. Going with its forecast, Interarch has even set up a separate business division called ‘Interarch Infrastructure’ which will only cater to the heavy
Logistics and warehousing solutions Logistics and warehousing has always been an ideal application PEB. Warehousing requires the most economical construction that is maintenance free and has a longevity factor. Interarch has been providing logistics and warehousing solutions for almost all of the major players in the country. It expects to see a significant contribution to its business with these types of applications.
PEB in metroMetro construction in India is still dominated primarily by the pre-cast and tensioned construction. Interarch has executed some projects for the metro but not for the stations and tracks. Pre-engineered construction in metro rail is far more applicable to the MRO facilities and massive train parking stations. Interarch has received enquiries to build metro stations in the city areas which have limited time and space to construct in the conventional method. Interarch Infrastructure division is tapping the market for metro rail construction further for the 2013 year.
Meeting increasing demandPEB industry in India is capable to meet the expected increase in demand. At this point of time, India has more capacity than demand for PEB. Interarch, itself, has limited its capacity to about 120,000 tonnes per annum of buildings to ensure it doesn’t run under capacity. The countrywide capacity for PEB stands at around 1,000,000 tonnes. However, only the top 4-5 players are able to fully use their installed capacity as it also depends on their efficiency in production.
Going green: the buzz wordWhere, on one side, this growth puts India on a respectable position globally, it also demands a certain level of responsibility toward the country’s greener environment and natural resource conservation. These days, going green is the buzz world.
Now all the big projects like upcoming airports, stadiums, IT parks, metro Stations, industrial buildings, manufacturing facilities etc. are asking about green buildings and LEED certification not only for the initial benefits provided by government but due to long run benefits like energy conservation, corporate social responsibility obligations and positive impact on brand image of the company etc.
The constructions done by Interarch has contributed toward better and green construction as steel is an inherently green product and has a smaller impact on the environment as compared to common and traditional brick and mortar construction. Steel constructions also help in resisting earthquake tremors, termites and natural parasites, water corrosion, fire and moisture damage.
“I am green” initiative focuses to create a comprehensive move by the company toward generating a better and more eco-friendly construction solutions and building projects. Interarch has made buildings that are 100 per cent steel and up to 90 per cent recyclable. This, in turn, helps in saving primary resources and reduces waste. The exclusive designs of the buildings help in proper air flow, control temperature and provide healthy, comfortable indoor working environment, while using less amounts of electricity for cooling and ventilation. These buildings have a longer life span and are very easy to maintain.
Interarch: now and thenInterarch, commencing its operations in 1984, has pioneered the high-end metal interior products market in India. Interarch has been the first mover in India, right from metal ceilings to blinds, metal roofing and pre-engineered buildings.
Today, 30 years later, Interarch is a leading turnkey pre-engineered steel construction solution provider in India with integrated facilities for design, manufacture, logistics, supply and project execution capabilities for pre-engineered steel buildings. Interarch holds a significant part of market share in India for metal building systems. Interarch works in close association with industry leaders in project development and construction, providing support to critical industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects.