The year 2014 had been the best year so far both in India as well as outside India.
Ketan Shah, Managing Director, MFE Formwork Technology Pvt Ltd
 Residential buildings form major market for aluminium formwork in India. Though there is some slowdown in this segment, replacement of traditional formwork by aluminium formwork has ensured growth of the industry. In 2014, MFE Formwork sold 35 per cent more formwork than the previous year. In an interview, Ketan Shah talks about the company’s future plans.
Do you think after the new government has come in things have really changed?Though sentiment has changed for sure, it has not translated in to actual growth so far. The construction industry is predicted to do well because government has ambitious plan to provide housing for all by 2022. With entry of reputed corporate houses like Tata, Mahindra and Godrej, considerable affordable housing projects will kickoff across the country.
What kind of technology do you use to make the structures?We introduced “Make to Order” aluminium formwork in the country in 2001 and it has firmly established itself to the extent that it is called “Mivan Formwork”, erstwhile name of company.
What makes your product different from competitors’ product?The quality of formwork which we offer is way ahead and superior then what others offer. We use stir friction welding technology which enhances the life of panel. Manufacturing tolerance in our panels is +/- 0.5 mm which is best in the industry. More than 50 supervisors working across India ensures far superior technical support which is key to success of any aluminium formwork.
How is the demand for the aluminium formwork in India?Residential buildings form major market for aluminium formwork in India. Though there is some slowdown in this segment, replacement of traditional formwork by aluminium formwork has ensured growth of the industry. Immediate future looks bit challenging but there is huge growth potential in medium to long-term.
How was the year 2014 for you?The year 2014 had been the best year so far both in India as well as outside India. We sold 35 per cent more formwork in India and outside. Our head office is located in Malaysia and regional offices are in India and Dubai.
What are your plans for the year 2015?We would like to grow more than 2014. We are also planning to launch hydraulically operated safety system in 2015.