Mitsubishi Materials Corporation has been developing percussion rock drilling tools for more than 60 years. The company has announced partnership with Panasia to popularize its products in India. Tomoaki Ojima, Asst. Manager, Mitsubishi Materials Trading Corporation and Pradeep Kumar, Director, Panasia Project Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. speak to B2B Purchase on this development. Interview excerpts:

Mr Pradeep, how do you find the acceptance for kind of technology you are providing in Indian market?
Pradeep Kumar: Though the change is taking place, the pace is very slow. People are becoming increasingly aware about the available products and solutions. That’s why leading technology providers like Mitsubishi Materials are coming in to Indian market.

Mr Ojima, which are the products that Mitsubishi is going to sale in the Indian market?
Tomoaki Ojima: In India, we have been trying to penetrate end-user market in the construction, mining, and quarry markets as these are our target sectors. With Mitsubishi Rock Tools, we are looking forward to be successful in these sectors.  

What are the major advantages of Mitsubishi products?
Ojima: Our products are made in Japan and we have 67 years of experience in the field. As our company was started as a mining company, we are experienced in every field of process – from materials to end-products. Our biggest strength lies in maintaining quality control during the entire process of manufacturing. 

Could you explain us the benefits of using Misubishi Rock Tools products?
Pradeep: Mitsubishi Rock Tools products for small- and medium-sized drill holes are manufactured from highly wear resistant steel and indigenously developed tungsten carbide inserts. These inserts are combined with the special steel bodies that provide superior consistent quality.

Which is your current focus as far as Indian market is concerned?
Ojima: We have announced partnership with Panasia which will be marketing our rock tools products in the Indian market. We have a diverse product range focusing mainly on mining and construction.

Pradeep: Mitsubishi high-quality cross bits are available in the latest size, threads and designs. However, as of now, we’ll be targeting the 32-mm and 45-mm ranges of button bits.

Would you like to collaborate with any OEM?
Ojima: Our focus is mainly on end-users as we design the solutions for the end-users. However later on we can target some OEMs.

As the mining market is not doing well, what sort of difficulty you see?
Pradeep: Today we are focusing on granite and marble industries which are doing exceptionally well as their export is high. Later on we will focus on other areas also.