Elematic has already factored in the demand scenario and set up the factory at Alwar, Rajasthan where we manufacture all precast moulds and the core machinery is imported from our factory in Finland says Chander Dutta, Managing Director, Elematic India Pvt Ltd.

How will the role of precast evolve in the current market scenario?
The construction industry is currently facing an unprecedented situation, where we are dealing with many unknowns. And it is quite evident from this crisis that business may not go back to the same normal that existed before. The total cost of ownership of a project and the life cycle cost of a building would play a key role in decision making.

We have seen this before in history that many better changes have taken place as a result of a crisis or a difficult situation. As we come out of the lockdown gradually, the consolidation opportunity available to the large payers to thrive and grow and this growth will be determined by the adoption of technology.

• Project completion within an accelerated time will be a norm and cast in situ projects with a large number of labour deployment will become difficult in most of the metros along with non-availability of migrant labour or the new norms making it difficult to house labour in such large numbers.
• Mechanization will be the key to the completion of projects in time and hence we expect a migration to precast construction as it fulfills all the requirement of time/speed- cost and reduction of labour.

Precast technology uses RCC and offers the lowest cost structure along with speed in comparison to any other technology such as steel buildings. We expect a big turnaround in the near future and mass adoption of precast technology.

Which are some of the prime sectors you feel will drive growth for the precast industry?
The prime sectors for the growth of the precast industry include large commercial and residential construction, where there is an emphasis on timely completion of the project. Hospitals and educational institute might also look to engage contractors with such capability. The residential segment also will see an upturn with government projects taking a lead on affordable housing.

In the wake of the current situation, how easy or difficult is it to manage the supply and demand curve?
It’s too early to be projecting the supply and demand scenarios and we will get a fair idea once the companies resume their normal services. We are optimistic that the revival of projects will help us grow in this financial year. Elematic has already factored in the demand scenario and set up the factory at Alwar, Rajasthan where we manufacture all precast moulds and the core machinery is imported from our factory in Finland.