Market is going at the rate of 20 per cent and if the present government remains, the momentum is likely to continue. The multi-activity cranes that the company has introduced are not merely cranes, but multi-purpose cranes, says Manish Mathur, CGM Marketing & Product Support, Action Construction Equipment Ltd.

What is majorly driving the growth and demand in the market?
Government’s push on roads, connectivity, transport, and also some part of GST are majorly driving growth and demand. Our movement is quite easy and taxation is relaxed now. I can predict the cost at Chennai, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi. Besides, GST is a bit helpful. All projects related to Sagarmala, Bharatmala connectivity, ports, waterways, and roads are always at the prime head.

Can you talk about your latest offering?
Our company is famous mostly for cranes. We introduced three models at the recently held bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2018 in Gurgaon. The multi-activity cranes are not merely cranes, but multi-purpose cranes. We have combined different applications or products into one – hybrid equipment where in one equipment has been combined with aerial platform cranes while the other is tally handle cum crane, with the third being pick & carry crane.

Please elaborate on the technologies of these products?
There are two types of cranes – pick & carry cranes and slew cranes. Secondly, there is an equipment called NXP series where ‘P’ stands for platform and ‘NX’ stands for cranes. If we attached the two it can work as an aerial platform. Similarly, the third equipment is a crane cum tally handle so you have a crane attachment that can work as a crane and also as a pocket, making enabling both tacking and lifting.

Will hybrid equipment not spike cost for end users?
Since hybrid equipment is not being manufactured in India, importing a new platform will cost around ` 40 -50 lakh. Ours is only ` 25 lakh and it is functioning properly as the driveline is simple. Similarly, in slew cranes, 20-tonne cranes will cost around ` 70 lakh. But, this crane will cost only ` 36 lakh as it’s both a slew crane and also pick & carry crane. Our USP is we have cut down the cost and are not selling
anything which is very expensive since the products have to be available to the masses and selective selling will not aid growth. We believe in numbers that can be achieved only when the price is reduced.

Which products performed well in 2018? What is your outlook for this year?
Cranes have done really well. Last year, we did around 5,000. This time, we are expecting to cross over 7,400 which is a decent growth. Earlier in 2016 or 2017, our members were around 2,500. Apart from this, waterways and smart cities are going to be most promising in 2019.

For the next three years, we expect the same kind of movement; 20 per cent has been achieved till now in the last three years. If the government changes, well and good. If not, this will continue for another six to seven years.

Government’s push on roads, connectivity, transport, and also some part of GST are majorly driving growth and demand.
Manish Mathur,
CGM Marketing & Product Support, Action Construction Equipment Ltd