The theme for the tenth edition of the EXCON was “Smart i-tech- Next Gen India@75”, which aims to demonstrate the role of smart technologies and innovation in design. During Excon, Constrofacilitaor had a one to one interview with Mr. Surat Mehta, Head of Business- SDLG India.
SDLG has advanced technical apparatuses, testing equipment and management system, which ensure the product quality and performance is at its best. SDLG follows the core value of “efficiency first, leading technology”, adhering to technological and management innovations.
During the interview, he shared insights on his take on the construction equipment industry, technological advancement of Volvo CE machines and much more.
Here are the excerpts of the interview.
How has been the response at Excon 2019?
It has been exciting, in spite of market downsize, we are still getting a good response. I am quite sure the revival of the industry has already started. Post-September the trajectory has taken up. I hope 2020 will be better than in 2019. Always an organic steady growth is effective.
Excon 2019 is a great opportunity for us to engage with existing and new customers. We are hopeful that the tradeshow will serve as a turning point for us as demand for construction equipment picks up, especially with the Indian government’s plans to invest US$1.4 trillion in infrastructure over the next five years.
What are your suggestions on the financial crunch faced by buyers regarding loans and EMI?
What we and other manufacturers are doing is that we are customizing financial assistance. During less selling months such as monsoon, we are assisting with a reduction in price. The finance companies with our assistance are framing guidelines to ease the pressure of the buyer. Our ability to provide a wide range of product offerings & customized aftermarket support programs to suit their specific segment needs brings us closer to customers.
Your take on maintenance functions of the machines?
We give full importance to the maintenance of our machines. If say by the change in the quality of the oil we can enhance the machine hours, then it’s a saving for the user. We have already done it in most of our machines. Secondly the hydraulics are attached with a long drain facility, while the incremental cost could be a bit, but its long-term advantage is an economical saver for the machine buyer. Next comes fuel, our machines are heavily fuel-efficient and we train our operators on how to use it, even more effectively. Offering products with the highest reliability, productivity, safety, combined with the lowest cost of operation, makes us a natural choice for organizations & contractors who support the infrastructure growth in India.
What is your plan for future launches?
We aren’t planning on it immediately, but we are future-ready. We already have a wide portfolio to choose from for the customers. We are going a bit conservative on new launches and ensuring our already available range ensures maximum productivity for the customers. We are also refurbishing our old machines with new features so that it becomes even more effective. Our dealer is also enabling this for our buyer.