Armix Construction Machinery: Mobile Block Machine & Planetary Mixers

Armix Construction Machinery offers high-quality & durable equipment like mobile block machine and planetary mixers for global markets.
Manoj Kumar Pillai, Managing Director

How is Armix innovating to meet the expectations for higher efficiency, durability, and versatility?

Armix is just five years old, and we are constantly launching new products. I believe our USP primarily lies in ensuring the quality and durability of our machines, as well as our ability to produce new products as per market demand.

The company launched a Mobile Block Machine at bauma Conexpo India. This is Armix’s largest planetary mixer in India, with a capacity of 3,000 liters. We have also exported this machine to Gulf countries where we are involved in many projects.

The market for planetary mixers is growing, and we are confident that products made using our machines will be showcased in international markets as well. We are seeing positive results, and the company is working on expansion as well as opening new markets.

The next 5 to 10 years, or, I would say, the next decade, will be really busy for manufacturers like us. We will bring new technologies and products to the market. and have already brought many foreign companies to India.

What factors are driving the company’s growth in both Indian and International markets?

I would attribute the growing demand of Armix products to their high quality, durability, and versatility and also the high-quality components in the products. We use global-standard electricals, electronics, and software components, for instance, the motors are of Siemens, SEW, and Nancy, while the drives, VFDs, encoders, and sensors, are sourced from SIK, Baloof, and LuCIK. Some pneumatic components are also from Japan. By partnering with these international companies of good repute and using their high-quality components, we ensure not only superior performance for our organization but also the growth of our partners and associates.

Unlike many local manufacturers, who rely on local suppliers of components, which are not available in international markets, our focus is on export markets. Hence, it is important to offer products that meet global standards. Moreover, our machines are equipped with a 24/7 online feature that ensures any electrical, electronic, or software issue can be addressed promptly. I believe this is the biggest USP of our products.

Bosch, Siemens, and SEW, all have local facilities in India. In fact, Bosch is one of the major exporters of hydraulic products from India. This highlights the prominence of international companies which have recognized India’s potential as a major manufacturing hub and have established manufacturing facilities here. Unlike China, there are no concerns in India on issues like product copying, which make it an attractive location for manufacturing.

How do you see IoT, AI, and data analytics in concrete/block plants improving operational efficiency and increasing production?

As yet, IoT, AI, and data analytics are not being used in concrete or block making plants. At the recent Big 5 exhibition in Dubai, some people from Australia had approached me with the same question. (I am an associate member of the Institute of Concrete Technology and other major organizations abroad). They wanted to explore how IoT could work in ready-mix plants and ensure that the quality of raw materials remains consistent, but when raw materials are different or when plant operators change, there’s often no way to ensure that the quality remains consistent.

But with the right calculations, logic systems, and sensors, the moisture levels in the materials can be measured and how much cement should be added or reduced can be determined. This would ensure that the concrete quality, whether M30, M40, or M50, remains consistent, regardless of changes in raw materials or operators.

I think that in the coming years, the industry will see IoT, AI, and data analytics being used in concrete or block making plants, which will be a positive step for the industry.

How is Armix aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India and export to the world’ initiative?

We are doing business with 30 countries, either directly or through organizations like EPC, a government entity, and CII. Our focus currently is on the Middle Eastern countries and Asian markets, including Malaysia and the Maldives. We also have a plant in Pakistan and several in Nepal. We were in discussions for a couple of projects in Bangladesh, but unfortunately, the market there is currently down.

At the same time, we must consider how other industries and economies are approaching these markets. Over the past couple of years, the Chinese presence in Southeast Asia has increased significantly. Their domestic market has been struggling despite high production levels, leading them to seek new avenues. The Chinese government, along with their banks, is supporting industries to export machinery by offering incentives, such as deferred loan repayments starting only after two years. Unfortunately, similar support is not offered by the Indian or European governments.

Looking ahead, opportunities like FIFA 2030 in Saudi Arabia will drive massive development of over 20–25 stadiums, numerous hotels, etc. Projects like the Etihad Rail will also scale up production facilities in the region. These developments will ultimately benefit major companies in the area and present significant opportunities for Indian manufacturers.

What challenges are you facing in exports, and what government support are you looking for to improve competitiveness?

One of the major challenges for an Indian citizen is obtaining a visa without any external assistance. GCC visa holders are allowed quick or on-arrival entry to Saudi Arabia. The Indian government should also convince Saudi Arabia officials to enable easier entry for Indian citizens. Making provision for a visa with a validity of at least a month would be beneficial for both the countries. In comparison, the UAE offers more convenience; a visa for Dubai can be obtained within 24 hours.

When it comes to tradeshows, the lack of government support is evident. Last year, I participated in Saudi Build and Big 5 Saudi, but there was no support from the Indian government. The Indian government should actively encourage and support Indian manufacturers to showcase their capabilities, explore global markets, and unlock new opportunities in such internationals trade events.

In the construction industry, we can categorize developments into various segments. For instance, ocean freight and port construction are progressing at a remarkable pace. Indian companies are excelling in these areas, as exemplified by Adani, which is heavily investing in building numerous ports not just in India but across the globe. Similarly, the Birla Group, through Ultratech, is acquiring multiple cement factories worldwide, which sends a strong and positive message that Indian companies are expanding their global presence.

Currently, the government is actively supporting such initiatives, but there is a pressing need to accelerate the pace of execution. Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles is essential to maintain momentum and capitalize on opportunities. While some top leaders are enthusiastic and proactive, the lower levels of the system often create bottlenecks, slowing down the progress. The Indian economy is poised for rapid growth, provided the challenges are addressed.