Ammann India: Track Paver, battery-operated Tandem Roller & Soil Compactor
"Our latest asphalt batch mix plant is significant for its environmental control features; it can take RAP materials up to 60%, setting a new standard in technology. In contrast to our competitors, our technology ensures a perfect mix without the risk of bitumen burnout, resulting in higher road quality. The first plant has already been supplied to GR Infra, a Delhi-based contractor, with over 100,000 tons of asphalt produced and laid,” informed Anand Sundaresan, Managing Director, Ammann India.
“Recycling is gaining popularity, driven by government initiatives for environmental conservation. We have the technology to achieve up to 100% recycling, leveraging our parent company's extensive experience as a 155-year-old company in asphalt plants. We also offer alternative environmental solutions, such as gas, hydrogen, and coal ash as alternative fuels to reduce pollution,” he added.
The company’s product range includes a 30 cubic meter concrete plant with a unique pan mixer design (deviating from the typical drum type mixer). It also has a self-designed 60 cubic meter concrete plant. “Concrete production is a significant area for us, besides other equipment like battery-operated machinery. However, the adoption of battery-operated equipment in India faces challenges due to the higher cost compared to diesel-operated machinery. We are actively working on cost-benefit analyses to demonstrate the long-term cost and other advantages.”
In terms of ESG initiatives, Ammann is actively working to reduce carbon footprints globally. Regular meetings are held to monitor progress in India, and it plans to invest in emission reduction initiatives during 2024-25. “Transitioning from BS4 to BS5 emission norms will naturally decrease our carbon footprint, and we are exploring sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power for our factories to further reduce our environmental impact. There is so much talk about green buildings, but the promotion of the green building concept is hindered by lack of case studies demonstrating their long-term benefits. The cost perception of green buildings as expensive, needs to change also, since many forums argue that green construction can be more economical over time,” said Sundaresan.
“To reduce environmental impact in our asphalt plant, we have implemented advanced filtration systems to control emissions and have explored alternative fuels like ethanol, wood dust, gas, and even hydrogen, keeping in line with European standards, especially in environmentally conscious states like Goa and Kerala.”
Ammann Academy, present in both Europe and India, helps in educating operators and mechanics, particularly for complex products like asphalt plants. The 6-month training ensures optimal machine performance and addresses potential breakdowns. However, a challenge is to encourage individuals to choose construction equipment operation as a career path. Despite industry efforts and certification by the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC), the lack of government mandates makes it difficult to position these professions as aspirational.
“In the year 2023, both our company and the industry experienced a robost growth of a 25-30% over the previous year. Emphasizing the importance of component manufacturing in India, we advocate for making the manufacturing ecosystem robust to enhance cost competitiveness.”
Addressing concerns about Made in India, Sundaresan informed that a significant proportion of companies operate as subsidiaries of overseas entities. Efforts are needed from overseas component manufacturers to invest and establish production facilities locally.
“The industry outlook is positive, but addressing challenges in promoting green practices, operator training, and local manufacturing requires collaborative efforts from both industry stakeholders and the government,” he added.
The Ammann Group and Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) have reached an agreement whereby Ammann will acquire Volvo CE’s global ABG Paver Business, including ABG in Hameln, Germany. The agreement will benefit both companies by strengthening the product portfolio and distribution network of the Ammann Group, while allowing Volvo CE to continue to focus on developing sustainable solutions and future technologies and services, in line with their strategic direction.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and works council consultations. It is expected to be completed within the first half of 2024, includes the transfer of Volvo CE’s paving businesses in Linyi (China) and Bangalore (India), as well as Volvo CE´s ABG facility in Hameln (Germany). “This strategic acquisition completes the depth of our product offerings and makes the solutions which we offer to customers more comprehensive,” said Hans-Christian Schneider, CEO, Ammann Group. “The acquisition will also position Ammann with a suite of solutions, covering everything from asphalt plants to paving and compaction,” he added.
Ammann will leverage its industry knowledge and customer relationships to guide development of the pavers, with ABG in Hameln (Germany) becoming the Center of Excellence for paving operations within Ammann. Customers and dealers of both Ammann and Volvo CE will retain access to the full line of paving offerings, as well as aftermarket and other services. Ammann is a world-leading supplier of mixing plants, machines and services to the construction industry with core expertise in road building and transportation infrastructure.
NBM&CW - January 2024
