Aditya Khanna, Director, WeBau India - Progress Group
Industrialization of the construction segment with the use of precast technology is probably the only solution for building 20 million houses by 2022.
Precast Technology is being used across the world for more than 60 years. It has grown steadily across India in the past 10 years since we established our first precast plant in 2010. The scope for growth in a country like India is tremendous, considering the increasing demand for affordable housing as well as commercial office space.
The “Housing for All” initiative by the Government of India that proposes building 20 million houses by 2022, is an ambitious target. The only way to build these homes at the required speed is by using precast technology, which can build homes in a much shorter timeframe as compared to conventional construction techniques.
One of the major challenges faced by the construction industry today is the availability of skilled manpower. The only way forward is with the industrialization of the construction segment with the use of precast technology.
Having set up over 15 precast plants in India for our clients, We are well-equipped to provide end-to-end solutions for precast construction from design, production, execution including logistics, planning and erection.
With more than 15 precast plants established successfully in India since 2010, Progress Group has the largest presence in the Precast Industry in India. As a turnkey provider of end-to-end solutions, we are able to help our customers overcome any challenge related to precast construction - from design, production, execution up to logistics, planning and erection. Some of our prestigious clients include B.G Shirke, Katerra, Shapoorji Pallonji, L&T Brigade Group, Teemage Builders and Bhate Raje Construction.
The main differentiating factor between other players and the Progress Group is that, unlike other companies, we are not just manufacturers and suppliers of precast machines but are ‘Precasters’ with our own Precast Plants in Europe. Hence, we are able to transfer this technical know-how and our experience to our customers.
Progress Precast India Pvt Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of the Progress Group, is manufacturing precast equipment in India and is currently producing equipment for two upcoming precast factories. However, our core technology and machinery are being produced and exported from our manufacturing facilities in Germany, Italy, Belgium and Canada.
Today, precast concrete allows designers to create a wide range of aesthetic effects and combinations with a range of colors and textures.
It is a misconception that one cannot achieve aesthetics in buildings with precast construction. In, fact, the evolving technology allows precast concrete designers to create a wide range of aesthetic effects and combinations with different shapes, colors and textures through the use of form-liners, aggregates, pigmentation, and other finishing techniques.
The main advantages of precast construction is that it reduces dependence on unskilled labour; saves construction time; gives quality assurance and durability since all the components are produced in a controlled factory environment; and is cost-effective too, besides enabling a multitude of aesthetic options.
NBM&CW December 2019
