Agrani Enterprises: Following Sound Practices
What are the growth drivers of the waterproofing industry and what challenges does it have to contend with?
The India Construction Chemicals Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of >8% over the next 5 years. The major growth driver of waterproofing solutions is the Infrastructure sector, which generates consistent demand for construction chemicals. Government initiatives for infrastructure development, including housing, and public and private partnership projects are driving demand.
However, the industry has to deal with some issues and challenges, such as deployment of trained & technically sound Applicators or Waterproofers. Every Applicator company can handle multiple projects to some extent, but in our industry, clients are keen to check the company’s capabilities, bank guarantee submission, and warranty on work to be performed, rather than focusing on their technical and administration capabilities.
There is a scarcity of engineers in this sector. A project engineer’s knowledge of waterproofing and the products to be used at the site is very important as there can be no compromise on the specifications.
Civil engineering is a vast field in which waterproofing as a subject is given scarce attention. But for a project to retain its strength, life, and value for the long-term, waterproofing is vital. This is the reason why, at Agrani, we have appointed engineers who have expertise in this field and have also worked with some of the best companies of Fortune 500.
Preparation of BOQ (Bill of Quantities) is another important area that requires expert waterproofers during the entire process of project construction. But some clients follow their own SOPs, irrespective of the actual site requirements, and we have found these to be absolutely incorrect. This becomes a matter of debate, which then affects the progress of the project.
A major issue that most of the contractors face is delay in payments, due to which the coordination between manpower and the purchase department for materials gets disturbed, and compromises begin to be made. A client must understand that making timely payments will ultimately help complete the project smoothly and on time.
What are the core strengths of Agrani Enterprises and the factors that distinguish it from the competitors?
Agrani Enterprises is one of the fastest growing company in the waterproofing industry. It is known for its application techniques, use of the right products and technologies in waterproofing and structural rehabilitation jobs, with proven quality work and timely deliveries. It has collaborations with almost all top reputed manufacturers like BASF, Fosroc, Mapei, Grace, Ardex Endura, MYK, Asian Paints, Technonicol, to name a few.
Agrani is also involved in the manufacturing and application of Seismic Metallic Expansion Joints system. We are also a known name in projects like corporate interiors and fit-outs, having serviced major clients like Reliance Industries projects of Reliance Trends, Reliance Smart, Reliance Footprints, Reliance Digital. We have also done construction of one of the biggest Reliance Trends in Lucknow..
We abide by our values of delivering quality, timely project completion, and deploying the latest technical know-how. Agrani’s client base is increasing and we are delivering projects across India, with repeat contracts from clients like Tata Reality, Tata Projects Limited, Reliance, Godrej Properties, DMRC, MMRCL etc.
What are the application areas that Agrani specializes in, and the techniques and technologies being used?
Agrani is known for its expertise in waterproofing, expansion joints, interior fitouts, and structural rehabilitation. We work only with top companies where the requirement is very rich and advanced.
We are using the latest waterproofing materials like Hybrid Polyurethane, Polyurea on podiums and terraces and HDPE, PVC membranes as per the site condition and requirement. The application is done using German machines like the Graco Air Spray Machine which gives a very uniform coating. For tunnel waterproofing with PVC membrane, we use the Leister Twinny Automatic Hot Air welding machine.
How is your company convincing cost-conscious customers to go for eco-friendly products and techniques and follow sound application practices to make their projects sustainable?
With our vast experience of over 23 years in waterproofing alone and dealing with all strata of clients, cost is not a factor for the quality conscious customers who want the best waterproofing solution for their projects.
We work closely with our clients and hold discussions with our quality teams, product manufacturers, and the contract team to propose a system which meets the quality requirements of the clients, who know that price and quality go hand in hand. Many of our clients have given us back-to-back projects based on our performance at every site of theirs.
What are your plans for the next 5 years?
We are looking for a technical tie-up with a US-based manufacturer and will soon open a plant in India with its collaboration. We will manufacture here world-class waterproofing and repair solutions to serve our clients with the best technique and technologies.
NBM&CW July 2021
