Ammann Apollo: "Our Proven Compaction Technology Will Leverage Our Presence"

Ammann Apollo is looking for enlarging its market presence in road compaction equipment segment, based on its claims of high performance backed on proven technology. According to Mr. Tomas Kopic, Member of the Board, Ammann Apollo India & Mr. Sunil Sapru, Chief Executive-Marketing, the new range of compactors, which will be introduced in the Indian road construction market in phases, will be a game changer in the road compaction sector: Excerpts:

What are the unique selling points of your compactors and rollers, that you see will drive business in the segment which has seen modest technological interventions so far?
Over the years globally compaction technology has revolutionised the construction sites. All developers expect maximum performance combined with economically owning & operational cost, immense manoeuvrability, speed & flexibility are hallmarks of Ammann Compaction technology.

High performance, thanks to the proven technology, will be a key business driver for our compactors in India's road construction sector. As the sector continues to increasingly focus on high performance, quality compaction results on lower operating costs. Our compactors with best weight distribution between front and rear of the units deliver required vibration and are best suited for quality output. Currently, maximum competition in India is in the 11tons class soil and 8–9 ton asphalt compactors as that continues to be the major class of the compactors in demand.

Ammann ASC 121 and 122 single drum, tried and tested rollers with outstanding traction and travel performance guaranteed by hydrostatic drives of both wheels and drums, suitable for compaction of wide range of soil from silt to crushed stones deliver compaction results on the top end of its class. Ammann offers "State of Art" latest generation Compactors with direct drive (no axle) resulting in high traction, ground clearance, serviceability & gradeability. The rollers are extremely productive with excellent visibility and intelligent operation.

Similarly, Ammann AP 240 pneumatic tyred rollers are easy to handle, safe to operate, deliver excellent compaction, and fuel efficient. Ammann AP 240 is such a machine which characterizes high performance and we are trying to improve sales to cater to the requirements of the Indian road construction sector requiring quality output.

Over & above customers faith and patronage will help us in succeeding the business model. Lastly we as a team are and will continue to work in not just meeting the customer expectations, but also to walk that extra mile to achieve customer delight.

What are the plans for widening your product offerings?
Looking forward to cater to the heterogeneous requirements of the Indian road construction sector, we will be shortly coming up with our AV91X, 9 tons, tandem articulated double drum compactors. Based on appropriate weight ratio distribution, the compactors will be delivering required compaction strength for the jobs. The tandem rollers come with excellent visibility, good access of sprinkling systems, and best all round view 1mx1m. The other advanced features are roomy well glassed cab option and optimal layout of all controls, resulting towards maximum operators comfort. As the market matures, the indications of which are quite visible, we will be introducing in phases, our entire range of compactors followed by 11–25 tons catering to varied requirements from canal construction in irrigation sector to dam projects.

We will also widen our portfolio in pneumatic tire roller segment, light compaction products viz ride on rollers, rammers, plate compactors, walk behind rollers etc making products available in various classes.

How will price competitiveness be ensured?
All the future products will be manufactured at Ditasan plant incorporating the advance engineering standards of Ammann based on our joint venture. The localization will make pricing of the products competitive. Based on advancements in engineering being carried out, we are in the process of new vendor development to suit the new standards required in the components.

Our JV partner M/s Apollo has in place a strong supply chain between its existing vendors for sourcing the components; we will strengthen the network further. To suit the requirements of the premium products, we will equip the machines with latest generation India engines.

In the end, I would like to close & lay emphasis on the practices being followed over the years with the following simple strategies:

Be close to the customer, understand the changing needs and act on it quickly. In short, offer such a product that will meet the total needs of the customer.
With a combination of value engineering and first time right manufacturing practices, offer the product at a competitive price.
Offer the best after-market support in the industry, in terms of spare parts, service support.
Continue to work with the customer in line with our philosophy of "Productivity Partnership for a Lifetime".