Ammann Apollo to Roll out High-end Asphalt Batching Plants and Compactors in India

"The market response to the Ammann Apollo Joint Venture is quite encouraging and we are rolling out the High-end Asphalt Batch Plants and Compactors in India in a phased manner. The focus at Excon will be on the coming together of the two Leaders to serve the Indian and global road construction industry with the widest range of construction equipment at competitive prices - One stop shop," says Mr. Asit Patel, Managing Director, Ammann Apollo in an interview with S.A Faridi.

It is now almost eight months since Ammann and Apollo formed Joint Venture; what has been the market response to this perfect match and what are your plans to roll out Ammann products in Indian market?

The market response to the Joint Venture is very encouraging. We are rolling out the High end Asphalt Batch Plants and Compactors in India in a phased manner.

Localization is quite important to gain market acceptance as well as share in a country like India. What are your plans to manufacture Ammann's products locally?

Localization will be done again in a phased manner and the levels of localization are being finalized.

How is the rupee devaluation against major currencies affecting Ammann Apollo business?

The devaluation of the rupee has obviously resulted in cost of imports going up and this is true for all imported products. Ammann Apollo business is not specifically affected because of this.

Recently, the government cleared/announced a number of new infrastructure projects and has taken necessary steps to fast track their implementation as well. How do you link it with the revival of the CE industry in spite of the election due early next year?

Yes-this factor is one of the major assumptions in our business plan. We believe that the Government will fast track the road projects especially the ones planned under EPC mode.

Financing to small and medium contractors is a big issue as banks and financial institutions have become very selective. How are you helping genuine buyers in getting finance?

We agree that the financial institutions and banks have become selective but genuine buyers do not face problems in getting finance. The banks and finance companies have to lend to stay in business and the track record of our customers has been good.

The equipment market has reached at that critical point where key competitive differentiator would be after market and innovations. How are you looking on this aspect?

We have always differentiated ourselves from competition in the after market and will continue with our innovations in this aspect.

Trained operators & technician and preventive & periodical maintenance play a big role in equipment performance; please brief us on your services.

We have an adequate pool of trained service personnel and the engineers undergo regular training programs.

What kind of growth do you expect in next two-three years for your company and innovative strategies to stave off toughening competition scenario?

We expect year 2014 to be flat as compared to year 2013 or marginally better but we expect a growth of 10 % in 2015 & 2016. Competition is and will always be tough. Our strategy is to offer the latest technology products at competitive prices backed by very good after sales service.

How are you planning to participate in the forthcoming CE industry mega event Excon to be held in Bangalore?

The focus will be on the coming together of Two Leaders - Ammann & Apollo - to serve the Indian & global road construction Industry with the widest range of construction equipment at competitive prices - One stop shop. The theme is Productivity Partnership for a Lifetime reflecting the commitment of the Joint Venture to the customers.


We shall be displaying Key Components of Ammann Asphalt Plant, Soil Compactor - ASC 110, Tandem Roller - AV 110 X, PTR - AP 240 and Hydro static paver with European screed.