Apollo Techno: Horizontal Directional Drilling Machine & Diaphragm Wall Drilling Rig
Keyur Raval, Manager, Sales and Marketing, Apollo Techno IndustriesHow is Apollo Techno tailoring its products to meet the needs of the Indian market?
We are a manufacturer of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines with a wide range of products in our portfolio. We have recently diversified into segments like Diaphragm Wall Drilling Rigs and Rotary Drilling Rigs. Our Diaphragm Wall Drilling Rig model DW 235, for instance, is designed to meet the demand for depths of up to 30 meters, making it ideal for diaphragm walling in projects like basements, multi-story buildings, and malls.
Our new upgraded V2 series of our HDD machines is tailored for the challenging Indian market. The machines are more user-friendly, especially for operators who have limited familiarity with electronic systems. Our newly introduced hydrostatic machines also have fewer electrical components and simplified designs that make them more serviceable in Indian conditions, where maintenance can often be a challenge. By making these changes, we aim to improve both the functionality and acceptance of our products in the marketplace.
How do you see the demand for foundation equipment evolving, and how are you positioning yourself in this growing segment?
Given the rapid development of infrastructure in India, including the construction of bridges and extensive road networks, demand for foundation equipment is expected to rise significantly, especially for HDD machines. For example, BSNL has recently launched a new project, and we anticipate that more than 500 machines will be required over the next two years, creating a major opportunity for our company.
Despite the competitive landscape, we have successfully delivered 9 machines in just one year and are committed to overcoming the challenges and strengthening our foothold in the industry.
To ensure smooth and safe machine performance, we offer basic training to operators, equipping them with the knowledge needed to operate our machines effectively.
How does Apollo Techno ensure safety during operations?
Our machines are equipped with several safety features to ensure secure operations. For instance, we have an underground alarm that activates if the machine strikes any electrical components. This signal indicates potential danger, prompting the operator to take necessary precautions before disembarking to avoid any casualties.
Drilling underground poses inherent risks, as it is often unclear what lies beneath the surface. To address these concerns, we’ve incorporated safety mechanisms on our machines to protect against hazards like hitting cables.
Safety is a top priority on every project. However, we believe it is primarily the responsibility of the project owners to provide safety equipment, such as helmets, jackets, and safety shoes to the operators, labourers, workers etc. at the construction site.
What is the company’s presence in international markets?
We have been developing and exporting machines for international markets, and our presence abroad has been steadily growing. Over the past four years, we have been exporting machines to Dubai, and more recently, we have started selling to Russia and Germany. For these markets, we offer our R series, which is not available in India. This series includes machines ranging from 20-ton to 150-ton capacity, designed to meet the specific needs of these regions.
How does Apollo Techno ensure effective service and support across various regions in India?
In India, we have established corporate offices in each region, with dedicated stores and service teams to cater to local needs. All our engineers are managed from our head office in Mehsana, near Ahmedabad, ensuring consistent service quality. We are committed to providing prompt support and guarantee that we address any complaints within 48 hours of receiving them. This network allows us to maintain high service standards and ensure customer satisfaction across the country.
