Mr. Asit A Patel, Managing Director, Ammann Apollo.

Ammann Apollo: “We’re quite upbeat on market growth and expect that the road construction equipment industry will grow at a CAGR of 6-7% for the next 5-6 years. With the current demand trend toward sustainable equipment, Ammann Apollo is manufacturing its products with futuristic in-built features and green technology, which will be displayed at bauma Conexpo India 2016. Our group has always believed in being closer to the customers to offer products and services that not just meet their requirement but also exceed them. We aim to achieve not only customers’ satisfaction but also their delight,” says Mr. Asit A Patel, Managing Director, Ammann Apollo.

What is your market outlook for 2017 and beyond for construction equipment in general and Ammann Apollo in particular, keeping the government’s focus on infrastructure development in view?

The market conditions are buoyant and the sentiments are high. The Government has been consistent in its thrust on infrastructure development and road construction. Ammann Apollo is positive of the future – 2017 and beyond. We expect the market segment in which we are present to grow at a CAGR of 6-7% for the next 5-6 years. I would have projected even higher growth numbers but for the fact that the awards for roads today are divided between flexible and rigid pavements.

Constructing 40km of roads a day needs higher levels of mechanization and skilled workers; Is the industry ready for such a daunting task?

We are of the opinion that India has abundant talent at every level. Our workforce will rise up to the occasion of constructing 40 km of roads a day. Yes, this will call for a high degree of mechanization which again is available in India. At Ammann Apollo, we offer equipment with the latest technology as practiced in developed nations. This high technology equipment is backed with quick response time on the after-market support. I do not see any problem here.

In view of greater emphasis of the government on infra development in the North-East and sub-Himalayan regions, what market potential do you see for your products in these regions?

The emphasis on the North East & sub-Himalayan regions has been on for some time now. Today, of course, the thrust has been taken to the next level. We are already witnessing an increase in demand for our products in these regions. Going forward, we expect the potential for our products to take a quantum leap. In anticipation of this, we have already strengthened our offices in these regions.

What is Ammann Apollo’s business strategy in meeting the market requirements? Are you providing customized solutions?

Ammann & Apollo as individual organizations have always believed in being closer to the customers and alive to the changing needs of the market. Working together, the Joint Venture has refined that process to a great extent drawing on the experiences of both the organizations. Yes, we offer customized solutions. In fact, we take justifiable pride in the fact that we are a solution provider first and our equipment supplies are a natural extension of this business philosophy.


Do you think that due to tight project schedules, advanced technologies are being preferred over low cost equipment, or are both working in tandem? How is your company balancing out the two?

India is a diversified country. It is no different in the Indian business. In every segment of business, you will notice that the market has room for high –medium-low cost products and services. Road construction equipment market segment is no different. At Ammann Apollo, we have products that cater to the different segments of the market. We offer a product to suit the customers’ technology and price requirements. You can say that we have a very fine balance here.

What support Ammann Apollo does offer for knowledge sharing, operator training, etc, to ease customers’ jobsite challenges?

We believe that knowledge is power only when it is shared. We are open to knowledge sharing which will help our customers’ to achieve better results. Training of the operators is, therefore, a natural corollary of this belief. We offer all kinds of operational support to our customers to ensure high uptime and productivity of our equipment. I would say that we owe our market leadership to this practice.

What are your new initiatives for increasing sales and strengthening product support?

Today, you do not have any business sans competition. Healthy competition helps all around. It helps us to be vigilant and not have a laid back attitude. I do not think that one needs to adopt newer initiatives to increase sales. Strategies – yes. We follow the path of being close to the customer, listen to the customer, and offer products & services that not just meet their requirement but exceed them. We believe in achieving not just customer satisfaction but customer delight. Walk that extra mile. Deliver more than expected. Be sincere to the customer. Specifically speaking, we have fully equipped offices pan India that cater in double quick time in offering product support. And we anticipate the market potential and strengthen our offices in a proactive fashion.


What will be your company’s focus at bauma ConExpo India 2016?

The exhibitors assess the trade fair as “A professionally managed show” for all construction equipment needs – One Stop Solution (Local place with Global Environment), Ammann Apollo is quite upbeat, and we will be showcasing products with futuristic in-built features and with a Green technology touch.

With market sentiments upbeat we perceive it is the right forum for the developers to see upcoming new technologies more so Green technology which will help them in optimizing the project resources. The venue is a great stage for creating global branding.

bC India is such a mega event of northern India where all the decision makers viz NHDP, MORTH, IRC, Defence organizations and other opinion leaders are based, and further the venue is easily accessible to 6 neighbouring states.