Normet India

India serves as a vital sourcing hub across all our manufacturing plants, enabling us to develop products with the highest possible level of localization, a strategy that allows us to achieve price competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
Subhasis Mohanty - Managing Director & VP - Sales (India & Middle East), Normet India

What innovations has the company made in its products to enable more efficient large-scale infrastructure construction?

At Normet, we lead the way in innovation within the construction, tunneling, and mining sectors, especially for large-scale infrastructure projects. Our advancements in product technologies include the development of innovative systems that monitor performance in real-time, optimizing costs and enhancing safety.

For instance, our Normet SmartSpray® automated spray systems for shotcrete application deliver spray productivity for consistent and high-quality spraying results. This is an apt solution to address variations in the skill levels of the operators.

Our Xrock Automation system is an advanced tele-remote and automation solution for boom breakers; it integrates both hardware and software for excellent performance and optimum productivity, with a strong focus on operator safety and alertness in meeting project deadlines.

All our equipment is fitted with IoT-enabled sensors that provide real-time data on usage and performance. This connectivity enables Normet to make quick, informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste. With our Remote Monitoring Centre located at our Centre of Excellence facility in Jaipur, our customers benefit from predictive maintenance and improved equipment availability. Through remote monitoring, the Normet team collects specific data from customer machinery, leveraging our technical expertise, know-how, and analytics to generate actionable recommendations for maintenance teams.

Moreover, our innovative construction chemical solutions improve the stability and safety of tunnels, mining, and other mega infrastructure projects, facilitating smoother progress and timely completion.

What measures is your company taking to reduce energy consumption, minimize emissions, and incorporate green technology in its equipment?

The Normet teams have developed the Normet SmartDrive® range of Battery Electric Vehicles designed to optimize energy consumption and performance in underground mining and tunnelling applications. The Normet SmartDrive® equipment enables higher productivity, lower operating costs and, most importantly - zero local emissions. Our energy-efficient equipment contributes towards reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional machinery. Our first fleet of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for use in underground mines in India have been deployed at Hindustan Zinc.

Technologies such as SmartSpray demonstrate reduction in material waste and a decrease in water usage during the application process. This not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes the environmental impact of the project. Also, in line with our growth strategy and our sustainability goals, we are poised to begin manufacturing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in India at our Centre of Excellence.

What are Normet’s strategies to position its products and services on global markets, and how is the company addressing issues regarding price competitiveness, tariffs, and local content regulations?

Our Centre of Excellence in Jaipur was developed given our strong focus on exports. Every model produced here is designed and developed for both the local and global markets. This facility enhances our manufacturing footprint, allowing us to serve international markets while maintaining the same quality standards as our other Normet manufacturing sites.

Our R&D setup in India boasts one of the largest teams and addresses global requirements effectively. By leveraging advanced technologies—such as automation, IoT, and eco-friendly solutions, we provide cutting-edge equipment that enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Furthermore, to address price competitiveness, we focus on providing value rather than competing solely on price. Our products are designed for longevity and reduced maintenance, which translates to lower total cost of ownership for our customers.

How is Normet optimizing its manufacturing processes and bringing greater efficiency into its supply chain?

We are acutely aware of the rising costs of production and the operational challenges that accompany them and are therefore looking to maximise localisation through our manufacturing facilities.

To tackle supply chain challenges and stay unaffected by geo-political challenges, we are building strong relationships with many local suppliers. This strategy mitigates risks associated with supply disruptions and enables us to negotiate better terms. In addition, we are forging strategic partnerships with key suppliers and logistics providers to enhance our supply chain efficiency. Collaborating closely with these partners enables us to leverage their expertise and capabilities, resulting in improved logistics operations and reduced lead times.

We have also adopted lean manufacturing practices to enhance efficiency in our production processes. By streamlining workflows, reducing waste, and optimizing resource utilization, we can lower production costs. In addition, our local R&D team enables us to stay ahead of the curve through continuous cost optimisation projects and innovations that help us optimise manufacturing.

How can the industry-government partnership further streamline business operations and foster innovation?

The Government should introduce specific incentives and subsidies to encourage the adoption of new technologies for electric machines in mining and tunnelling. We would greatly benefit from additional Government support regarding import duties on components needed for manufacturing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and for bringing in technologies that can elevate mining and tunneling standards in India to a global level. The support on import duties would be highly advantageous.

We have made significant investments in manufacturing in India for the mining and tunnelling sectors, however the turnover in these areas is not comparable to that of commercial vehicles. Therefore, the investment and turnover criteria to be eligible for PLI scheme should be adjusted to make it more attractive for manufacturers operating in these sectors.

Further, implementation of skill development initiatives in collaboration with industry stakeholders will help build a skilled workforce capable of meeting international quality standards. Programs focused on advanced manufacturing techniques, quality control, and technology applications will ensure that local vendors are equipped with the necessary expertise.

What innovations is the company showcasing at bauma CONEXPO INDIA‘24?

We are excited to showcase our latest innovations that prioritize sustainability and efficiency in construction, tunnelling and mining at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024. We are showcasing our new products that are most relevant for the India and emerging markets. These include Aliva concrete spraying equipment, Hydraulic Breakers, VR Simulator for concrete and scaling application trainings.

We are also highlighting our innovative construction chemical solutions that improve the durability and safety of infrastructure projects. These products are designed to withstand the unique challenges of the Indian environment, ensuring that our infrastructure remains resilient and long-lasting. By integrating these advanced materials, we help builders meet high-quality standards while supporting the nation’s infrastructure goals.

From cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance efficiency and productivity to groundbreaking innovations tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry, our team of experts are at hand to provide personalized demonstrations and insights.