Sandvik Engineers Equipment for Maximum Productivity

"At Sandvik, we strongly believe in giving back to the community. We deliver more than what we promise to our customers in terms of product output. Our machines are truly of world-class and engineered for maximum productivity thus delivering optimum value to our esteemed customers. Moreover, our strong on the site and classroom training, parts and service offering are the other influencing factors as to why customers choose Sandvik when purchasing new equipment," says Mr. Harinder Jit Singh, Vice President - Sandvik Construction, India in an interview with S.A.Faridi.

How do you analyze the business scenario and challenges for infrastructure sector in general and aggregate sector in particular in 2015?
Personally, I think the potential is noticeable due to the rapid urbanization and economic growth. India's Infrastructure has some significant catch-up work to do.

India is already witnessing a tremendous surge relating to infrastructure development. Public sector investment coupled with private sectors innovation will definitely give impetus to the growth for roads, ports, hydro, and power projects. We are optimistic that the new government will set growth and development at the top of their economic agenda.

Owing to emergence of the new government, the next ten years will definitely change the entire outlook of the industry. We can already see the vital signs of future growth in procurements. The shift towards mechanization and employment of modern technology and equipment, plant and machinery in projects is evidently indicating towards a robust infrastructure growth towards the second quarter of 2015.

In crushing segment wheeled and modular plants are quite popular among roads and other infra projects contractors. What is Sandvik's product range in this segment?
We at Sandvik offer advanced, rational solutions for any size-reduction challenge, in stationary, modular or wheeled ranges. We can upgrade existing plants, deliver complete solutions and effect turnkey installations to our customers. We also supply individual crushers and screens, as well as key components and a wide range of consumables.

Some of our customers only want sound technical advice. At others, they require concrete technical support, delivered swiftly, competently and cost-effectively. Whatever their needs are, we at Sandvik are here to help them. Sandvik has a wealth of experience and we have teams of experts spanning the globe to help our customers solve equipment-related challenges. Sandvik crushing and screening equipment range is engineered for maximum productivity!

In India, machines are made to work longer hours in hostile working conditions; what is Sandvik's India specific R&D focus? Does it modify equipment as per specific site requirements?
India is the new hub for Sandvik Global R&D since 2013! We are also now successfully localising many Tunnelling Jumbos and Crushers as per market requirements and meeting our customers' needs.

Operators training, after sales service, spare parts availability, and after market, are the key areas which should be considered while selecting equipment; what initiatives are you taking to strengthen these areas?
Sandvik Construction has identified the parts and service business as one of the key priority areas, because, focus on service strengthens customer loyalty even further, throughout the equipment life cycle.

Our dedicated 24*7 customer service desk is a bridge between customer and internal team via effective interaction. It provides a single point of contact for all customer issues and guarantees successful closures within a stipulated time.

Our strong on the site and classroom training, parts and service offering are one of the influencing factors as to why customers choose Sandvik when purchasing new equipment.

What is the core strength/hallmark of Sandvik which separates you from the competition?

Sandvik strength can be summarized as: (i) Technologically and commercially leading in selected segments. (ii) Advanced and broad-based R&D activities, continuous readiness to invest in new developing areas and to streamline existing operations. (iii) High value-added products and high share of in-house manufacturing. (iv) More rapid processes – combining robust global procedures with expanded local mandates. (v) Close collaboration with customers and more distinct commercial focus. (vi) World-class manufacturing and logistics.

(vii) Most importantly we deliver more than what we promise to our customers in terms of product output. Our machines are truly of world-class delivering optimum value to our esteemed customers.

Strengthened sustainability program, both internally and in relation to customers and suppliers.

Sandvik always has a harmonized safety, corporate culture and strong core values that are our hallmark and distinct brand as an employer.

What advanced features are installed in your products line especially to reduce power consumption and ensure better operational efficiency?
At Sandvik, we strongly believe in giving back to the community! Our Construction Recycling Concept (SCRC) is a comprehensive service for used carbide enhanced drilling products and materials offered by Sandvik to all its customers.

In the light of increasing consumption of non-renewable raw materials, the economic management of dwindling resources is a duty owed by all manufacturers.

Our harder side is all about world-class equipment. We offer the broadest range of products, services and solutions. Our softer side is about caring for people and the environment!