SNP ConRepair Bringing new technologies in construction chemical

The need of the hour is to develop greener and more cost-effective products, train and certify applicators, and educate customers and end-users on new construction chemicals for better concrete finishes, says Mr. Sandeep Chaudhry, Director, SNP ConRepair, in an interview with Maria R.

How is the construction chemicals market in India developing and what are its growth prospects?

The market for construction chemicals is evolving. The residential, commercial, and industrial sectors and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, stadiums etc, are seeing a revival since the last 3 years. So, more and more concrete is being used. Project engineers are looking for fast and higher strength, and there is greater emphasis on better concrete finishes. Now, all of this requires better technologies in construction chemicals. The recent World of Concrete 2018 at Las Vegas, showcased new products in concrete finishes, strengths, and decorative concrete.

How is SNP ConRepair gearing up to meet market demand?

SNP is engaged in waterproofing, concrete repair and finishes for the last 15 years. While for a long time, we were only handling product application as waterproofing contractors, a few years back we shifted gears and started bringing in new products with a focus on waterproofing. We have tied up with ConRepair Company Ltd of South Korea and the PAREX Group of France, for Polyurethane and Epoxy Injection grouting chemicals, grouting pumps, accessories, and waterproofing chemicals.

We are now offering a complete range of ConRepair Polyurethane Injection grouts CYH 500 and CYH 505 for waterproofing of basements, tunnels, bridges, dams etc. These products are also suitable for waterproofing from the negative side of the structures. In Korea, leading EPC companies such as POSCO, Samsung, and LG are the major clients for these products. With the PAREX Group, we stock chemicals and provide technical support to applicators to keep them updated with the new products and technologies.

With demand for more modern and greener construction techniques, innovative waterproofing/repair products are making their way into the country. Please highlight some of your advanced products being introduced here.

No doubt, the industry is moving fast towards environment-friendly products. Global leaders like PAREX with plants and operations worldwide, are bringing to India new technologies and products that have been certified ‘green’. For instance, PAREX K 10 Sovacryl has been certified and approved by RDSO for application on the metal roofs of all the railway stations across India. The product will not only repair any damage due to rusting, but also provide waterproofing and thermal insulation with its high reflectivity index ratio. Product specifiers are looking at such products with zeal.

What is the USP of your products with regard to their sustainability, environment and user-friendliness?

When we talk specifically about our ConRepair CYH 500 and CYH 505, which are Polyurethane Injection grouts, both the grades can seal flowing water from concrete almost instantaneously. These are very low viscosity products and have high flowability, and are easy to apply using ConRepair Grout Pump CY 1000. Most importantly, these products are very cost effective, as they are 35%-45% lower priced than similar products in India.

How is SNP ConRepair promoting right application practices to create awareness amongst end-users?

There is very little in-depth knowledge of construction chemicals in India. Globally, research and product development has led to the creation of newer and more cost-effective products. But in India, we are still promoting what sells easily. The applicators are neither trained and certified by many companies, and the application industry is highly unorganized. We have started an initiative to train and certify applicators and are in talks with companies to start certification programs in India.

What are your plans to strengthen your distribution and customer service?

We have started deploying distributors and have already appointed some in Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Technical and after-sales support is being provided by our head office in Gurgaon. We are training each and every applicator who has started using our products. Infact, our trainers go to project sites and train the project developer’s team. This has resulted in lower wastage of the chemicals, which saves labor as well as product costs, and lower application costs.