Suretech Infrastructure
We need to be motivated in order to undertake R&D and to innovate or improve; the motivation can come from the government by way of tax breaks and incentives for tech breakthroughs.
Sunil Newatia - Chairman & MD, Suretech Infrastructure
What cutting-edge engineering solutions is the company offering?
We specialize in foundation engineering solutions, particularly Vibro Hammers. In India, crane hanging Vibros are quite popular, but are not ideal for smaller jobs of 6-10m sheet piling, hence, we are promoting the excavator-mounted Vibro Hammers, which are more suitable for such jobs. Coupled with Straight Booms, Goosenecks, and Boom Brackets, these Vibros can be a very cost-effective solution for sheet piling works.
The world over, excavator-mounted Vibros are being used for 90% of the sheet piling jobs, while in India, crane hanging Vibros are preferred for most sheet piling jobs, which not only consume more fuel but also have higher operating costs, and ultimately raise the overall cost of the project. This is driving the market for excavator-mounted Vibros as they are easier to set up, cheaper to run and do the job more efficiently.
Is the company leveraging technologies such as AI, IoT, and autonomous systems in its products?
We shall introduce these advancements when the Indian market is mature enough to absorb them. Indian contractors today are still tech averse and avoid advanced electronics. Unskilled operators are one of the reasons for customers’ preference for equipment that does not have electronics / AI / IoT integrated. Customers too do not want to accept the additional costs involved. Plus, the overall margins on project execution are dwindling while costs are continuously going up, discouraging the introduction of AI in construction equipment.
How do your products help in reducing energy consumption and in minimizing carbon emissions?
Vibro Hammers reduce energy consumption as they can accomplish the task of driving piles much faster than a rotary rig or an Impact Hammer.
Though fuel-efficient engines and electric models are available in the global market, they are yet to be introduced in India due to the absence of emission norms for construction equipment. No customer will opt for eco-friendly machines owing to their higher acquisition and operating costs. The Indian Government needs to bring in laws against carbon emission for all construction machinery on the lines of motor vehicles and wheeled equipment.
How can the government and industry work together to encourage local manufacturing of components?
It’s a very tall order! Indian customers are very adept at ‘Jugaad’ and by some means or other will get alternative parts developed locally. These parts may not meet the quality standards or the life of the original parts, but they are extremely low in cost. Except for very critical hydraulic or electronic components, no customer wants to buy genuine OEM spares. Besides, cheap Chinese components have flooded the market. It is therefore very difficult to attract overseas manufacturers to setup shop in India. Probably, one way out could be by imposing anti-dumping duty on Chinese imports, but this would definitely increase the project execution costs.
What Government incentive or policy could have an immediate and positive impact on the Indian CE Industry?
The Government needs to incentivize Indian manufacturers to spend more money on R&D. We cannot innovate or improve or even have an inclination to do that till there is some motivation. The motivation can come from the government by way of tax breaks and incentives for tech breakthroughs.
Another issue is the overall potential of the Indian market. Despite all the growth stories, currently, the Indian market is extremely small in terms of usage of high-tech equipment like Vibro Hammers, Impact Hammers, Tunnel Boring Machines, etc, to warrant setting up of manufacturing facilities.
What is Suretech showcasing at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024?
We are showcasing handheld hydraulic tools for demolition, rock splitting, and metal shearing. These are very effective in controlled demolition which tends to be a niche area. As distributors of equipment for controlled demolition, we supply the right tools and machines for this purpose. Both splitters and crushing tools allow safe controlled demolition of concrete without water, noise, dust or vibration.
Based on a modular system, these units consist of one main body and a set of interchangeable blades, and in a few easy steps can be converted into different tools like the Concrete crusher, Steel shear, and the Combi shear. Extremely versatile and functional, it is an indispensable partner for demolition inside inhabited buildings or in densely populated areas.
