Universal: A Multi-product Export Oriented Company

Ranjeet More
Universal is a multi product, multi location export oriented company with over 5 product lines such as, Concreting, Material handling, Compacting, Sand processing, Block Making etc. “The Company entered into Tower Crane business in the year 1999-2000 by forging a distribution Tie up with German Crane Manufacturer. Now we have taken forward the localization of Tower Crane in our agenda on priority. At Excon 2013 we will be displaying-Heavy Unique Concrete Batching Plants, Small mobile concrete solution, Vertical Material handling equipment & Uniquely design Rock Breakers,” says Mr. Ranjeet More, Managing Director, Universal in an interview with S. A. Faridi.

What has been the business performance of Universal in the past three quarters of 2013 in this tough economic scenario?
Unversal is a multi-product, multi- location export oriented company. It is very tough to handle such scenario but in down times, it also plays a balancing role. Same happened in past 3 Quarters of 2013 where the high value & capital intensive sale went down but small & medium equipment sale balanced the same, Sale in Metros went down but it was balanced by Tier-II & Tier-III cities.

Similarly, having said that domestic market still went down below target but it was compensated by price realization of Exports.

Universal has been adding new products to its portfolio on regular interval despite slowdown; what has been the driving force and strategies behind these products addition?
Universal considers R&D as back bone of the company and always strive to develop new products. This has been a key factor & helped Universal to Stand in such slow- downs and tough times. Right in 1997 Universal developed equipment for Dams & Irrigation projects. In 2000, it developed equipment for roads, In 2008, it developed Heavy concrete & Material handling equipment. This new range of products improved the customer confidence, also moral of Universal team increased to face the slowdown.

Concrete manufacturing equipment has been the core of universal business; what prompt you to add tower crane into your products portfolio by entering into a distribution tie-up with German crane manufacturer Useter? And what has been the market response?
Universal has more than 5 product lines such as, Concreting, Materials handling, Compacting, Sand processing, Block Making etc. Universal went into Tower Cranes in the year 1999-2000 with German company. But the market was very immature during that period & certain circumstances forced us to move out of Tower Crane business.

Baching Plant

Universal now wants to offer various vertical materials handling solution for its valuable customer & Tower crane is one of the products along with Passenger/ Materials Lift, See Saw lift, Mini lift etc. The response has been quite good as the product is robust, sturdy, heavy, and safe.

Localization of German designed Tower crane was also on company’s radar. What has been the progress so far in view of the impact of rupee devaluation?
Universal has taken forward the localization of Tower Crane in its agenda on priority. There, has been a big impact of Rupee devaluation on this Business.

The equipment market has reached at that critical point where key competitive differentiator would be after market and innovations; how are you looking on this aspect?
Innovations will always lead & it is absolutely essential in today’s world. Innovation for new products which are fuel / energy efficient, cost competitive, user-friendly are important aspects. Universal also feels deeper market reach as important aspect in today’s market / business.

Trained operators & technicians and preventive and periodical maintenance play a big role in equipment performance. Please brief us on your services.
India has a big challenge of scarcity of Trained manpower. The productivity of the Indian Technicians is as low as 20% to the Global standards. This has a impact on productivity and performance of the Machine, particularly high value capital equipment. Universal was the first to move in the industry to start operator training centre in 2007 with CIDC.

So far the company has trained more than 3,000 operators and has a target to train more than 1000 operators this FY.

What kind of growth do you expect in next two-three years for your company and innovative strategies to stave off toughening competition scenario?
Three years in today’s time is too long period to have a clear cut visibility of market. Though we have 3 years plan which indicates 20% year-on-year growth. We have gone through a situation in the 1st half of this FY which was not expected.

The 3rd & 4th quarter will be very important though we have the general election & there are very less signs of improvements which seem to be very temporary.

How are you planning to participate in CE industry mega event Excon to be held in Bangalore? What would be the focus of your projection in this mega show?
  • EXCON has always been a great event for the Indian Construction Industry but somehow this time it seems to be very tough situation to handle due to market slowdown, Tight cash flows and tight liquidity. The Infrastructure sector has slowed down and there are very less signs of catching up even after EXCON.
  • I hope the good monsoon and some good government strategies would come up to improve the market in the 2nd half after Diwali festival. Our focus will be on New products Launches where we will be displaying- Heavy Unique Concrete Batching Plants, Small mobile concrete solution, Vertical Material handling equipment, and Uniquely design Rock Breakers.
NBMCW November 2013

No comments yet, Be the first one to comment on this.

Trimble Solutions: Machine-Controlled Construction Technologies

Trimble Solutions: Machine-Controlled Construction Technologies

Harsh Pareek, Regional Sales Director, India and SAARC, Trimble Solutions, discusses the benefits of machine-controlled construction technologies and modern building methods in India; digital integration for project management and decision-making

Read more ...

CJ Darcl: Providing Seamless End-to-End Logistics Services

CJ Darcl: Providing Seamless End-to-End Logistics Services

“Our focus on providing comprehensive solutions, powered by cutting-edge technology, warehousing facilities and pan India presence, ensures that our clients experience seamless, efficient, and environmentally responsible logistics services.”

Read more ...

eTrans: Advanced Telematics for Efficient & Sustainable Logistics

eTrans: Advanced Telematics for Efficient & Sustainable Logistics

“eTrans advanced vehicle tracking, telematics, and fleet management solutions help businesses minimize costs, enhance safety, and optimize operational efficiency,” says Ranabir Chatterjee, CEO.

Read more ...

Jassper Shipping: Leading Green Logistics with EV Fleet Expansion

Jassper Shipping: Leading Green Logistics with EV Fleet Expansion

“We are not just expanding our logistics network; we are creating better opportunities for the people who drive our success, ensuring long-term sustainability for both the business and our employees,” says Pushpank Kaushik

Read more ...

How Sunil Chaturvedi & Team Forged Gainwell Group into Global Powerhouse

How Sunil Chaturvedi & Team Forged Gainwell Group into Global Powerhouse

Sunil Chaturvedi exemplifies the modern, first-generation entrepreneur – unconventional, adaptable, forward-thinking, and committed to continuous growth. His journey from a government administrator to an industrial leader demonstrates that professional

Read more ...

Robbins Offers Advanced TBM Solutions for Complex Global Tunneling

Robbins Offers Advanced TBM Solutions for Complex Global Tunneling

In an exclusive interview with Lok Home, President, Robbins, and Rajat Jain, General Manager, Robbins India, Maria R, uncovers how the company is blending innovation, local strategy, and decades of expertise to drive tunneling

Read more ...

Macons: Reliable Concrete Equipment for India & Global Markets

Macons: Reliable Concrete Equipment for India & Global Markets

Jainil Surelia, Director, and Abhijit Shinde, Vice President, Macons Equipments, discuss their company’s growing product portfolio and expansion into international markets. We are fully engaged and aligned with India’s infrastructure development goals

Read more ...

Dr. Ambika Behl: Sustainable Road Engineering with Waste By-Products

Dr. Ambika Behl: Sustainable Road Engineering with Waste By-Products

In an exclusive interview with Maria R., Dr. Ambika Behl, Senior Principal Scientist - Flexible Pavements, CSIR-CRRI, shares her research-based innovations in road construction using waste by-products as sustainable solutions

Read more ...

Terex India: Track-Mounted Crusher, Screener, Impactor, & 25t Franna Crane

Terex India: Track-Mounted Crusher, Screener, Impactor, & 25t Franna Crane

Terex India offers a diverse range of innovative equipment, including track-mounted crushers, screeners, impactors, the 25-ton Franna crane, tracked trommels and shredders.

Read more ...

ACE Unveils Next-Gen BS-V Backhoe Loader with TATA 74 hp Engine

ACE Unveils Next-Gen BS-V Backhoe Loader with TATA 74 hp Engine

Action Construction Equipment (ACE), unveiled its BS-V AX124 Backhoe Loader, setting new standards for sustainability, performance, and efficiency. The all-new AX124 BS-V Backhoe Loader powered by TATA 74 hp engine is engineered to meet

Read more ...

Tata Hitachi Launches Upgraded Shinrai Prime CEV 5 Backhoe Loader

Tata Hitachi Launches Upgraded Shinrai Prime CEV 5 Backhoe Loader

Taking the opportunity to reposition its backhoe loaders in the highly competitive business segment, Tata Hitachi launched its upgraded Shinrai Prime CEV 5 backhoe loader. It also exhibited its new BS V compliant wheel loader

Read more ...

Escorts Kubota: BLX Series of Backhoe Loaders with 75 hp Escorts Engine

Escorts Kubota: BLX Series of Backhoe Loaders with 75 hp Escorts Engine

Sanjeev Bajaj, Chief Officer, Abhijit Shinde, Head - Material Handling and Compactors and Suresh Ayeegoundanpalayam Kathirvel, Head - Earthmoving Sales, Escorts Kubota, share their expansion plans and business opportunities from the

Read more ...

Schwing Stetter India: Concrete Mixers, Plants, Road Machinery & Crushers

Schwing Stetter India: Concrete Mixers, Plants, Road Machinery & Crushers

Schwing Stetter India, a leading manufacturer of concrete construction equipment in India, has announced a 20% revenue growth target for 2025. The company showcased 45+ advanced machines, including 25% new and upgraded products

Read more ...

SANY India Showcases Construction Equipment as ‘Chariots of Development’

SANY India Showcases Construction Equipment as ‘Chariots of Development’

SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, showcased its products under the theme ‘Chariots of Development,’ emphasizing its commitment to contributing to India’s ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047.

Read more ...

HD Hyundai India: BS V Wheel Loader, 3ton Mini Excavator & 20ton Excavator

HD Hyundai India: BS V Wheel Loader, 3ton Mini Excavator & 20ton Excavator

HD Hyundai India showcases its advanced equipment lineup, including the BS V-compliant wheel loader, a 3-ton mini excavator, and an upgraded 20-ton excavator, catering to diverse applications in the construction and mining sectors.

Read more ...

TIL Limited Unveils Snorkel A62JRT Articulating Boom Lift

TIL Limited Unveils Snorkel A62JRT Articulating Boom Lift

TIL Limited made a triumphant return to bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 under the Gainwell Group banner, marking a significant milestone in its transformation journey. The company showcased its successful integration of global partnerships

Read more ...

Etnyre Ties Up with Gainwell for Manufacturing & Distribution of Road Rehabilitation Machines in India

Etnyre Ties Up with Gainwell for Manufacturing & Distribution of Road Rehabilitation Machines in India

US origin road maintenance equipment major Etnyre has entered into a technical and marketing collaboration with Gainwell for manufacturing and distribution of Etnyre products in India. Said Ganesh Iyer, President & CEO, Etnyre

Read more ...

Ammann India: Super-Tech Asphalt Batch Mix Plants & CE Stage V Compactors

Ammann India: Super-Tech Asphalt Batch Mix Plants & CE Stage V Compactors

Road construction equipment behemoth Ammann India is well known for its formidable product offerings in road construction segment. Taking its expertise ahead, Ammann India has recently unveiled a series of new products like an asphalt

Read more ...

Greaves Retail: Advanced Electric Light Construction Equipment Range

Greaves Retail: Advanced Electric Light Construction Equipment Range

Greaves Retail, a division of Greaves Cotton Limited and a leading provider of clean mobility and energy solutions in the e2W, ICE 2W, e3W, ICE 3W, and SCV segments, launched its new range of high-performance electrified light construction equipment.

Read more ...

To get latest updates on whatsapp, Save +91 93545 87773 and send us a 'Saved' message
Click Here to Subscribe to Our eNewsletter.