Universal Record Buoyancy Amid Recession

Ranjeet More
"Event during slowdown Universal has developed new products, network, setup exclusive stores and appointed distributers at many locations. The company has gone deeper in market like North Eastern States and focusing at small location where SBU I products are more required. In addition, we are also in discussion with European player to launch luffing cranes in India soon," says Mr. Ranjeet More, Managing Director, Universal, in an interview with S.A.Faridi.

How do you see the demand trends for the CE market in 2013-14 considering the government's more proactive approach to infrastructure development and the company's assessment of its growth in the same period?
Construction Equipment Market during 2013-14 will gradually go upto almost 10%-15% rise than financial year which I think was the bottom. The government has a very proactive approach towards the infrastructure but at the same time will also have to clear the pending dues of the contractors as it may affect next year. Universal has the plan to grow by 25% in the next year by adding the new product line & new market.

How is the company dealing with the current slowdown spell to maintain positive business performance and sentiments within and outside?
Universal has managed to float well this year, though the original plan was to grow by 30%. It has in this period developed new products, its network & other activities like we have setup exclusive stores in more than 5 locations, appointed distributers in more 10 locations etc. Within the company, there is lot of restructuring done to make it lean & effective.

What according to you propelled buying decision in the country during the current recessionary phase - the price, the value addition, the brand, or the efficient back up services?
Sentiments are low within the industry. People are becoming more conscious but still continuing to work. They are currently looking for efficient right price & size of equipment which will help them to be more effective and efficient. For example, people prefer to buy 20 CU.M/HR Or 30 CU.M/HR Batching Plant rather than going for a 60 CU.M/HR. as small batching plant consume less power and saves money.

Universal Tower Crane
After launching tower crane successfully and enhancing its portfolio, what is the status of your plan to come up with Luffing cranes in collaboration with European partner?
Universal plans to settle down and stabilize tower cranes market and is not going for Luffing Crane at this moment. Simultaneously, discussions are going on with European Players on Luffing Cranes for Joint Ventures.

Apart from above product line, is there any plan of developing other CE products to extend construction equipment range of the company?
Universal always considers its R&D unit as its backbone and has recently developed Batching plant for Manufacturing Cellular Light Weight Concrete which is the 1st integrated plant with the provision to use it as a Concrete Batching plant, thus making effective use. This will mainly be helpful in Tier II cities to produce CLC blocks as well as to sell Ready Mix Concrete in local market.

What are the technical pre- and post-market services provided by the company? Do you think that offering effective customer support services will help to vivificate your business?
After Sales Service Support is really vital to sell construction equipment throughout India as the industry is unorganized, the customer depends a lot on manufacturer for service even for small matters. Universal through its wide network, offers onsite service and also provides certified operator training.

Transit Mixer

How many products from the company have made their footprints in the domestic and international markets? Are you targeting specific areas or vying for a more widespread presence?
Universal market share in Portable Concrete Batching Plant has now gone up however, the quantity went down. There are more loyal customers who are repeatedly buying Universal products and opt for Upgraded technologies. This time, Universal has gone deeper in market like in North Eastern States, and will start focusing on spreading market at small locations where SBU I Products are required badly.
NBMCW November 2013
Trimble: Revolutionizing Construction Projects with Smart Technology

Trimble: Revolutionizing Construction Projects with Smart Technology

With its smart technology, Trimble is helping contractors manage construction projects on time, improve equipment efficiency, bring higher productivity, worker safety, and complete project economically with desired quality.

Read more ...

Terex Brand Finlay: Application-Driven Crushing & Screening Solutions

Terex Brand Finlay: Application-Driven Crushing & Screening Solutions

Alan Witherow, Product & Applications Manager, Finlay in an interview with P.P. Basistha on the sidelines of Texcon 2023, informed that Finlay, a Terex product brand, is working towards making the crushing and screening solutions more

Read more ...

Jaso India Prioritising Customer's Satisfaction with Reliable Cranes

Jaso India Prioritising Customer's Satisfaction with Reliable Cranes

“Our cranes are designed as per FEM regulations and are equipped with all the necessary safety features required for safe operations. Our aim is to be trusted and reliable material lifting partner for our customers.” Vishal Sharma, Managing Director

Read more ...

Agrani Enterprises Waterproofing Infrastructure for Longevity & Safety

Agrani Enterprises Waterproofing Infrastructure for Longevity & Safety

“Embracing technological advancements can ultimately lead to more efficient and cost-effective construction practices. This is because the integration of technology in construction companies, particularly in waterproofing, repair, and retrofitting

Read more ...

3D Concrete Printing Workshop with Live Demos

3D Concrete Printing Workshop with Live Demos

Advances in robotics, materials science, and digital design have paved the way for the development of sophisticated 3D concrete printing systems capable of constructing large-scale structures with precision and efficiency. Dr. Vishal Thombare

Read more ...

Jal Shakti Restoring Water To The People of India

Jal Shakti Restoring Water To The People of India

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Jal Shakti, shares with S.A.Faridi & Maria R, the challenges and initiatives being taken by the ministry towards effective water management and availability of safe drinking water for India’s burgeoning

Read more ...

Dam Safety Society: Scientific, Technological & Systematic Management

Dam Safety Society: Scientific, Technological & Systematic Management

Dams are critical infrastructure for storing water for a variety of uses like drinking, irrigation, power generation, industrial, domestic, and recreational uses. Managing the precious water assets requires systematic management and

Read more ...

Powerscreen: Strong & Reliable Electric & Hybrid Crushing Machines

Powerscreen: Strong & Reliable Electric & Hybrid Crushing Machines

Powerscreen is actively engaging with its customers to glean information on their job requirements and suggestions, and accordingly making enhancements in its products like Electric & Hybrid Crushing Machines, making them more

Read more ...

Sany India: Batch Mix Plants, Excavators, Cranes & Pilig Rigs

Sany India: Batch Mix Plants, Excavators, Cranes & Pilig Rigs

This achievement is a testament to SANY India’s commitment to provide high–quality, reliable and innovative equipment to the Indian market. Surpassing 30,000 machines operating across India fills us with immense pride. This significant milestone

Read more ...

Paving The Way for More Efficient And Timely Construction & Manufacturing Processes

Paving The Way for More Efficient And Timely Construction & Manufacturing Processes

Transformation of the infrastructure industry is vital for mitigation of climate challenges and the Blue-Green infrastructure offers a sustainable and self-healing solution for the problem at hand, informs Nikhil Jain, CEO, Qubik Group

Read more ...

MCOS Global: Solutions to Reduce Project Delays & Achieve Sustainability

MCOS Global: Solutions to Reduce Project Delays & Achieve Sustainability

Subhashis Kar, Managing Director, MCOS Global presents possible solutions and measures to effectively reduce delays in infra construction projects and bring sustainability in urban developments. MCOS Global is a prominent player

Read more ...

EXCON 2023: Showcasing Construction Industry’s Resilience and Vibrancy

EXCON 2023: Showcasing Construction Industry’s Resilience and Vibrancy

I am sure that a lot of excitement and enthusiasm is building up for the coming week when EXCON 2023, one of the largest construction equipment and technology trade fairs in the world, will open its door to welcome all the

Read more ...

Shri Gadkari discusses on road construction policies, technologies, challenges

Shri Gadkari discusses on road construction policies, technologies, challenges

In a prelude to EXCON 2023, Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, discusses with S. A. Faridi,Group Managing Editor, various aspects of road construction including policies

Read more ...

ICEMA: equipment industry growth prospect, challenges, training etc

ICEMA: equipment industry growth prospect, challenges, training etc

V. Vivekanand, President - ICEMA and Managing Director - Caterpillar India, shares his views on the growth prospects of India’s construction equipment industry and the need for it to embrace higher technology standards to solidify its position

Read more ...

BAI working on construction technologies, sustainability, standardization

BAI working on construction technologies, sustainability, standardization

According to S. Narsimha Reddy, President, Builders’ Association of India, modern construction technologies, use of sustainable building materials and standardisation are important for achieving project completion timelines

Read more ...

COAOI creating favorable environment for crane rental companies

COAOI creating favorable environment for crane rental companies

COAOI engages with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote a more conducive business environment so that crane rental companies can operate efficiently and contribute to the nation’s infrastructure development while maintaining safety

Read more ...

CERA: rental co. instrumental in construction equipment industry growth

CERA: rental co. instrumental in construction equipment industry growth

Rentals are paving the way forward for the construction equipment industry, and to ensure long-term resilience and growth, we are championing initiatives like unity, standardization, and commitment to fair practices

Read more ...

JCB India: Hi-tech Excavators, Telehandlers, Backhoe Loaders & AWP

JCB India: Hi-tech Excavators, Telehandlers, Backhoe Loaders & AWP

JCB is a leading construction equipment manufacturer with a comprehensive range of products that include mini excavators, skid steer loaders, telehandlers backhoe loaders, access platforms, compactors, excavators

Read more ...

Volvo CE: Time-Tested Excavators, Compactors & Asphalt Pavers

Volvo CE: Time-Tested Excavators, Compactors & Asphalt Pavers

Volvo CE started its India operations in 1998 to manufacture crawler excavators, soil compactors, and asphalt pavers. In 2022, it introduced time-tested quality machines like the EC300DL BH, custom-built for quarries, and Volvo EC480D

Read more ...

Wirtgen: Advanced Road Construction, Crushing & Screeing Equipment

Wirtgen: Advanced Road Construction, Crushing & Screeing Equipment

With its various product brands WIRTGEN, VÖGELE, HAMM, KLEEMANN and BENNINGHOVEN, the WIRTGEN GROUP covers the entire road construction process chain from processing, mixing, paving, compacting, and road rehabilitation to

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.