As leaders we focus on localization and developing technology

What are the initiatives taken by Atlas Copco to improve the facilities or Manufacturing Units within the country especially in respect to Research & Development,

As leaders we focus on localization and developing technology
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S Kumar,Business Line Manager, Portable Air Division, Atlas Copco India Ltd.

What are the initiatives taken by Atlas Copco  to improve the facilities or Manufacturing Units within the country especially in respect to Research & Development, Technology Development, and Innovation of new products that have helped the company as well as the customers over the period of last few years? What has been the total investment in creating the ecosystem?

Looking into the requirements for infrastructure, most of the manufacturing units are either investing in expansion or companies like Atlas Copco are turning to more efficient methods of production thereby enabling increased manufacturing capacity within the existing resources. Infact, Atlas Copco has invested in a greenfield state of the art factory just few years back, wherein we have introduced the latest manufacturing technology which is ensuring a higher manufacturing capacity. The Chakan plant is 19000 square meters and is built in accordance with LEED (Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design), is based on IGBC rating system and has rainwater harvesting facility and solar panels for powering the plant. The main goal is that we should be able to serve the market demand and need for the latest innovations in technology and on time deliveries on site.

Portable air compressors play a pivatol role in quarrying and mining applications. The quarrying application specifically, is a segment of paramount importance, looking at the amount of stone which is required for infrastructure projects. Similarly, the extraction of minerals such as iron ore, manganese etc with reliable portable air compressors with the lowest possible energy consumption is an important application under metal mining.

We cannot ignore that customers are also scaling up in terms of quality and service expectations, and we will continue to provide them with the time-tested Atlas Copco technology. Atlas Copco is a big investor in R&D in India. As leaders in innovation, we focus on localization and developing new technology.

How have Telematics, Artificial Intelligence and Analytics helped the construction equipment manufacturers like Atlas Copco?

Artificial intelligence, Internet of things, digitalization, telematics, preventive maintenance have become the key buzzwords in the industry. Digitalization is the new buzzword andwe, at Atlas Copco, focus on bringing unmatched service with a strong digital footprint. We are complementing the traditional way of service engineers monitoring the health of the machine with advanced digital systems like Fleet Link, mobile apps such as PowerHub for Atlas Copco dealers and PowerCare for Atlas Copco customers. Fleet Link is a connectivity (telematics) solution which represents all relevant operational and service information of connected machines on the website and dashboards. It offers remote insights in the vital stats of our customers’ portable air compressors on site.  Further our latest dealer management software ensures maximum equipment uptime.”

Which are the new products you are planning to launch at the Excon Event and in what segments?

At Excon-2019, we will launch next generation portable air compressors and highlight the new technology used to enhance the productivity of the product. Also, we will demonstrate our handheld tools and digital service applications to showcase our focus on innovations.

At Excon, we will focus on how we play a pivotal role in the irrigation segment to provide water for drinking needs as well as how we contribute to the mining segment in a big way, with our advanced compressors. Further, we will showcase our extended range of LED lighting tower technology with advanced features.

With an upgraded portfolio and technologically advanced equipment,  we will highlight our new products which will continue to touch lives and improve infrastructure needs of people in India.

What are the major challenges that the industry is facing and how are you planning to overcome them?

For companies like Atlas Copco, who believe in innovation, continuous improvement in present technology is a must. Not only is it necessary to improve in innovation but it is also imperative that we adapt new technologies being used in developed countries.

In terms of challenges we foresee:

  1. More production
  2. New technology to achieve more productivity
  3. Service set up: More products, better service set up & expertise is needed.

The challenge for manufacturers is to bring in new technology on a consistent basis. We as market leaders will launch advanced technology products to grow faster than the industry; for that, we will continuously innovate.

Advanced technology and better productivity solutions will be the demand drivers in the future.

There is a clear decline in sales due to lack of investment by government in the infrastructure space and the overall slowdown in economy. This has subsequently impacted the sales and turnover of construction equipment companies as well. What has been the impact of this slowdown on your investments on technology enhancement or R&D and innovations?

Our strength is that “We are listening” to the customer irrespective of the market scenario and are continuously innovating to match our compressor offerings to customer needs. We are launching the NEXT GENERATION COMPRESSOR with PACE technology is the first of its kind in this CFM/PSI combination with breakthrough technology in the shallow water well drilling and mining segment. We undertake a lot of field trials and invest more than a year of R&D before launching any new products. A customer always sees the value he will get from the product he is buying. So, other than launching new products, technology advancements are always in our pipeline.

Infact all our portable air compressors:

  • have an advanced well-designed acoustic sound dampened canopy which makes easy operations in high ambient temperatures and dusty environments.
  • are most fuel efficient with its energy efficient powerful screw element design.

Our service quotient is also highly trusted with preventive maintenance and on-site breakdown resolution even in remote locations is an expectation which we fulfil anytime, everywhere.

As we stand at the threshold of a new era, we will continue to educate the market through timely and relevant demos where the customer experiences our SOLUTIONS first hand rather than just our products and therefore accepts technological advancements and embraces the paradigm shift in the true sense.

“Make in India” …. This is how Atlas Copco makes it possible:

  • Products with the most advanced technology are manufactured in our state-of-the-art facility in Chakan, Pune.
  • Digitalization is the focus with Fleet Link and latest dealer management software to ensure maximum equipment uptime.
  • Innovation with responsibility.
  • Sustainable productivity and growth will ensure efficient use of resources.

New localized portable air compressors and the HiLight V5+ light tower contribute to India’s “MAKE IN INDIA” dream.

Live product demonstrations at site prove the equipment performance where customers can gain confidence in our products.

We believe in constantly upgrading the product knowledge and hands on experience of our sales and service team. Mandatory internal trainings of not just the Atlas Copco team but also our dealer sales and service teams keeps up the market confidence and trust in our capability and delivery.

With our commitment to delivering innovation and high-quality standards, we aim to serve customers with the right mix of products and be a complete solution provider.

How do you see the outlook for the industry in the year 2020 and how hopeful are you from the Excon event as far as generation of sales is concerned?

Expectations from the Indianmarket will continue to focuson infrastructure projects byoffering products which meet ourcustomer’s needs and ensuresthem long-term benefits. India isa growing economy, and lookingat the overall infrastructurerequirements coming up,weexpect this healthy trend tocontinue in the coming years as well.

With an upgraded portfolio and technologically advanced equipment, Atlas Copco portable air compressors and light towers will continue to touch lives and improve infrastructure needs of people in India.

Atlas Copco has been participating in Excon since the 2011 edition. The market sentiment is upbeat…..with many projects in the pipeline, this year the show will be successful in attracting increased footfalls and generating enquiries. We look forward to create a unique visitor experience at our outdoor stall, OD 18 with the launch of new products and live demos.

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