Gujarat boasts a vibrant landscape with numerous contractors, including those operating on a national and global scale.

P. L. Muthusekkar, Chief Operating Officer, Hailstone Innovations

What is your focus at Gujarat Conex during this inaugural edition? What are the products on display?

Hailstone is making its debut in Gujarat, and we are thrilled to announce our strong partnership with Shree Amee Construction Equipments, a local industrial trading powerhouse with nearly four decades of experience. Shree Amee Construction Equipments has a longstanding association with Case, further bolstering our presence in the region. Over the past four months, we’ve witnessed a promising beginning, marked by a significant influx of orders and leads. This success has emboldened us to establish a solid foothold in Gujarat.

In this endeavor, we’re introducing our flagship product, the EC 4000-Fixed Shaft Type Cone, which is the largest of its kind in our portfolio. This cone operates automatically and boasts an impressive production capacity of up to 450 tonnes per hour. Notably, this cone stands as a unique marvel in the Indian market, with very few local companies attempting to manufacture such a sizable cone. In fact, as far as our knowledge extends, no other Indian company has achieved this feat. Only a select few multinational corporations can claim to offer a similar cone.

Our decision to bring this groundbreaking cone to Gujarat underscores the region’s immense market potential. Gujarat boasts a vibrant landscape with numerous contractors, including those operating on a national and global scale. We view this as a pivotal entry point, aiming to make a substantial impact right from the start. We are committed to making a resounding entrance into Gujarat, confident in the opportunities it presents.

How is this cone different from other competitors?

This product boasts an impressive size, one typically seen only among multinational corporations. To our knowledge, no other Indian company has ventured into manufacturing a cone of this magnitude. We take pride in being the sole producer of such a cone within our nation. Furthermore, it’s important to note that this cone is not just a concept; it has already been in operation for over 15 units across the country, making it a proven and reliable product.

Secondly, one of the standout features of this cone is its fixed shaft design and advanced automation. In the event of a large particle obstruction, the cone automatically detects it and initiates an opening to allow the obstruction to pass through, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation. Moreover, in situations where power fluctuations occur, with power interruptions and resumptions, there is no need for manual intervention or adjustments. The cone seamlessly continues to function without any disruption. These distinctive attributes make this type of cone truly unique and highly efficient.

You briefed about the features of this machine. India is a cost centric market. How do you balance between cost and quality?

In India, the concept of cost is paramount. I often refer to India as a CCC country, where CCC stands for Cost-Conscious Customer. Here, customers prioritize cost-effectiveness, but it’s important to note that they aren’t merely seeking the lowest price; they are discerning when it comes to cost. Hence, CCC.

Our approach to offering products in the Indian market needs to align with this ethos. We must ensure that our products not only deliver optimal performance but also meet the quality standards of multinational corporations and benchmark-quality companies. However, pricing is a crucial factor that cannot be overlooked in India. We have meticulously structured our products to be exceptionally competitively priced when compared to multinational counterparts. To put it in concrete terms, our prices are typically 30% lower than those of multinational companies. This significant cost advantage adds substantial value for our Indian customers.

How do you look at the Gujarat market?

Gujarat consistently emerges as a thriving market. If you take a moment to review my social media posts, you’ll notice that I consistently emphasize Gujarat as a promising market, owing to its proven success in the form of the Gujarat model. Gujarat has a substantial presence in the world of contracting, with numerous entrepreneurs from the state engaged in business ventures not only within India but across the globe. We have a strong presence in supplying products to Gujarati customers in countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Congo, with a steady stream of orders and deliveries. This alone highlights the deep-rooted connection between Gujarat and Hailstone, underscoring our strong ties and presence in these markets.

With the elections to be scheduled next year, how do you look at the market?

Infrastructure development is an unstoppable force. While there might be brief periods of slowdown, perhaps due to reduced government spending or project delays, the momentum of infrastructure growth is akin to grasping the tail of a tiger; you can’t simply let go. Infrastructure is a perpetual endeavor, often spanning decades because of the immense demand for it.

Consider the profound impact of, for instance, well-constructed national highways and express roads connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Enhanced transportation means that perishable goods remain unspoiled, commanding better prices in the market. It’s worth noting that logistics costs in India are notoriously high. By slashing these costs through infrastructure enhancements, the entire spectrum of products, not just engineered goods but also consumer items, stands to benefit. A reduction in logistical expenses would lead to a decrease in the overall cost of products. This, in turn, would contribute to an improvement in the nation’s GDP and a reduction in price inflation. Such is the transformative power of infrastructure development.

Tell us about your review about this exhibition?

If you were to ask for it in just one line, the promise has been kept: Gujarat has delivered on its pledge. The initial two days were incredibly promising, marked by esteemed dignitaries, significant members of the Gujarat Contractors Association (GCA), and a steady stream of walk-in customers.

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