Interarch is well poised to cater to the demands of its discerning consumers.

Navaz Cheriya Malikakkal

Chief Operating Officer, Interarch Building Products

What are the latest trends in Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings?

Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings (PEBs) have always been at the forefront of adapting to the latest trends and requirements in the market. Being the main success facilitator in a project, PEB has risen to the challenges and opportunities by adapting to the changes in trends it crosses paths with. In this regard, some recent important trends are given below:

Sustainable design: Lately, sustainability has been a key focus area in the PEB industry. To ensure a greener future for the environment. Incorporating sustainable design principles into the early construction planning stages is crucial for optimum results. By incorporating steel as a sustainable material in construction projects, the industry can promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and lower carbon footprints. Its recyclability, energy efficiency, durability, design flexibility, and adherence to environmental certifications make steel an attractive choice for sustainable building practises. Accordingly, many projects executed in PEB are pursuing green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). These certifications validate a building's sustainable attributes and can help achieve energy savings and reduced environmental impact. Overall, promoting sustainable design and construction practises is a significant step towards protecting the environment while meeting building construction requirements.

Customization options: The latest developments in design and detailing software and the adoption of robotics and automation in manufacturing technology have led to more flexibility in designing unique and visually appealing structures using PEBs. With greater customization options, architects and engineers can now meet very stringent architectural and functional requirements. Building Information Modelling (BIM) software is a relatively new trend that facilitates seamless integration of all disciplines, like MEP and electrical services. These are the main reasons for the increased use of steel in the construction industry for an ever-increasing variety of applications like commercial buildings, architectural marvels, and structures that mandate increased aesthetic appeal. The adoption of technology has also enhanced precision and helped reduce construction times.

Advanced roofing systems: PEBs now come equipped with a variety of options in roofing and cladding systems for better performance, energy efficiency, and improved indoor comfort. Cool Roofs are advanced roofing systems designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofs. The use of external coatings, which impart higher SRI values (Solar Reflective Index), combined with the use of insulated metal panels ensures significantly better thermal insulation and considerably reduces energy consumption requirements. This also leads to better energy efficiency and cost savings in the long run, contributing to the drive for sustainability.

What is the role of PEB in the current infrastructure development programs?

PEBs play a significant role in current infrastructure development programmes. This modern infrastructure demands faster, sustainable solutions with compatibility and alignment across function and purpose. Some of the key elements that make PEB the system of choice are given below.

Flexibility, Adaptability: PEBs are exceedingly adaptable and flexible regarding their design and functionality. They have the capability of being tailored to satisfy exact project needs, whether it is for warehouses, factories, airports, sports facilities, or any other infrastructure necessities. PEBs modularity allows future adjustments or expansions, making them versatile for infrastructure programmes that continue to evolve. This is perhaps one of the most important features of the PEBs, which has led to their increased popularity.

Speed of construction: PEBs have a reputation for their swift construction timelines, in contrast to traditional building techniques. PEBs are fabricated, designed, and pre-engineered at an off-site location, enabling quick assembly once on-site. This fast construction is especially advantageous for infrastructure projects that require prompt completion.

Cost-effectiveness: PEBs are cost-effective due to their streamlined manufacturing processes and standardised components. The utilisation of prefabricated steel components reduces material waste, decreases labour expenses, and avoids construction delays. Such cost savings are particularly important in infrastructure development initiatives that are working under tight budget constraints.

Structural strength and durability: PEBs possess exceptional structural strength and durability, given that steel is a robust material. They can endure various environmental conditions and loads and can resist natural hazards like earthquakes and high winds. This type of structural resilience is essential for infrastructure projects that prioritise long-term stability and safety.

Sustainability and environmental benefits: As mentioned earlier, PEBs are fully capable and can considerably aid the sustainability objectives of infrastructure development programmes.

Quality control: PEBs undergo controlled manufacturing in factory environments, leading to consistent quality during the building process. While fabricating, stringent quality control measures are rolled out, producing components of high quality and compliant with industry standards. Such reliability plays a key role in infrastructure projects that demand adherence to safety and quality standards.

Scalability: PEBs offer scalability alternatives, enabling the erection of structures of various sizes and forms. They can cater to the needs of infrastructure programmes involving the construction of multiple buildings or facilities in different locations.

Overall, PEBs play a vital role in infrastructure development programmes by providing efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of modern infrastructure projects.

What are the key solutions from Interarch Buildings Products for PEB and allied segments?

Interarch Buildings Products is a leading provider of PEB and allied segments. They offer a range of solutions tailored to meet the needs of different industries and applications. Here are some key solutions offered by Interarch Building Products:

Pre-engineered Metal Building Systems - First company to introduce this technology in India in 1996. Over 10,000 buildings were delivered in India. Buildings are eco-friendly and meet the norms of Green Building codes, Early ROI, Large Clear spans up to 120 M and Clear height up to 63 M possible. Ideal for Applications: multi-level structures for process industries, manufacturing plants, warehouses, workshops, and showrooms.

TRACKDEK Metal Roof & Wall Systems - Market leader & largest supplier and installer of metal roofing systems in India. Aesthetic & durable, it can be used as a single-skin roof or wall cladding, gives optimal thermal and acoustic properties, is a water and weather-tight system available, has a high UV Value and corrosion resistance, and is site-rolled for standing seam profiles.

Interarch Life - First company to introduce this technology in India in 2010. Cold-formed load-bearing wall framing systems to support light structures. Ideal for applications: Farmhouse and residential buildings, office buildings & site offices; roof top construction, cafeterias; recreation rooms; hospitals & dispensaries, classrooms & multi-purpose halls; clubs; resorts; and banquet halls.

TRAC Suspended Ceiling Systems - India’s leading manufacturer & pioneer of metal false ceilings, are available in coated steel & aluminium, are designed to withstand very high humidity (up to 100%), and are suitable for use in outdoor areas. Ideal for applications: Petrol pumps, retail outlets, office buildings, power plant substations, cafeterias, banquet halls, hotels, and airports.

TRACDEK Bold-Rib - TRACDEK^® Bold-Rib deck sheet is a cold-formed decking panel that also acts as a permanent shuttering. It is an innovative, high-strength zinc-coated steel decking system, designed for use in the construction of composite floor slabs. Ideal for applications: Multi-storey buildings, mezzanines, shopping malls, bridges, industrial buildings, process plants, airports, warehouses, hospitals, hotels, refurbishment, and residential projects.

How do you view the government initiatives for PEB sector growth?

The Indian Government has taken several initiatives to promote the growth of the industrial structure. These initiatives aim to support and accelerate the development of infrastructure and boost economic growth. PEBs, being at the heart of industrial and commercial construction, contribute effectively to supporting the various initiatives. Some of the major ones are given below:

Make in India campaign: Launched in 2014, the Make in India campaign is dedicated to promoting domestic manufacturing and encouraging foreign investment. The campaign has helped create a conducive environment for PEB manufacturers by highlighting the significance of local manufacturing. This, in turn, has resulted in heightened investments in the manufacturing sector, for which the PEB production facilities have contributed to considerable growth in the sector.

Infrastructure development: The Indian Government has placed enormous importance on developing infrastructure, undertaking projects such as constructing highways, airports, ports, metro systems, and smart cities. PEBs have become an excellent solution for such ventures, given their agility in construction, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. The emphasis on improving infrastructure has created ample growth opportunities for the PEB sector, where the facilities are being supplied by PEB.

PLI schemes: The Union Government has rolled out many PLI schemes specific to industries like large-scale electronics manufacturing, manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, telecom and networking products, food processing, automotive components, etc. All these industries require accelerated facility installation or expansion. Hence, PEB comes out as the most preferred choice due to the benefits illustrated earlier in this discussion.

Ease of doing business: The government has rolled out several reforms to simplify business operations and improve the ease of doing business in the country. These reforms are geared towards eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining regulatory procedures, and simplifying various processes. Such initiatives have made investments easier, and the associated growth in the manufacturing industry has in turn seen tandem growth in PEB business.

In conclusion, the Indian government's initiatives have created a conducive environment for the growth of the PEB sector. All the initiatives have led to the expanded utilization of PEBs in different construction projects across the nation.

What kind of growth are you expecting in India for your business in future?

Historically, India has been one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The PEB sector in India has also been growing at a CAGR of 10-12%. Due to the anticipated demand, almost every major PEB player has moved for capacity addition. However, it may also be stated that the future growth of a specific business in the PEB sector would depend on various factors, including its market positioning, product offerings, competitive landscape, customer demand, and the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. So, companies like Interarch, with a history and legacy of 40 years that has served and carried its customers with them, stand to benefit from this growth trajectory of the country.

What are your future expansion plans to meet the market demand?

Over the last five years, Interarch has doubled its operations and turnover. Interarch has been recognised as one of the largest suppliers of PEB in India. With its three engineering offices (Noida, Hyderabad, and Chennai) and three manufacturing facilities (two in Uttarakhand and one in Chennai), Interarch has successfully executed many major critical projects to the satisfaction of our esteemed clients. Looking at the economy and the associated demands, Interarch is well poised to cater to the demands of its discerning consumers.

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