There should be an apex body to authenticate usefulness of old machines.

Vijay Kumar Singh

- Business Head - Mobile Elevated Work Platform, Gemini Power Hydraulics

The usage of access equipment is on rise and most of the industry segments are in process of embracing this equipment to enhance safety and productivity at work place, says Vijay Kumar Singh,Business Head - Mobile Elevated Work Platform, Gemini Power Hydraulics. Excerpts from the interview…

What has been the impact of the pandemic on the access equipment rentals?

Pandemic has badly affected access equipment rental in the country. During complete lock down machines were demobilised and fleet utilization had fallen to lowest level ever. Mostly access equipment purchases are financed externally. Pandemic had badly affected cash flow and repayment of loans. There has been delayed payment from customers which has exacerbated liquidity in this segment.

During this period majority of operators and technicians left the sites. Now they have started to resume their jobs but still skilled manpower is a major issue. Logistics charges has gone up substantially where there has not been any upward trend in rental rates.

How do you assess the demand-supply scenario in the wake of government's strong commitment of massive investment in the infrastructure?

Government spending on infrastructure segment especially aviation, power, road and transport, oil and gas will certainly boost demand for access equipment.

What are the major challenges the industry and the rental segment is facing?  What are your suggestion to iron out those issues?

Lower rental rates being the single most challenge, rental segment has been facing. In our country there has not been any guideline that restricts import of machines that has completed its usable life. These old machines cost is the basis of rental rates. Government should impose restriction on life of equipment that can be imported in country and there should be an apex body to authenticate usefulness of old machines. Rental customers should encourage younger machines and pay reasonable rental.

Skilled manpower is another important issue this industry facing. There is lack of trained operators and quality technicians which inhibit best usage of machine with least downtime. Rental companies also need to invest into training of their manpower along with OEM and training bodies.

According to you what determines the choice of specific brand / type or class of access equipment by the user segments?

Brand selection depends on the features and benefits,a particular brand offers and value for money. Word of mouth is a very important factor that influences the buying decision. Services and spare parts supports are also an important consideration.

The selection of access equipment depends on application and budget. Access equipment can be classified into two types, machine with straight vertical access and machines with horizontal reach. Scissor lifts are used for vertical access whereas boom lifts are employed for horizontal reach. Other factors that determines machine selection are work area whether it is indoor / outdoor applications, type of surface. Service support and word of mouth remains an important influencer of buying decision.

Which are the verticals that drive the demand?

Automobile, aviation, defence, food & beverage, manufacturing, oil & gas are the major sectors that drives the demand for these equipment.

How supportive is the existing regulatory framework and what further measures do you expect from state / central government authorities? 

MNC and large private groups have their own guidelines for working at heights which promotes usage of access equipment. There is not any legislation for working at height and therefore usage of access equipment is optional not mandatory which is hindering growth of access equipment demand in the country.

We expect that a strong legislation should be passed for working at height and it should be enforced as unsafe methods endanger human life and badly hampers productivity.

How do you address the lack of the well-trained operators?

IPAF provides worldwide training to access equipment operators. Due to higher certification charges, these services are not availed in India. In India, operator should hold a valid heavy duty driving vehicle license which is not adequate.

Gemini provides operational trainings to operators as per OEM guidelines. Do's and Don'ts are explained in details to avoid any wrong usage of the machine that lead to accidents or causes damage to the machine. In addition to on site trainings, Gemini service team is accessible on 24X7 basis to support its customer for any emergency.

What is your outlook for the next couple of years? Are there any new application segment opening up?

There is a huge potential of access equipment in our country and we are largely an untapped market. The machine population India is very low as compared to developed countries like USA and European countries. The market is expected to grow at CAGR of 25-30% over next five years.

The usage of access equipment is on rise and most of industry segments are in process of embracing this equipment to enhance safety and productivity at work place. Pharmaceuticals, defence, automobile,  advance composite manufacturing, mineral processing unit , fabric industry, heavy equipment repairs are new segment which are opening up for access equipment.

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