Wavin's extensive range of pipe systems sets the highest standards for safety and hygiene.

Freek Crum, President, Wavin APAC

wavin provides technology-based solutions for above and below ground projects in the application areas of hot &cold drinking water and soil &waste solutions, water & gas supply pipes and rainwater management, to build a sustainable environment. Wavin is committed to investing in the growth of the industry and hiring local talent for its workforce, as well as bringing innovations tailored to the market, says Freek Crum, President, Wavin APAC. Excerpts from the interview…

What is your outlook for the Indian Pipes and Plumbing Industry for 2021?  What are the growth potential and growth drivers?

According to market reports, the Indian PVC pipes market is projected to be worth USD 5,209.4 million by 2027 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. The rapid modernisation of cities, building smart cities and growing government infrastructure initiatives, the infrastructure market in India is expected to grow double digits. As the country walks on the path of economic recovery from the pandemic, effective tools that equip the country with clean and safe drinking water and efficient sewer infrastructure for safe and sustainable development are essential.

What are the major anticipated challenges, and your suggestions to iron out those?

The pandemic has made the call for better infrastructure a necessity. Indian urban cities are witnessing higher demands of essentials where water supply plays a crucial role. Wavin's focus is to create a positive change in the Indian ecosystem and our passion is building healthy, sustainable environments. Our products and solutions are designed to address the challenges and meet the needs of India's ever-expanding urban infrastructure by providing safe and efficient water supply, sanitation and hygiene, helping build climate-resilient cities and better building performance.

Wavin's extensive range of pipe systems sets the highest standards for safety and hygiene. We provide several distinguished solutions for sustainable water and sewage management from domestic to large-scale commercial use. Our range of PVC/CPVC/SWR pipes and fittings pipes and fittings offer high reliability for applications from drinking water (hot and cold) to efficiently transport sewage at any setting including domestic, industrial waste, rainwater, and ventilation. It is fully compliant to governing standards without any compromises application wise.

What policy or regulatory support do you expect?

We support several government initiatives such as Make in India and look forward to working with them to ensure that our goods are produced locally for India, which will take some time. We also plan to invest heavily in the country while building our clout in the market for the solutions that we offer. The government has taken commendable initiatives that bring various stakeholders together to ensuring sustainability of water supply systems- water source and water supply infrastructure. Schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, which emphasise on augmenting local water sources and recharge existing sources, and Jal Shakti Abhiyaan, which integrates demand and supply-side management of water at the local level including creation of local infrastructure, are aimed at meeting the collective goal of efficient water management systems.

What is your road map in terms of investment / capacity augmentation / product innovations etc.?

Our strategy in India is to a build local presence in the countries we operate in. We aim to produce all our key products and solutions locally. As we ramp up local capacity, which will be a gradual process, we will bridge the gap for local supply by importing some products.

We are currently building our local supply chain and commercial teams in India. Apart from this, we are also working with our partners to optimize our footprint in the country. We aim to have a local manufacturing in India and will be able to share details on this early next year.

Wavin's range of robust and reliable solutions including piping and fittings, indoor climate, water and gas supply pipes and rainwater management based on a 'Let's build long-lasting cities' approach that advances a healthier, better and sustainable environment built for future generations. We are introducing a range of specialised cost-efficient and quality solutions for the Indian market, which include:

Safe and efficient drinking water supply and sanitation systems:

At Wavin, we care about the quality of drinking water, it is the most previous of all our natural resources. Wavin's extensive range of pipe systems sets the highest standards for safety and hygiene.

- Wavin PVC/CPVC/SWR: Wavin offers multi-layered as well as traditional single layer PVC / CPVC/SWR pipes & fittings. Locally manufactured, this wide range of PVC/CPVC/SWR pipes and fittings offers high reliability for applications from drinking water (hot and cold) to efficiently transport sewage: domestic, industrial waste, rainwater and ventilation. Wavin's pipes and fittings are manufactured in accordance with the strictest quality standards. It is fully compliant to governing standards without any compromises application wise.

- Wavin Hep2O push fit PB system: Hep2O is the professional polybutylene (PB) push-fit plumbing system for hot and cold water and central heating. It offers a fully comprehensive range of white fittings and unique features designed to reduce installation time and improve operating performance.

- Wavin Tigris K5/M5: Another Wavin world's first in the industry - setting new standards as the first industry leader to introduce multilayer pipe fittings with an Acoustic Leak Alert - an integrated leak detection system that helps easily trace leaks in pipe systems.

Noise reducing drainage systems:

Noise from water flowing down drainage pipes can be a real nuisance, especially in hotels, apartment blocks and hospitals. That noise can be dampened by installing special low-noise pipe systems.

- Wavin AS+: Wavin offers the world's best-performing low noise soil and waste systems. For over 30 years, Wavin AS has been the first choice for architects and building system designers. Now, Wavin AS+ offers even greater noise reduction and faster installation time. Due to its innovative, sculptured spigot and self-lubricated blue seal, Wavin AS+ is not just super quiet, but superfast and easy to install.

- WavinSiTech+: Offers optimal sound absorption through triple layer pipes, making it ideal for multi-storey facilities particularly sensitive to noise like hotels, offices, hospitals, elderly homes and libraries. With 20% more weight, SiTech+ is a game-changer setting new market standards. More weight also means less noise and increased robustness.

These solutions will help in the urbanization of India while also ensuring safe and efficient water supply and sanitation for better building performance and climate resilient cities.

Brief us on the wish list from the forthcoming budget?

The Indian market holds many opportunities, with smart cities and urbanization rising rapidly. As the country moves towards a modern and safe infrastructure, Wavin's technology enabled solutions will play a significant role in ensuring that water management is implemented in a sustainable and technologically advanced manner. Our diverse range of products driven by innovation and technology are the ideal solutions for the Indian market.

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