Supertech (India) Pvt Ltd, a Noida-based engineering organization with diverse product offerings, is engaged in design, manufacture, supply, and installation of pre-engineered steel buildings for varied industries. In an interview with MGS Architecture, Mr Puneet Khanna, the company's Managing Director shared his views on the current state of the industry in India and challenges coming in its ways. He also discussed how Supertech is faring in this business. Here are the excerpts:
How has the PEB industry grown over the years?
The journey of Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) industry in India has been remarkable over the years. In the year 2000, when we started our PEB operations, this concept was not well known in the country. Though, it is said that the PEB industry is still in its infancy but, over the last few years there has been a continuous surge in this sector due to increasing awareness amongst customers.
However, the industry's growth has been subdued in the last couple of years due to ongoing economic slowdown; we expect a positive growth momentum in PEB market in near future given the improving investor sentiment and formation of stable government at the centre. Also, the recent announcement of 100% FDI in infrastructure will push the industry further and will open the avenues for us.
What factors are contributing to the growth of the PEB industry? What according to you are the growth avenues?
There are several factors contributing to the demand for PEB. To name a few, these are their being economical, faster in construction, aesthetically appealing, requiring less foundation, re-locatable, etc. Besides, PEB provides a neat and clean environment, which adds to the efficiency of the people and enhances productivity. Of late, PEB has become popular because of the environmental issues as well. People are now more inclined towards green building concept - recyclable, renewable and sustainable. For that matter, we can say that PEB is fully recyclable, apart from being highly sustainable.
As far as growth avenues are concerned, PEBs in India are now not only confined to industrial buildings and warehouses; but sectors such as automotive, power, logistics, metro rail projects, pharmaceuticals, stadiums, FMCG, and modern retail are also laying huge opportunities.
What challenges have you come across in your journey till date? How did you conquer them?
In India, PEB started quite late passing through quite a few challenges. The biggest challenge was the lack of awareness, followed by rigidity to change, besides the cost factor. It was really tough to bring the needed change. We organised seminars and conferences, started meeting specifiers and letting them know about various advantages attached to PEBs. We met the decision makers of big companies, discussed pros and cons with them, and highlighted the long-term benefits of PEBs.
What issues are currently confronting the industry?
Also, there is no set standard or laws pertaining to PEB in the country. For this, we have recently created an association of PEB manufacturers. Together, we forward our concerns to the government. We already are in dialogue with the concerned department to work out needed policies or laws in this direction.
Dearth of skilled labour is quite a big challenge for PEB industry. How are you coping up with this?
Undoubtedly, there is a dearth of skilled labour. We have trained a few installers, who have been working with us since the very beginning. We arrange training for our sub-contractors and their associates on quarterly or half yearly basis, so as to keep them updated about any new technique in the industry. It's an ongoing process. In India, there is a myth among labourers that by using safety equipment, their efficiency may get affected. This presumption needs to be defeated. I hope, soon the industry will get organised and will have some mandatory HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) policies of its own to be strictly followed.
Please tell us about your manufacturing prowess. What is your USP?
Last year, we invested Rs.25 crore in the Greenfield facility for PEBs located at Greater Noida in UP. Equipped with the state-of-the-art machinery, the plant houses PTW (continuous welding) machine, plazma cutting machine, CNC machine, etc. This has increased the efficiency by almost 4-5 times, and so has the accuracy. The new factory is spread across 2.5 acres of land with 40,000 square foot of built-up area.
Manufacturing excellence, flexibility to accommodate last minute changes in the manufacturing process, customer satisfaction and after sales service form a critical part of our USP package. Besides, our trained and experienced design and manufacturing staff help us in speeding up the process while maintaining accuracy.
Moreover, we have a dedicated sales team, lead by my son Mr. Akul Khanna. With his innovative and motivating ideas, he always tries rejuvenating the team's spirit to scale new heights.
How do you see the opportunities in multi-storey PEBs?
We do have the capability of erecting multi-storey building with PEB. In fact, we have just finished the job of HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) in Nashik for a G+2 project. In near future, we see this as an upcoming opportunity. For PEB, possibilities are unlimited and I feel that PEB in commercial space should soon be the next big thing.
Which design software are you using for your PEB projects?
We are using the universal design software Staad Pro. For this, we have a technical tie-up with the USA-based Technology Alliance America (TAA) to keep ourselves updated on any development in software. TAA has vast experience of using metal in the construction industry and they keep us updated with all the latest trend available globally. In fact standing seam was suggested by them to us many years ago as a roofing solution replacement. Today it is one of the most popular Roofing Solution and is ideal for re-roofing without removing the old roof when it needs replacement or for mounting solar cells over existing structure.
