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Right now, these machines are imported. We are planning to start manufacturing by next year. The construction of our factory in Kolad, Maharashtra is going on. It may take another year or so.

GJJ hoists are optimised to their design. It provides various speeds on the passenger hoists to segment starting from 46 m per minute to 220 m per minute. They are optimised not only on the speeds, but they optimise the power consumption of the hoist and take around 30 to 35 per cent lower power as compared with other competitors.

They have optimised the collaboration and the joint venture design activities with Siemens Germany as well as Nord Germany. Together they have designed this for the world market. So, that is why they are exporting around 5,000 units a year to various countries.

Our products are highly reliable and proven for around 20 to 25 years without any major breakdown. The resale value of our equipment is very high.

We have a team of about 55 service engineers, taking care of the after-sales service. These people are stationed in various major cities in India. We provide service and spare parts within 24 hours in any part of India.

What is the market size for MHEs in India?
In India, the current market size is around 1,000 units and is growing continuously. This may increase to 2000 units in the next 10 years. In terms of the regional market, we feel the West and South have better markets.

Safety is one of the most important aspects of handling an MHE. What does your company provide any training for the same?
In terms of safety, GJJ is the only company that has passed the safety requirements of Tata Steel. They are using the highest safety standards like SAS 18,000 or ISO 45,001. We have supplied four units to Tata Steel, Kalinganagar, which is for their new steel plant.

To cater to the safety of the equipment and manpower, we have a separate safety department, which most of the company doesnt have. We have a safety officer which we have placed at various sites in India.

What role does R&D play in the MHE segment?
Soon, we will start manufacturing passenger hoists in India. For that, we have to cross-check the Indian conditions and requirements. Accordingly, we may have to do some modifications and find some new models and new materials which is the requirement of the day. Considering the future requirements, we have to go for higher technology, possibly artificial intelligence. For this, we started an R&D centre last year.

This is still in the initial stages. We may come out with some special materials or a special type of passenger hoist, which is most recommended in the world or maybe in India.

I cannot divulge more details on when we are planning to do this. This will take time. First of all, we have to start manufacturing and then slowly we will come up with our new technology.

How do you look at the current market scenario for MHEs in India?
As far as the passenger hoists are concerned, the market demand is very good. In fact, it has increased by 25 to 30 per cent this year. We can expect the market to continue at the same pace for the next couple of years.

So, which segments are driving the demand for these products?
The demand is coming mainly from the multi-storey buildings and some special factories like steel plants. The demand from power plants has whittled down, but it may come up again.

Please share more information on your newly-launched business “ the rental division.
Yes, we have a rental division named Everest Rentals Private Limited. The demand for rental is more than the requirement of purchase. The rental industry is growing in a big way. The demand is very high for this equipment.

We have a fleet of around 200 to 250 units in our rental division. We are going to increase this by another 200 units in the next couple of years. This demand is more than what we are going to get from sales.

What are the major challenges faced in rentals?
The major challenge for the rental division is to get genuine investors. Also, many people are unaware of this particular segment. We are offering buyback options to various customers. We have been offering this service since 2016, but none of the machines has been returned so far to us. This speaks to the volume of our products and services offered.

What is the companys approach toward environmental sustainability?
We have not exactly structured our CSR activities being a small-scale MSME company. But we are trying to achieve a green India through our other activities. We are going for a green factory and green manufacturing procedures. This will come up in times to come.

How do you look at the future of your products in the next five years?
For the next 10 years at least, the demand for material handling equipment will keep on increasing. I feel that there will be an increase of around 20 per cent year on year.