We were the pioneers to introduce hydraulic presses in India
How did the company evolve over the years, and what products and solutions does the company offer?
We embarked on our journey about 35 years ago, pioneering the brick-and-block industry in India. We were the first to introduce hydraulic presses for flash and concrete product manufacturing in the country, establishing our first plant in 1992. Since then, we've become a vital part of India's construction sector, providing robust concrete and flash brick product machinery with over 1000 installations nationwide.
Today, Neptune stands as a leading manufacturer of top-notch building material machinery in India, championing green technology initiatives. We've developed indigenous technology on par with global standards, offering solutions for fly ash brick plants, concrete block plants, paver plants, dry mix mortar plants, CSEB, LDA/LWA, AAC, and more.
We've leveraged international collaborations, particularly with Germany and the United States, to enhance our offerings, blending global technology with our own to provide competitive pricing. Our key differentiator lies in our German collaboration, setting our standards and quality at par with Germany, thanks to over 30 years of industry expertise.
We take pride in delivering machinery designed to last 10 to 15 years, differentiating us from competitors and establishing long-term partnerships, making us the industry's oldest player.
Which geographic markets do you consider your strongest?
Our strongest markets lie in the eastern and southern regions of India. However, the northern and western regions, which still favour red clay bricks, are also significant markets. The shift toward flash and concrete products is noticeable as traditional clay brick production faces bans.
To cater to these diverse markets, we maintain regional offices in key locations such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Jharkhand, Bengaluru, and Delhi. We prefer direct engagement with our clients rather than a dealership model, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the country.
How do you view Gujarat as a market for your products?
Gujarat holds a special place for us as it's our home base, with our headquarters located in Ahmedabad. We're observing a growing awareness of alternative, superior-quality products compared to red clay bricks in the State. Historically, red clay bricks were popular, but with government bans on clay mining, the future favours the adoption of flash and concrete products.
What challenges does your company face, and how do you address them?
Our primary challenge is educating clients and customers about the right technology choices. Given our extensive industry experience, we understand the technologies available, differentiating between superior and subpar options. Unfortunately, there's a lack of awareness and misinformation in the market, leading to poor initial decisions by customers. We often find clients returning after a few years to opt for the correct solution.
Pre-COVID, cost-consciousness was prevalent in Indias construction industry. However, post-COVID, theres a shift. Corporate houses and entrepreneurs now seek the best technology, products, and machinery, aiming to avoid maintenance hassles and breakdowns.
How does your after-sales service and training support look?
Our package extends beyond machinery supply; we're technology partners. We offer comprehensive training and ensure the right skill set for labourers and contractors. A dedicated team manages spare parts and service calls, and we have regional service engineers across India who can provide solutions and reach your site within 48 hours in case of breakdowns.
How are you integrating automation into your machines?
We introduced automation to India's construction industry two decades ago, aligning with solutions from China, the US, and Europe. Today, were witnessing a growing demand for automation, with an influx of customers seeking fully automated plants.
How do you envision the company's future in the next four to five years?
Over the past two years, we've experienced double-digit growth, and we expect this trend to continue. As Indias construction industry evolves, driven by changing market dynamics, we foresee an excellent five-year growth trajectory, fuelled by the introduction of new technologies in the Indian market.