Cnctimes, in conversation with Mr.Gopal Bali – Country Manager, Sales of HMB international regarding AMTEX and the current market scenario:

Excerpts: 

• In your opinion, what is the current market scenario?

The current market scenario looks quite promising. The automotive sector has caught up the pace & is quite upbeat. Machine sales are also on track indicating good growth signals, especially in the automotive sector. Projects which were in the pipeline for the last 2 years have started seeking light this year. Overall, I think that the manufacturing industry is getting back on track.

• Has the implementation of GST and demonetization impacted the market and if yes, to what extent?

Any radical change creates an initial impact on any economy. Having said that, demonetization & GST are the steps in the right direction. They act as catalysts for the economy to correct itself. The impact of such major reforms being implemented always affect business. However, I think the Indian business fraternity has been extremely successful in imbibing to the change and has welcomed these reforms wholeheartedly. 

• Can you shed light on the buying pattern of customers in India?

The consumer buying behavior in India is extremely region-centric. There are huge disparities in the buying behavior of the consumers from the North and the South of India. Conventionally, India has been a price sensitive market, however, with the advent of global players entering the Indian market, the Indian consumer’s buying behavior is experiencing a paradigm shift in recognizing quality as a key ingredient.

• Do you think initiatives like Make in India are helping you in selling your technology?

Make in India initiative is a great step forward to encourage Indian Manufacturers. While selling in India this initiative has always helped, however, brands of India still needs a bigger & better facelift in the International markets.

• What is unique about your technology and what technology have you planned to display during AMTEX?

The most unique thing about our technology is that we offer all kinds of tooling solutions. Our in-house design capability is excellent and our biggest advantage is that, apart from standard tools, we offer customized tooling & solutions for any application. We are displaying our special tooling range in Amtex along with our standard range.

• Are you introducing any new technology during AMTEX?

We will not be introducing new technology, but we are coming up with a new product line to attract more potential buyers during Amtex.

• How do exhibitions like AMTEX help you in achieving your goals?

Platforms like AMTEX provide us a very conducive platform to showcase new products & technology. It also creates an opportunity to network & engage with the automotive component manufacturing Industry, which is our potential buyers.

• Are you planning any new initiatives in product development so as to meet industry demands?

Yes, we are planning many new initiatives in product development. We are extremely proud and ready to offer our customers a large range of tools coupled with special tools for niche applications.

• How are you adopting the current buzzword "Industrie 4.0/ IIOT" in your product line?

Internet of Things is definitely the future. Being an integral part of Artificial Intelligence, almost every product in the future will be embedded with electronics, software & networking, we are surely going to be a part of this technology and shall watch it closely.

• Where do you see yourself after 5 years?

We see ourselves as being the most preferred tooling partners for OEM’s in India, in the next 5 years. We also plan to launch our products internationally. We have recently participated in the automotive manufacturing show in Thailand and have experienced an extremely encouraging response. We are also participating in IMTS Chicago in Sept 2018 to showcase our products and manufacturing capability.

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