Enhancing interface with new industry players, peers and customers from across India, Sharp Ply received a zealous response at bauma CONEXPO India 2018, says Paras Kumar, Director, Sharp Ply (India) Private Limited. The formwork major is a regular at the largest industry exposition for construction machinery and equipment, among other such exhibitions in the country.

Can you talk about the products displayed at bC India 2018?
This edition, we displayed our system formworks which are brought to the India subcontinent from Variant Factory Ltd, Ukraine exclusively by Sharp Ply. Our highlight for the expo was the launch of imported H16 formwork beams specially developed by our counterparts Mywood from Germany. Majority of the imported beams are of dimension H20 which is great but more than required for Indian conditions and applications. Hence, we have worked out this new product which will definitely outperform its local competition.

What are the considerations to keep in mind while procuring formwork solutions?
There are several constraints to keep in mind while procuring formwork solution sasit is capex purchase and cannot be done overnight. Given the variants of formwork available today along with the number of players offering the same, it is a tough decision for the client to narrow down on one. But, quality of formwork, number of repetitions, service post procurement, etc., are the primary considerations while procuring formwork solutions.

Discuss how 2018 was for your business along with plans for 2019?
As a company who is trying to make stride from plywood to various formwork-based solution, it has been an eventful year. Our first project in India was executed at Hebbal, Bangalore for STP project with our ring formwork solution. We are looking to capitalise on more such projects in 2019 strengthening our grip on regular products such as plywood sheets of various kinds and formwork beams, the future is filled with opportunities to encash on.

Why ply-based formwork is preferred over aluminium or steel?
There are certain limitations of the aforementioned systems which are taken care of by the plywood based formwork, for example aluminium-based formwork is limited to certain extent of load bearing capacity and in the case of steel-based formworks which are used for heavy civil structures is quite heavy as well as expensive. Both products lack the option of adjusting the formwork to cast other dimensions, whereas plywood-based system counters all the aforesaid shortcomings and is cost effective at the same time.

Quality of formwork, number of repetitions, service post procurement, etc., are the primary considerations while procuring formwork solutions.
Paras Kumar, Director, Sharp Ply (India) Private Limited