With plans to double revenue in 2019 as against that achieved last year, RMD formwork – the pioneer in renting out formwork to contractors – looks forward to upbeat business prospects ahead, according to Bellphine Alexander, Director – Sales, RMD KWIKFORM INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED.

How do you see the Indian markets for your products?
The formwork market is evolving at the moment. We are into sale and hire of scaffolding and formwork. From people using bamboos as scaffolding, the industry has evolved to system scaffold and now they are getting into modular scaffolding which we are supplying and in which we are experts. There is lot of opportunities for system formwork in Indian market supported by the growth factor and the awareness being generated in customer’s mind about the advantages and cost savings in using system formwork.

Can you brief us about the products you are exhibiting here in the expo?
We have exhibited Minima Panels, Rapidply, conventional Superslim & Alform beams with Rapidclimb brackets in formwork, Airodek Panels, Drophead system, Alshor Plus 120kN Aluminium Shoring system, Rapidshor 80kN Galvanised modular scaffold system in false work for concrete works and a new product – ground shoring is introduced, which is a tried and successful product elsewhere in the world. We have supplied all the exhibited products to more than 100 projects in India. Our focus this year would be on infrastructure, such as bridges, dams, airports, LNG tanks and road projects which require specialised engineering and expertise. We have the products for all civil and infrastructure requirements. The exhibited Rapidshor, Tubeshor and Megashor are suitable for infrastructure works.

How has 2018 been for you and what do you expect in 2019?
The year 2018 was very good. We achieved what we had forecasted, and third and fourth quarters were especially very good. While there was a slow down in the beginning due to RERA and other implications,the real-estate sector really picked up post that. And, we are projecting a good start for 2019 as well.

In 2019, we are aiming to double our revenue as against whatever we achieved in 2018. We already identified the projects in pipeline and their prospects, and are on track to achieve our goal.

How can formwork be made more cost effective for construction companies?
Most people don’t realise that safety saves a lot of cost. All our systems are designed as per BS standards and hasin-built safety features which saves the operating cost at the long run.The amount you save on manpower, erection time or man-hour loss due to injury or safety reasons is phenomenal. We can’t predict, or put a number to it. At the end of the project, safety plays a major role. We supply composite sheet fitted panel formwork on hire and Galvanized scaffolding and formwork
on hire which reduces the damages and maintenance cost. We would tell our customers not to look at the price but values, features and benefits.

How do you look at the systems formwork market?
It is getting very competitive. International companies see the potential in India and have started putting up shops. At BC India 2018 exhibition, many companies were seen having system formwork, which means customers are receptive and contractors are ready to use systems formwork, which is a good sign of going in the right direction. The potential and opportunities are there and companies which can deliver quality and service will sustain in the market.

How can formwork be made more sustainable?
You have to minimise your eco footprint. We have reduced the timber products in most of our formwork, and are replacing with aluminium which can be recycled. The lifetime of our products is higher and with proper handling and maintenance, the products will last longer.

How do you see these business models for formwork progress in India?
The market was operating on a SALE model for many years and we all can see the transformation to HIRE of formwork as they see the value for money in hiring for shorter durations. The importance of safety and increased impact of cost savings in material handling and maintenance has changed the way the industry works.

More people coming in means customers are receptive and contractors are ready to use systems formwork.
Bellphine Alexander, Director – Sales, RMD KWIKFORM INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED