India is one focus of the March issue of International Mining and Martin Engineering has announced plans to open a business unit in Pune, India in 2011. The company has been active in the India market since 2004, establishing a solid presence through its licensee, Thejo, to distribute and support select bulk material handling technologies across the continent. Already incorporated in India, Martin Engineering completed a detailed market study and entry strategy in 2010, finding huge potential in further developing its business there. Martin Engineering is the world leader in making bulk materials handling cleaner, safer and more productive.
“Before making the decision to expand our business in India, we focused on providing high-quality conveyor products to a number of different industries,” commented Martin Engineering CFO Ron Vick. “Now that a business unit with full manufacturing capabilities will be opened, we’ll be positioned to offer our complete line of bulk material handling solutions, beyond the limited products currently available. This full line will include air cannons, railcar unloading products, engineered vibration and dust management.”
Vick said that Martin Engineering is looking forward to its role as a full-service supplier to the cement, steel, power and mining industries in India. “With growth rates expected to rival those in China, the India market represents an unprecedented opportunity for us,” he added.
A strategic business plan is currently under development, and Martin Engineering is in the process of hiring a managing director to run the new operation. During the beginning months of 2011, the company expects to finalise its lease on a new facility. The company expects to have full operating capabilities by the second quarter of 2011. In addition to the new Pune facility, Martin Engineering will have sales and service offices and staff in three other areas of India: Calcutta, Delhi and Chennai. The firm is also aggressively investigating acquisition opportunities, as well.
Early in 2010, Martin Engineering exhibited at the Bulk Solids India trade show and was very well received, adding to the excitement of developing a full-service business unit in India. The company plans to use its expanded FOUNDATIONSTM Training Program, focused on the design and development of more productive belt conveyors, to help introduce Martin Engineering technologies and educate the industry. The program features three levels of training: Introduction to Conveyors and Conveyor Safety; Operation and Maintenance of Belt Conveyors; and Advanced Topics and Conveyor Engineering. The FOUNDATIONS series has been teaching bulk materials handling personnel how to operate and maintain clean, safe belt conveyors for nearly 20 years.