We will be launching new models for domestic and global markets
We understand our customers application requirement, based on which we have set the benchmarks in the market, says AP Yogananda, Product Manager, Doosan Portable Power Division. Excerpts from the interview...

Has the slowdown had an adverse impact on the portable power solution market?
Yes, the slowdown has impacted on portable power mainly on the general construction sector and also the mining sector, to certain extent. Pressure is acting vertically on Doosan too. We are managing based on the other applications.

How energy-efficient are the compressors offered by Doosan?
Currently, we use mechanical engines for compressors, and fuel efficiency has to be achieved from the other critical parts of the compressors, like the improvised air ends and cooling packages. Going forward, we are working on the electronic engines for better fuel efficiency.

Doosan is continuously working on maintaining operation and maintenance (O&M) cost below the global average. Also serviceability is good on our machines. We use all our raw materials from our approved sources; strictly follow all the industry practices in our manufacturing process.

What are the latest product offerings from Doosan in the portable power solutions?
We are continuously offering new variants to the market, for both construction and mining sectors. Based on the customers feedback on productivity, fuel efficiency, and initial cost, we will be unveiling new variants in 2015. All these are being developed based purely on customer centric solutions. We are highly focused in providing solutions that enhance productivity (fuel efficiency and drill rates), even in extreme conditions of operations in terms of temperature, locations etc. We are also focused on optimising the O&M cost brings it below the global players.

What are the major factors that determine the selection criteria?
Major factors which play a role on selection are the end applications and government regulations. We go based on the benchmark analysis from our application team and VOC conveyed both from sales and marketing on the selection criteria. Initial cost is purely based on the value provided to end customer and technology used to provide value.

Do you provide a buyback option?
Currently we only target into retail and AMC markets. Retails also has rental market operated by customers. We also provide effective service for these equipment through strong service network pan India.

How flexible/adaptable is your product range?
We do have right size of compressors placed based on the customer end application or tool. We provide best volume of air for the end tools operating the job. Currently, the market demand is changing, and we are continuously improving on the existing packages to meet the specific requirement of our customers.

What are the major challenges?
The current challenge for Doosan is on the market price and regaining our lost market share mainly due to initial capex for customers. We are continuously striving hard to meet the customer expectations on the initial price. Going forward, we will be launching new models for both domestic and global markets. These will be competitively priced and we are sure to gain considerable share in the markets.

Why should a customer opt for Doosan?
We provide value for money; we understand our customers application requirement, based on which we have set the benchmarks in the market. We understand the biggest challenge faced by our customers in the market on maintenance, so we provide the best value in terms of fuel consumption and also on consumables. We are continuously working to meet customers expectations.