Interview

What is the current market-size for drilling equipment and consumables in India? Going forward, how much growth do you foresee in this industry?

PRD Rigs is the largest water well drilling rig manufacturer in the country. The demand for water well rigs is around 600 new rigs a year – out of which PRD has 30 per cent market-share. Apart from water well rigs, we also manufacture exploration rigs, small blast hole rigs and piling rigs. With a wide range of products we as an Indian company foresee a good demand for affordable rigs which suit various  applications. The demand for Indian rigs is growing hence we see a good future for all types of drilling rigs to suit the Indian market.
Tell us about the main demand drivers for drilling equipment and consumables in India?

At the moment as we all know the market is passive, but the main drive for the market is the real estate sector and infrastructure development. With the release of new projects, the demand for equipments goes up. In cases like mineral exploration the demand is still good except for a few states which have banned mining for various reasons – otherwise the exploration and mining sector would have been better irrespective of the other factors.
What are the recent technological trends in drilling equipments?

The recent technology trend in case of water well drilling rigs is the automation of rod handling system and having longer mast along  with high pressure compressors to drill 1000 feet in 12 hours. In case of piling rigs we have developed a small tractor mounted DMC assisted piling rig which has been working very successfully in Chennai and the Kerala markets. We see a huge demand for this type of rig since rates for piling have become very competitive and demand for piling foundation at small construction sites is increasing. Other advantages of the  tractor mounted piling rigs is   the mobility of rig  to site and proven performance.
How have the customers’ needs and demands for drilling equipments evolved in recent years?

The demand for automation to reduce labour force has been the need of customers – we have given our clients a very good solution with our automated rod handeling system.

What is the long term business strategy of PRD Rigs India?

The long term business strategy of PRD Rigs is to provide sutiable  drilling rig  with affordable prices and best quality especially in the construction sector for piling and geo-technical drilling. We also plan to promote distributors throughout the country – to handle sales and service of all types of PRD Rigs.

Going forward, does the company intend to introduce any new products? 

We plan to introduce completely automated  new  drilling rigs   for core drilling and reverse circulation drilling.