Power tool sector best positioned for pulsating growth: Bosch

June 13, 2015 1:04 pm

We have plans to roll out a range of competitively priced products targeted at the Indian tradesman, as part of our efforts to widen the customer base.
Vijay Pandey, Vice President, Bosch Power Tools
 Incepted in 1993, Bosch Power Tool division has grown to one of the market leaders in the power tools segment in India. In an exclusive interview with OEM Update, Vijay Pandey gives an over of the market highlighting Bosch’s initiatives.
Could you brief us on the power tools industry in India? What is the market size and what is your market share?India has an upper hand in the power tool industry owing to the abundance of labour, availability of raw materials and entrepreneurial skills. Estimates suggest that the domestic power tool industry is growing at an annual rate of 5 – 7 per cent and there is immense potential for players in this sector to reap the benefits.
Power tools have a lengthy association with construction, woodworking, metalworking, engineering, fabrication, service and related verticals. Owing to a boom in these, the Indian power tool sector is best positioned for pulsating growth. At present, Bosch commands a third of the market share in the power tools industry.
Like many other industries, power tool industry is also struggling with cheap imports. How are you tackling this issue?Since Bosch has its own manufacturing centre, this problem is averted. With this, Bosch is able to tackle this issue and have user innovations and gain greater accessibility. We are trying to educate people about the importance of quality, safety, the advanced level tools and better user interface that Bosch PT offers to users. Safety and technology features like vibration control, kickback stop, lithium-ion technology and turbo power are the features available only in Bosch PT, making the tools more powerful and safer to use.
Power tools industry lacks awareness in terms of ensuring good health and safety of the workers. Could you comment on this? What are your initiatives in this regard? Power tools are indispensable for professionals and if handled incorrectly, can lead to damage, injury, and accidents. Consequently, importance has been given to safety and proper usage of tools to avert such incidents.
Every year Bosch Power Tools launches more than 100 new tools in the professional segment. The surge in popularity and demand for cordless tools in particular has encouraged Bosch to drive the growth of the segment within the power tools business. It has been conceptualised to simplify the process of drilling and can be deployed anywhere, anytime, without having to worry about electric supply and limited reach among other things.
Bosch Power Tools is playing a significant role in providing training on safety and correct usage of power tools. Over the years, we have been able to establish a reputation for our quality, innovation, safety and initiation. All Bosch tools are accompanied by safety features and detailed manuals to ensure users are carefully instructed about proper usage so safety is not compromised and health hazards and other disasters may be avoided.
In addition to providing a comprehensive range of products, we drive end-to-end post-sales services to ensure customers return to our stores and make more purchases, are satisfied with their experiences and receive adroit training and knowledge about our products, safe utilisation of the same and know-how of proper storage techniques.
Power tools industry is also going through tremendous technological transformation. What are some of the latest innovation from Bosch India?As a company committed to innovation in technology and superior quality, we work tirelessly to ensure our products are in sync with the latest technological trends. Our lithium-powered cordless tool range and the laser technology powered measuring tools are examples of our innovative prowess. The laser technology powered tools are automated, highly accurate and display results much more rapidly than manual measuring tools.
The surge in demand for cordless tools in particular has encouraged Bosch to drive the growth of the segment within the power tool business. These tools do not require electrical power supply, are ergonomically designed and light-weight.
Some of the new products that have been launched in the past few months include GLL 2 self-levelling cross-line laser and GLM 15 GLM 15 50-ft. laser measure.
We are utilising EC technology which is maintenance free and highly efficient. In addition, we have a range of measuring tools, cleaning systems (high-pressure washers) and dust collection solutions (wet/dry vacuum cleaners.)
We have plans to roll out a range of competitively priced products targeted at the Indian tradesman, as part of our efforts to widen the customer base.