Normet paves the way for the future of underground construction as India embraces sustainability

The global manufacturing giant Normet specialises in advanced solutions for underground mining, tunneling, and construction industries. Since its inception in 1962, the group headquartered in Finland has expanded its presence to over 30 countries. In line with its global ambitions, Normet has recently operationalised its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jaipur. In an exclusive conversation with CNBCTV18 at the Jaipur facility, the senior leadership at Normet elaborated on the plans of the company for India and beyond.

State-of-the-Art Jaipur Center

The Jaipur facility is spread over 10 acres and is one of the largest greenfield investments by Normet globally. It serves multiple functions, ranging from equipment manufacturing and service to research and development (R&D). It also houses a rebuild center, a paint shop, a proto shop, and a technical training center. The facility has quickly become a strategic hub for Normet, second in size only to its facility in Finland.

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The India Opportunity

The decision to establish the Jaipur facility stems from Normet’s recognition of India’s status as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Kalle Sipilä, Senior Vice President of Normet’s Equipment Business Line explained the reasons behind the foray in India -  “India is one of the fastest-growing economies, and we see a substantial opportunity here. Our customer base is expanding, providing valuable insights that help drive our research and development efforts. Additionally, India’s supplier base offers quality products at competitive prices, making it an attractive market for us.”

Commenting on the market dynamics, Sipilä further stated that the tunneling and mining sector in India is growing rapidly and to meet this demand Normet is increasingly focused on serving local customer requirements by supplying products specifically tailored to the needs of Indian customers. Sipilä highlighted the importance of customer feedback in shaping their R&D efforts, ensuring that the company stays ahead of market trends. In terms of product offerings, Normet is the only company in India providing end-to-end solutions for shotcreting, from equipment used for concrete spraying to the construction chemicals involved in underground processes. Their offerings extend beyond new products, with the rebuild center in Jaipur receiving old equipment from global markets such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa, which are then refurbished and resold.

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Normet’s steadfast commitment to upholding quality standards across its global operations was best articulated by Sipilä who stated, “Whether in Finland or India, our quality standards remain uniform. This consistency is critical for us, as we look to provide sustainable and high-performing solutions worldwide”.

Careful Blend of Sustainability and Innovation

Normet’s Jaipur facility is a big step towards its commitment to sustainability. The facility runs on 100% solar power, a remarkable feat in an industry that is increasingly focused on reducing its carbon footprint. As Sipilä explained, “Sustainability is very important to us at Normet. Our customers are actively seeking eco-friendly solutions, and our battery-operated vehicles (BEVs) are a major part of this shift. We ensure that our BEVs are not only environmentally sustainable but also commercially viable for our clients.”

Elaborating on the in-house innovations, Subhasis Mohanty, Vice President of India and Middle East Sales Area and Managing Director of Normet India, highlighted the facility’s remote monitoring center—a standout feature that enables 24/7 real-time equipment monitoring using IoT-enabled technology. With advanced data analytics, Normet can fine-tune machine performance and address potential issues before they escalate, offering customers a seamless and efficient experience. The integration of next-gen technology in Normet’s products is safeguarded with robust data privacy standards as the company always obtains express consent from customers before accessing data from machines operating at their sites. This approach reflects Normet’s commitment to transparency and operational excellence in a digital age.

The Journey So Far & Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Normet has ambitious plans for the Indian market and beyond. Mohanty reflecting on the journey of Normet in India stated, “We first mooted the idea for the Jaipur facility in 2021, and it’s been a journey of progress ever since. The facility officially opened in 2023, and we are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time.” Normet aims to continue expanding its presence in India, leveraging the Jaipur hub as a springboard to access other markets in South and East Asia. This aligns with their broader strategy of establishing a strong foothold in emerging markets. The company is also a proponent of the Make in India initiative. “We’ve developed a local vendor network in and around Jaipur, which helps us maintain inventory levels and reduce lead times,” Mohanty explained.

Normet’s vision for India is driven by a steadfast commitment to technological innovation, sustainability, and automation. Continuous efforts at researching and developing automated solutions for tunneling, alongside the continued development of BEVs, will shape the company’s offerings in 2025 and beyond. With a proactive approach to incorporating technological advancements and a deep understanding of customer demands, Normet is poised to shape the future of underground operations.