Surface International is promoted by Mr Yogesh Maheshwari, a qualified technocrat with an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a varied experience of over 29 years in the field of designing, manufacturing, modifying, servicing and managing an engineering industry engaged in manufacturing and marketing of shot blasting/shot peening machines for engineering, automobile, heat treatment and foundry industry. He also has to his credit designing and manufacturing of guniting/gunning and shotcrete machines, grout pumps and concrete placers for construction industry. Prior to the inception of Surface International he could gain work experience of almost 25 years in similar business where he was controlling the technical part of the industry as a whole. Mr Maheshwari responded to the IPF Questionnaire on the occasion of the 40 Anniversary Issue. Excerpts:

As the name indicates, the company is known for Surface Finishing products. What are the various models in this range?

The company manufactures airless/centrifugal shot blasting/shot peening machines in various models: Hanger, Rotary Barrel, Swing Table and Tumblast types and in each type there are different standard models and also custom-built.

We also manufacture pneumatic/air-operated sand/shot/grit blasting/peening machines (stationary and portable) in various types and in each type there are different standard models and custom-built too. So the total range is really quite wide.

What are the applications?

The application is mainly for surface finishing - removal of heat-treated scale/rust/paint/burrs/any foreign material/impurities, and surface preparation for bonding/painting to produce matt/satin finish. These machines are inevitable for blast-cleaning of base-metal surface before thermal spray coatings.

What is the USP of these products?

Better design and most user-friendly features is what make these machines outstanding.

Why should the customer opt for these?

For mass production by a single operator at low cost and very less maintenance.

How strong/effective is the after sales service?

We ensure and render our guarantee for supply of accessories and spare parts for minimum 10 years and also prompt after-sales services to the entire satisfaction of our valuable customers.

How does the cost of ownership over the life cycle compare with competition?

In view of the competition, our prices are very rationally worked out to match with the market trend and our machines easily and gradually, rather rapidly, payback the investments thereon by the buyer and within few years the machine will be absolutely free to the owner.

Smooth and satisfactory performance, rated capacity and prolonged shelf-life are definitely there if our machines are operated strictly as per the Instruction Manual, using our original spare parts and serviced by our expert Engineers/Mechanics.

What is the company's history?

Surface International was promoted in the year 2007 and is an ISO 9001: 2008 accredited company. The present team includes dedicated and experienced professionals in techno commercial fields. The company has commercial production of shotblasting and shot peening machines (airless and air-operated), blast rooms, and construction equipments of various types in different models, right from inception. The company has well equipped factory and test lab with all required quality control equipments to maintain stringent quality standard. With experience of over 30 years in this field, the management of the company understands the need and service support required by the customer and strives to attain complete customer satisfaction by way of excellent quality product and timely services. Now, we do not, but our quality, clientele and turnover speak about us!

What are the company's achievements?

At the inception of the company (an SSI unit) in 2007, we started production of only construction equipments, but in few months, we started manufacturing all types of airless/centrifugal shot blasting machines in different models, and then within 6 months, we added to our product line all types of pneumatic/air-operated shot blasting machines in different models. We could establish the company during the first year itself and made sales of over Rs 1 crore. As customers' satisfaction is our motto, and due to very lucrative pricing and consistency in the quality, demand for our products in the market was rapidly increasing, and we started to export directly and indirectly with the result that our clientele has also increased substantially and the present turnover of the company within five years is over Rs 6 crore, which is an achievement.

Any breakthrough product launch that made a difference?

Against a specific enquiry from a leading/reputed transformer manufacturing company in India, we have designed, manufactured and supplied on turnkey basis a Hanger type, Airless Shot Blasting Machine, Model ASH-185-160-3W/2-PLC, with over-head mono-rail conveyor, 3 blast wheel stations, 4,000 cfm dust collector, ducting and micro-processor controlled control panel and successfully commissioned the same, which was a breakthrough. We not only received a repeat order from the same party, but also got orders for this machine from three other manufacturers who saw this machine in operation.

How is present business environment?

It is good - indigenous and overseas demand for our products exceeds production and we're trying to cope up with.

What are the future plans?

Presently we're exploring the possibilities of expanding our production facilities to cope up with the market demand.