‘Mining should grow, but without damaging nature’

Simon Meester is the new president of Sandvik Mining and Construction in India. Commenting on the potential of Indian market he said, “In the mining sector sustainable growth is obviously imperative to run the country’s budget and trade deficit down and fulfil the local energy needs but needs to be up to environmental standards”
Congratulations on being appointed as president of Sandvik Mining and Construction in India. What is your opinion on mining and construction equipment business in India?On the business front, needless to say India has immense business potential. Civil, road, construction, mining, hydro, and energy in general, you name it and there is fast growing demand for it. Personally, I think the potential is mostly noticeable in civil/construction due to the rapid urbanisation and economic growth. India’s infrastructure has some significant catch up work to do to accommodate the growing population and growing economy. In the mining sector sustainable growth is obviously imperative to run the country’s budget and trade deficit down and fulfil the local energy needs but needs to be up to environmental standards.
Prior joining Sandvik you have held regional assignments in Spain, USA, Holland, Switzerland and UAE.  How do you see the potential of your business in Indian market?India is one of the fastest growing engines of the global economy. India has tremendous but not fully explored potential and a huge talent pool. I was very fortunate to have received the invitation to work in one of these fast growing power houses and be right in the middle of this global economic transition.
In April this year, the global CEO and president of Sandvik group has expressed that your growth rate in emerging markets have been slower. What is the current growth rate of Sandvik more particularly the mining and construction division in India? Was the slower growth a point of concern prior taking over your appointment?No, Sandvik Mining and Construction has experienced a strong growth rate in India in the last decade and outperformed the industry averages.
What are your short-term and long-term targets?Short term, it is important for me to take the time to listen and learn. Listen to our customers, employees and suppliers. On the things that go well and where we can improve. For the long-term, first of all, we are in India for the long run. Sandvik has been in India for more than 50 years and we think we are in a perfect position to support India’s rapid economic growth. Our customers in India have known us for a long time and they know what we can do for them. We want to continue to grow with them, listen to them and help them increase their profitability and help delight their customers.
Which are the prime focus areas you are going to concentrate in?As I mentioned before, in the first few months, I want to first focus on taking the time to learn and listen. I want to get to know our customers, our people, our suppliers and the way we work with each other.
Can you discuss your growth strategy? What are your expansion plans?We will continue to make investments in India to exceed our customers’ expectations. As I said earlier, the economy is growing, our customers are growing, so we will need to grow with them. We will announce specifics in due course.
 

27