Page 56 - CO April 2017 Full Issue

interaction COVER STORY Powered by Robbins aims to support its clients throughout the entire tunneling process With the infrastructure scene now hotting up across India in terms of construction of new metros, hydro and irrigation projects which require tunnelling work the US based Robbins Company, the world’s foremost manufacturer and developer of advanced Tunnel Boring Machines is all set to cash in the opportunities. KAPIL BHATI, MD, ROBBINS INDIA spoke to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES on the opportunities going forward for his company. Briefly tell us key features/USPs that • First variable frequency cutter head Any new products introduced in the have contributed in strengthening and drive. market? Tell us about the geographies/ maintaining your stronghold in the market? • First wedge – lock cutter mounting projects in which they are being targeted? For over 60 years, Robbins laid innovation system. It has been more than 10 years now when in the tunneling industry / feld. Here are We manufactured the world’s frst rock Robbins India made its debut in 2005 few innovations listed below. tunnel boring machine (TBM), shortly with the goal of expanding in all parts • Designed and manufactured frst main when James Robbins founded in 1952. Te of the country and providing the best beam TBM. TBM was built for Mitry Constructors who underground construction solutions in the • Designed and manufactured First were working on some irrigation project minimum possible time frames. Robbins double shield TBM. near Pierre, South Dakota, USA. still holds the same vision and plans of our • Manufactured First 19 inch cutters. Te company also invented both the Main presence in Indian market on the long term • First successful rock boring head for Beam and Double Shield TBMs. We are by providing equipment and full crew for auger boring machine. best known for its very successful Main its operations too. Robbins aims to support • First successful employment of disc Beam TBMs, but a pioneer in hard rock its clients throughout the entire tunneling cutters to bore hard rock. Double Shield machines too. Also, we hold process by providing expert services that • First foating gripper design allowing 90% of the world record for production of include operational and technical assistance continuous steering of a TBM. TBMs from 3 to over 14 m in diameter. for all types of challenging geological strata. 58 construction opportunities|aPrIL 2017