Vikas Mittal, Managing Director, Nova Formworks, shares insights on how their extensive experience drives innovative Plastic Modular Formwork Systems…

The Q&A highlights distinctive features, ‘Make in India’ alignment, trust-building, achieving over 100 repetitions, and integrating digital tech like BIM for construction efficiency and quality. Edited excerpts…

With a remarkable 40-year history in plastic manufacturing, how has Nova Formworks leveraged its extensive experience to drive the development of innovative Plastic Modular Formwork Systems?

Nova Formworks has leveraged its extensive 40-year experience in plastic manufacturing to create innovative Plastic Modular Formwork Systems. Utilising a wealth of industry experience led to the development of advanced manufacturing processes, secure locking systems, and other essential features that enhance the usability and efficiency of formwork systems. This rich background provided us with valuable insights and expertise to address the specific challenges and demands of the construction industry, ultimately resulting in high-quality, user-friendly solutions for formwork needs.

Can you provide an overview of the distinctive features and advantages offered by Nova Formworks’ NOVA ALUFORM, NOVA PLASFORM, and NOVA ALPLAS formwork systems, and how they cater to diverse construction requirements?

Nova Formworks has developed a diverse and versatile range of formwork solutions tailored to different construction applications. Each product line, including Nova PlasForm, Nova AluForm, and Nova Alplas, offers specific features catering to various construction needs. Nova PlasForm is a fully plastic formwork system suitable for a wide range of construction tasks, including verticals, horizontals, and general construction, as well as infrastructure projects. This is used for different types of construction projects, providing flexibility and ease of use. Nova AluForm, on the other hand, is fully aluminum formwork Designed specifically for monolithic construction applications indicating durability and strength. This is Suited for construction projects that require casting slabs, walls, columns, and beams in 1 go . Finally, Nova Alplas is a unique blend of aluminum and plastic formwork system that is used in situations where pure plastic fabrication is not feasible like monolithic construction. This combination allows for versatility in construction where both materials are utilized.

The construction industry is evolving towards greater emphasis on modular and offsite construction methods. How is Nova Formworks adapting to this trend and contributing to the growth of modular construction in India?

Nova Formworks, with its diverse product lines, is well-positioned to adapt to the growing trend of modular and offsite construction methods. We design and manufacture customized formwork systems tailored for modular construction projects. These systems are precisely engineered to fit the specific requirements of modular building components, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in the construction process. We develop prefabricated formwork components that align with modular construction requirements the significantly enhance the speed and ease of assembling modular structures. Nova formwork systems being Lightweight, durable, and easy to assemble, significantly contribute to the growth of modular construction in India. We provide environmentally friendly solutions for the construction sector. We also offer training programs to educate construction professionals on the effective use of our formwork systems in modular construction, ensuring proper utilization and maximizing efficiency. Investing in research and development initiatives to innovate new formwork materials and designs specifically suited for modular construction gives us a competitive edge. We are continuously aligning our products and strategies with the needs of the evolving construction industry, especially in the modular and offsite construction sector, thus playing a significant role in advancing construction practices in India.

Nova Formworks has formed key partnerships with industry leaders like Ahluwalia Contracts, L&T, Shapoorji Pallonji, and Tata Projects. Can you share insights into Nova Formworks’ current market share in the competitive construction formwork systems sector and the company’s strategies for expanding its industry presence?

We are currently unable to provide an exact market analysis and determine our specific Formwork system’s market share at this point. However, we have experienced consistent growth over the past 3 to 4 years and have ambitious plans to further expand our market share by the end of 2025. To achieve this, our strategies focus on a multi-faceted approach: Firstly strengthening existing partnerships and collaborating with industry leaders. Secondly, expanding domestically through dealers and distributors across India, especially in regions where direct customer outreach is challenging. This will allow us to tap into local markets efficiently and extend our reach to a broader customer base. Thirdly, rental collaborations will enable us to cater to customers who prefer renting formwork systems instead of purchasing them outright. This approach would further enhance accessibility and affordability for a wider range of clients. We are also exploring collaborations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities so we can expand our footprint beyond metropolitan areas. Partnering with local entrepreneurs and businesses in smaller cities can unlock new market segments for us. We are also aiming to tap into global markets. For this, we are on the lookout for opportunities where we can appoint dealers in international regions with a potential formwork market.

Sustainability, affordability, and reliability are the core tenets of Nova Formworks. Could you elaborate on how your product offerings align with the “Make in India” initiative and cultivate trust among stakeholders?

Nova Formworks’ focus on sustainability, affordability, and reliability aligns seamlessly with the “Make in India” initiative, showcasing a commitment to local innovation and production. Being the sole manufacturer of plastic Formworks in the country, we directly contribute to the “Make in India” initiative. By manufacturing these products locally, Nova Formworks not only supports the national economy but also fosters job creation and technological advancement within the country.

Nova formwork systems are reusable and durable, reducing the need for disposable formwork materials. This sustainability aspect aligns with global environmental goals and resonates with eco-conscious stakeholders, including environmentally responsible construction companies and government bodies. By offering affordable and reusable formwork solutions, we contribute to reducing construction costs, and making projects more economically viable. Nova Formworks being a patented product indicates a unique and innovative approach to formwork systems. Our patented technology assures stakeholders of the product’s authenticity, quality, and reliability, instilling trust among construction companies, contractors, and investors. Nova formworks system allows for faster construction processes due to their ease of use and reusability. This speed in project completion not only saves time but also reduces labor costs, making construction projects more efficient and economical.

Nova Formworks’ ability to deliver over 100 repetitions with its formwork systems is impressive. How does this aspect make your products a cost-effective and invaluable asset for construction projects of all scales?

Nova Formworks’ ability to deliver over 100 repetitions with its formwork systems enhances its cost-effectiveness and makes it an invaluable asset for construction projects of all scales. Whether it’s a small-scale construction or a large infrastructure project, the ability to reuse Nova formwork extensively ensures consistent cost savings regardless of the project size. Achieving over 100 repetitions, and in some cases, this has gone up to two to three hundred, means that the initial investment in Nova Formworks’ systems spreads across numerous construction cycles. This significantly reduces the per-use cost, making it highly cost-effective over the long term. For projects with at least 30 repetitions, it proves to be highly viable, as at this point, it matches the cost of other formwork systems like steel or plywood. Beyond 30 repetitions, the Nova formwork system’s value increases with each additional use. Every repetition contributes to cost savings, making it a valuable investment that continues to pay off as the project progresses. This means that even for medium-sized projects, it offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality Additionally, at the end of its lifecycle, Nova Formworks provides a 25% replacement value. This means that by returning four old panels, you can receive one new panel, effectively granting a 25% replacement benefit. This policy encourages users to return old panels, reducing the overall replacement cost and ensuring that construction companies can maintain a modern and efficient formwork system without a substantial financial burden.

Given the rapid advances in digital technology and Building Information Modeling (BIM), how is Nova Formworks integrating these innovations to enhance construction project efficiency and quality?

Nova Formworks is integrating digital technology and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to revolutionize construction project efficiency and quality. By incorporating BIM, Nova Formworks optimizes the planning and design process, enabling precise visualization and simulation of the construction workflow. This integration streamlines communication between different project stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination and reducing errors during the construction phase. Leveraging digital technology, Nova Formworks employs advanced monitoring systems that enable real-time tracking of construction progress and material usage, facilitating efficient resource management. Through these innovations, Nova Formworks is enhancing on-site productivity, minimizing wastage, and improving the overall quality of construction projects, ultimately contributing to the industry’s transition towards smarter, more sustainable, efficient, and quality-focused building practices.

Looking into the future, how does Nova Formworks plan to continue pioneering excellence and contributing to a prosperous and sustainable future in the construction industry?

We are committed to continuous improvement and we consistently strive to address any issues that may arise in construction projects by redesigning or altering our system to better suit their usage. This iterative design process ensures that our formwork system evolves to meet the changing needs of construction projects. Our approach is rooted in thorough research and development that allows us to develop cutting-edge solutions that address emerging challenges and cater to evolving construction requirements. We provide site-specific training, and robust support services to help resolve Formworks-related challenges leading to successful project outcomes. Additionally, we are constantly working on developing more sustainable and innovative construction products, aligning with the global shift towards eco-friendly practices. By staying abreast of technological advancements, we position ourselves at the forefront of the industry, ensuring we remain leaders in construction innovation. We are vigilant and will introduce improved systems and technology as needed in the future. By embracing innovation and adaptability, we are poised to contribute significantly to the industry’s evolution and set new standards for excellence.