Aman Sethi Group achieves higher production with Metso’s new high capacity crushing solutions

Qualitative and quantitative production in a limited time frame

With the changes in the Government quarry rules and the rising demand for good quality aggregates, there was a need for a solution that could deliver quality aggregates and even enhance production volume with the lowest downtime. Seeing this need, Metso was well equipped to launch its newest product in the industry, the 350 tph Rapid™ plant, with higher production capacity, lower operating costs and advanced automation.

Mr. Aman Sethi, Proprietor, Aman Sethi Group, shared, “If we talk about Bihar or even other states, the mines are auctioned by the Government and are usually given on a 5-year lease to the mine operator. The key here is to mine as much as possible in the given time frame. Even the markets are booming, so the operators need to go for two or even three crushing plants in one mine to produce more; this is a challenge, due to the space constraints in a mine area. This clearly signaled the need for a higher capacity plant that can operate in less space and deliver more in a limited time period.” He added, “Our decision to go with Metso’s 350 tph Rapid™ plant was good, as we are able to get more than 1 lac tonnes of production in a month, on average, and this plant has occupied almost the same space that a 250 tph plant would occupy. Hence, we are producing more in the same amount of space. I feel that this plant has the capacity to deliver even more than 1.25 lac tonnes per month with constant feed from the quarry.”

Mr. Manjeet Chawla, Director, Aman Sethi Group, shared, “We have always been trying new things or new opportunities, and if Metso was involved, we would take a chance. We went ahead and took the new higher capacity plant from Metso, and in record time it was installed, commissioned and we were in production. This being a Rapid™ plant, I think we saved a lot of time in installation and commissioning – and that one month of extra production gave us a head start.”

Deepak Raina, DGM, Aggregate Sales, Metso India, revealed, “With this plant, Aman Sethi Group became the first proud customer of Metso’s 350 tph Rapid™ plant. This has resulted in the customer achieving higher production capacity, low operating costs and even better support from Metso. The Metso-supplied crushers have advanced automation, which increases the productivity of the machines and reduces the fuel consumption of the equipment.” He added, “The quarry lease had already started, so the requirement for a quick setup of the plant was only possible with Metso’s Rapid™ range. Its setup time is minimal and it can be easily moved from one location to another.”

Solution needed for surge in demand for quality aggregates

Aman Sethi Group has been in the aggregates business for more than two decades and has been operating in Haryana, Orrisa, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar and other states. Seeing a rising demand for quality aggregates, they opted for the best equipment available in the industry. The aim was for a solution that could not only deliver quality aggregates, but also deliver quantity with efficiency. The company founded by Mr. Som Prakash Sethi in 1975 is currently led by Mr. Aman Sethi, who believes in quality product and services.

“My father is the founding member of this company. In 1975, he founded Aman Sethi Group. As we were gradually increasing our business, we saw that there is a lot of demand in the market for quality aggregates that are not flaky. We witnessed the shortage of quality material and the Government’s increasingly stricter laws for the mining industry, making this business more challenging. So we decided to go with Metso. Their quality equipment produces quality aggregates and long-term sustainable solutions that suit the mining industry – and that was precisely the need of the hour.”

The company gradually expanded its foothold in the market and even understood the changing requirements of the industry. From operating more than 300 local crushers in one zone at one point in time, the company slowly moved to plants offering high capacity, optimum life, high uptime and the lowest cost of operating. As one of the largest producers of aggregates in the industry, the company was regarded as a trendsetter by many other players in the industry.  

“We bought the first crusher, a C125™ jaw crusher from Metso, in 1997; the best part is the crusher is still operating in one of our quarries 20 years later. Seeing the crusher operating even after 20 years gives us confidence in the Metso brand and its equipment,” divulged Mr. Manjeet Chawla. He added, “The Indian market is one of the biggest markets for aggregates and we are one of the biggest mine operators in north India. Initially, we operated more than 300 local crushers in our quarries, as there were frequent breakdowns and the demand was not fulfilled. Buying that first crusher from Metso changed the perception, as production quality was good, crusher uptime was high, and we were able to meet the growing market demand for aggregates.”

Service plays a vital role in this long-lasting relationship

“Any equipment can have problems, but the key in our business is how fast the problem is solved. Metso has been delivering the best service and this has enabled us to lead from the front in this industry,” shared Mr. Manjeet Chawla.

The cost of a shutdown is very important to any mine operator, and the aim is to minimize it or find a solution to the issue as quickly as possible. Metso, with its wide service network spread across India, has lived up to customer expectations and has delivered quality service to its customers.

“Service plays a vital role in this crushing business, so the plant’s proper upkeep and preventive maintenance is a must. Metso’s service experts have been able to reduce these shutdowns by training our people on how to operate the plant and even educate us on inventory planning so that the maintenance is quick.” He added, “We only buy genuine spares from Metso; this way, we do not face any shutdown due to a faulty spare. I am happy with the services provided by Metso and – just like other companies – we have confidence in Metso’s quality and brand services. We have ten more projects coming up, and I am happy to share that all my future orders will go to Metso only.”