Automark Industries (India) Pvt. Ltd., founded in 1988, has established itself as a trailblazer in India’s road safety product sector. Understanding the critical need for solutions that not only meet rigorous global safety standards but also align with environmental sustainability, the company committed to developing road marking products that integrate harmoniously with both infrastructure and the natural environment. Automark was the first Indian company to manufacture road marking machines, earning widespread recognition for its pioneering efforts.
In 1997, Automark diversified by importing thermoplastic road marking materials and glass beads, setting up a specialized division dedicated to road marking projects nationwide. Equipped with a robust fleet of automatic and semi-automatic machinery, the company can manage multiple large-scale projects concurrently. Today, Automark is the market leader in manufacturing thermoplastic road marking materials and executing projects with unmatched precision, solidifying its position as an industry innovator.
In an exclusive dialogue with The Interview World, Nasim Khan, Senior General Manager – Business Development at Automark, delves into the company’s role in advancing road safety through innovative marking solutions. He highlights market opportunities for these products, discusses the company’s current revenue trajectory and future growth plans, and offers a glimpse into the new products Automark is preparing to introduce. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.
Q: Can you elaborate on Automark’s contributions to enhancing road safety?
A: Automark Industries stands as India’s largest road marking manufacturer and ranks as the fifth largest in all of Asia. We specialize in producing thermoplastic road markings and cold plastic solutions tailored for a variety of applications—parking lots, pedestrian crossings, bus bays, cycle tracks, and other essential traffic safety areas. Additionally, we manufacture reflective pavement markers, commonly known as road studs, designed to enhance road visibility and safety.
Our success extends beyond dominating the Indian market. We have established a global presence in 16 to 17 countries, serving markets across Africa, the Arab world, Far East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
But at Automark, we’re not just about selling products; we’re about delivering solutions. We pride ourselves on providing tailored solutions that address the unique needs of our customers. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we engage deeply with our clients to understand their specific challenges—whether it’s a traffic management issue or a geographic concern. We conduct on-site assessments to identify the pain points and then recommend innovative, customized solutions that align with the client’s traffic patterns, site conditions, and environmental factors. In doing so, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them, delivering value through our expertise and commitment to solving real-world problems.
Q: How do you perceive the current market opportunities for road marking products, and what key trends are driving growth in this sector?
A: Infrastructure is expanding rapidly across the globe, with particularly striking growth in India and the Arab nations. As this development accelerates, so too does the demand for high-quality products to support it. Safety requirements, once limited to traditional approaches, now call for more innovative solutions. The market is increasingly seeking new, advanced products, and investors are responding with openness to these innovations.
Many investors are now purchasing road assets, assuming responsibility for their maintenance over long periods—often 15 to 20 years. Unlike EPC contractors who build and walk away, these investors must ensure the roads are well-maintained over time. As a result, they need products that offer durability, long-term reliability, and sustained reflectivity.
This shift has created a growing market that is more discerning, with an increasing focus on quality and performance. People now demand products that last longer and deliver superior results. This is precisely where Automark steps in. We don’t just offer products; we provide tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring long-lasting performance and exceptional value.
Q: Can you provide insights into Automark’s current business size, and how do you envision its growth and evolution over the next 5 to 10 years?
A: At present, we stand at ₹240 crores, but our sights are set much higher. Our goal is to surpass ₹500 crores within the next three years. Right now, we hold the position as the largest player in India and rank as the fifth largest in Asia, as I mentioned earlier. In the next five years, our vision is clear: to elevate ourselves to at least the number three spot in Asia.
Q: What are your future plans for introducing new products, and how will they complement or enhance your existing product offerings?
A: We’re not just aiming to introduce new products—we’re focused on launching innovative solutions within our existing categories. In road markings, for instance, we’re gearing up to release high-performance products in both thermoplastic and cold plastic. One of our latest breakthroughs is a cold plastic solution specifically designed for traffic calming devices.
This cold plastic, unlike traditional hot-melt thermoplastic, offers a significant advantage. It’s MMA-based, allowing us to create durable speed breakers and rumble strips that outperform thermoplastic in both durability and functionality. In fact, it lasts 5 to 10 times longer than standard thermoplastic paints, giving it a clear competitive edge.
We’ve already launched this product, and we’re also sharpening our focus on reflective pavement markers. Recently, we introduced both shank and non-shank variants, and we’re on the cusp of launching aluminum-based markers and solar reflective pavement markers, expanding our lineup with cutting-edge technology that enhances road safety.
