Walton emphasises producing environment-friendly and energy-efficient ACswith the world's advanced features. That's why our research and innovation team isconstantly adding innovative and world-leading technology to our ACs throughextensive research. As a result, customers are getting the highest quality productsat affordable prices, Engineer Sondip Biswas, the deputy chief business officer at Walton Air Conditioner, said during a recent interview with The Business Post.
How big is the country’sAC market and what is Walton’s position right now?
On average, Tk 5,000 crore worth of ACs are sold forresidential and commercial purposes around the country every year. Last year, about 5,50,000 units ofACs were sold in Bangladesh. This year, more than 6,00,000 units are likely to be sold dueto the country's hot and humid climate. In the domestic market, Walton hasoccupied a significant market share.
What isspecialabout Walton ACs in terms of quality?
The quality of Walton brand ACs is world-class. At our state-of-the-art AC manufacturing unit, we are manufacturing international standard hugeenergy-efficient ACswith advanced features. As an assurance of thehighest quality of Walton ACs, we are offering a one-year replacement warranty,a maximum of 10 years compressor guarantee, athree-year spare part warranty and freecleaning service.
What new technology are you introducing? What are yourbusiness plans?
Walton is the industry leader in Bangladesh when it comes to ACsbecause of its cutting-edge technologies that prioritise consumer comfort andsustainability. Walton is the only company in Bangladesh with a unique and strongresearch and innovation team, where domestic and foreign engineers are workingon product innovation. In Walton ACs, they introduced the highest number ofadvanced features and technologies like 6-Star rating extreme energy savingtechnology, anti-corrosive 'Coatec' technology, air plasma, integrated 5-inch colourTFT display, 3-in-1 convertible technology, UV care, remote finder, intelligentinverter, frost clean, offline voice control, Bluetooth control, smart app solution,etc.
Considering the regional differences and some special industrial conditions, we havespecially designed and developed a unique type of anti-corrosive coating inour ‘Coatec’ series. This invention ensures longevity and lowers maintenance of ourproduct which will give direct financial benefit to our customer as well. Walton's‘Oceanus’ series ACs are also equipped with Bengali and English voicecontrol operating systems as well as Internet of Things technologies, whichprovide consumers with unmatched convenience and digital services. In WaltonACs, we have added digital display features through which customers can directlymonitor room and outdoor temperature, electricity consumption rate, last month's orlast year's consumption rate etc.
Walton emphasises producing environment-friendly and energy-efficient ACswith the world's advanced features. That's why our research and innovation team isconstantly adding innovative and world-leading technology to our ACs throughextensive research. As a result, customers are getting the highest quality productsat affordable prices.
With the growth of the country’s AC market, are you nowconsidering exporting abroad?
The global AC market is a giant. Like the domesticmarket, Walton aims to grab a strong position in the global AC market. At present,Walton isexportinginternational quality ACsto various countries in Asia,the Middle East and Africa. We are working to expand the export market in developed countries including Europe, America and Australia. We have formedan efficient and smart global business team. Besides, we have set up subsidiary andbranch offices in some countries. We have also set up a research and innovationcentre in South Korea.
How do the country’s business-friendly policies support the production ofelectronics including ACs?
The government has taken several steps in the past years toboost the domestic electronics industry, including the AC manufacturingindustry. The domestic electronics industry still needs that support to continue inthe coming days. The domestic electronics market, especiallythe fridge and AC market,was completely dependent on imports before. This import-dependent industry hasnow come to depend on local production. Export activities are in progress. So,government policy support should be continued to make this industry sustainable.
In order to propel innovation, expansion and sustainability within Bangladesh's AC sector, policymakers have to enact measures that bolster energyefficiency, encourage domestic production, and promote environmentalsustainability. It would encourage their broader adoption to provide incentives forthe creation and purchase of energy-efficient ACs. It would increasedomestic output to promote local firms like Walton with measures that providecompetitive advantages over imports.
Walton has made its debut as the first VRF and Chiller Commercial ACmanufacturer in Bangladesh. Through this, Bangladesh occupies the ninth place inthe world in this technology. However, Walton is not enjoying any advantage as amanufacturing company of the commercial ACs. Policymakers should take care ofthat.
There have been reports of AC explosions in the news. How can we ensure that does not happen?
In most cases, AC explosion happens due to ignorance orcarelessness. Various types of ACs are available in the market now. But withoutquality AC, there is a danger of accidents.
The ways to avoid AC explosion accidents are:
