Building the Future: S J Vijay on Revolutionizing India’s Construction Industry with Salmonleap Hommission

Salmonleap Hommission is leading a revolutionary change in the construction industry by merging innovative 3D precast technology with a bold vision for the future. Founded with a mission to transform how buildings are designed and constructed, the company is driven by a commitment to making high-quality, sustainable structures accessible to all. In this exclusive interview with Biltrax Media, S J Vijay, the visionary behind Salmonleap Hommission, delves into his pioneering approach. He further discusses the projects shaping their success, and how they are redefining the construction landscape by shifting from traditional methods to an industrial-scale manufacturing model. 

1 Can you briefly introduce yourself and share the story behind the founding of Salmonleap Hommission? What inspired you to establish the firm, and how did it come into existence?

My name is S J Vijay, and I am the Chairman of three companies: Salmonleap, Hommission, and a joint venture with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

The journey into manufacturing buildings as a product has an interesting backstory. After spending around 20 years in the banking sector, I transitioned into drafting policies and laws for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which included private-sector airports, seaports, investment regions, and more. As I moved through different phases of my career, the next challenge became evident: vertical development. We realized that while horizontal development is crucial, the real value is unlocked when buildings are constructed on this prepared land. The challenge was to build efficiently—faster, better, stronger, and at competitive costs compared to traditional methods.

This led us to explore how other countries approached construction. We discovered that since World War II, various advanced techniques like pre-casting, prefabrication, and more recently, 3D printing have been adopted globally. In 2010, we asked ourselves how India, with its scale, speed, scope, and skill, could integrate these methodologies. After extensive research and assessment, we concluded that concrete-based construction was the most suitable for India due to its durability and proven reliability.

Thus, we shifted from “manual construction” to “manufacturing buildings” as products using three-dimensional, monolithic, modular precast methods. This approach allows us to build efficiently while maintaining high quality. Consequently, it marks our entry into the built environment sector as a company focused on innovation in building manufacturing.

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2 How would you assess the current construction scenario in India? What are your predictions for the future of the industry?

The current construction scenario in India is, in my view, “transitioning“; undergoing a significant transition. For decades, construction methods remained largely unchanged. However, I believe we are on the cusp of a major shift, much like the transformation we witnessed in the telecom sector during the early 90s. Back then, we leapt from outdated fixed-line telephones straight to state-of-the-art GSM mobile technology, bypassing intermediate steps. I see a similar “leapfrogging” happening in the construction industry.

There are several factors driving this change. First, India’s economic growth trajectory demands infrastructure and buildings of higher quality and at a faster pace. Simultaneously, the workforce that traditionally participated in construction is finding alternative employment opportunities, leading to a decrease in available labor. With rising demand for quantity as well as quality of construction, the industry is compelled to adopt new methods to meet these challenges.

Additionally, regulations like the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) of 2016 have created pressures to deliver projects faster, better, and stronger—without increasing costs. These combined forces, from market dynamics to regulatory requirements, are pushing the industry to move away from “conventional, fragmented, and sequential” construction methods.

3 You describe the traditional construction approach as “manual, fragmented, and sequential.” Could you elaborate on how this impacts the current construction scenario/practices?

Historically, construction has relied heavily on manual labor, where large teams of workers handle various tasks like excavation, footing, column building, and slab pouring. If you were to pass by a construction site, you would commonly see a large number of workers performing various tasks, from excavation to structural work. This heavy reliance on manual labor makes the process slow and labor-intensive, with progress often hampered by workforce availability and skill levels.

Moreover, the construction process is fragmented, with each step treated as a separate task, which handled by different trades. For example, the process starts with excavation, then moves on to foundation work, column construction, and so forth. This fragmentation creates a disjointed workflow, where the completion of one task depends on the preceding one. As a result, it leads to inefficiencies and a lack of continuity. This traditional method is also sequential, meaning that one phase must be completed before the next can begin. For instance, concrete must be poured, set, and cured before moving on to the next level of construction. This sequential nature extends the overall timeline, as any delays in one stage—such as waiting for concrete to cure—can push back the entire project schedule.

In essence, while the traditional construction approach has served its purpose in the past, it now poses significant challenges in meeting the demands of modern construction projects. The need for faster, more efficient, and higher-quality construction has made it clear that the industry must evolve. The shift towards more automated, concurrent construction methods marks a necessary leap forward. It further allows the industry to overcome the limitations of the past and embrace a new era of efficiency and precision.

4 Given the long-standing reliance on traditional methods, how can the manufacturing-based construction process be effectively implemented? Could you elaborate on your vision for the ‘manufactured approach’ in construction?

Let’s dive into the specifics. When we talk about manufacturing buildings as a product, it sounds appealing—faster construction, better quality, stronger buildings, and all of that is indeed true. But the critical question is, how do we manufacture? Where do we manage this process – that’s the next big question.

One approach is manufacturing the precast building components off-site in a factory and then transporting these components—whether it’s room modules, wall panels, or floor slabs—to the construction site. This method is known as ‘off-site construction’. However, this approach involves assembling multiple pieces on-site to form a single room or structure. This can still be labor-intensive and costly due to the transportation and assembly required.

But what if we could manufacture the entire room as a single monolithic module in one go? This means integrating all those fragmented steps into one seamless process. That’s where the real efficiency comes in. Now, the question arises: how do we get people to adopt this? Can we bring all the benefits of factory manufacturing directly to the site, without the need for off-site construction?

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The answer is YES. We’ve developed the capability to take these molds and set them up at the construction site itself, allowing us to manufacture directly on-site. This eliminates the cost, time, and effort involved in transporting precast elements from a factory to the site. We’ve taken it a step further by modularizing not just the building, but the entire manufacturing facility as well.

Next came the challenge of customization. What if you need different room sizes, different door and window openings, varying wall thicknesses, or different heights? Can one machine or mold handle all these variations? The answer is yes. We brought manufacturing technology into the country specifically designed to meet these needs. It allows for a high degree of flexibility, enabling us to meet specific requirements without compromising on efficiency or quality.

It’s taken over a decade of effort to bring this level of innovation to India, but the results are here. The manufacturing approach to construction is not just a vision; it’s a reality that is now available and accessible across the country.

5 What were the major challenges you faced in getting approval for these innovative methods, and why do you think such methods were not adopted earlier? What recent developments have led to increased interest from the government and industry in this approach?

One of the key challenges is the conservative nature of the construction industry. Since construction involves the creation of spaces where people live and work, there’s no room for risks. Even if the materials are the same—steel, and concrete—any slight change in the process or method is met with caution. The first question they ask is, “Where has it been done?” followed by, “How has it been performing?“

For instance, when we brought this modular building technology to India in 2015, one of the clients wanted to go to Australia to visit the oldest manufactured building there, talk to the residents, and see how it had held up over time. In India, getting the necessary approvals took time. We had to secure the support of top institutions like IITs, collaborate with building material manufacturers such as UltraTech, and ensure that we had the right concrete design mix to deliver on-speed, strength, and quality.

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Another challenge was setting up the ecosystem required to make this technology work. We needed equipment like cranes to lift and assemble the structures, which required coordinating with material handling companies. We had to get the regulatory framework in place, partner with building material manufacturers, and get buy-in from research institutions like IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Science. It was essential to build trust with the end users by showing them that respected institutions and industry leaders—like Tata Steel and UltraTech—were backing this.

It takes time to mature and convince stakeholders in construction because it’s not like the digital world, where changes can happen overnight. Today, after years of hesitation, more projects are being launched in different states because we have proven the effectiveness of this approach. The government and industry are more open to these methods because they can see the results on the ground. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating—or at least talking to those who have already tasted it.

6 What were the most significant challenges you faced during the experimentation and implementation phases of this process? How did you address these challenges? Also, What are some common misconceptions about 3D precast construction techniques?

You know, we are actually very fortunate as a country. India has one of the world’s largest capacities for cement and building material production, so we don’t face material shortages like many other countries do. Whether it’s steel or concrete, we have enough. And when it comes to engineering talent, we are blessed with an abundance. We also have enough building products for manufacturing.

However, back in 2015, when we started working on precast construction for strata housing, we did face certain challenges. For example, we couldn’t find cranes at a cost-effective rate, and some structural connectors, like grout couplers, were only available abroad, making them expensive to import. Other accessories essential for pre-casting were also not available locally, which pushed up costs. We had to also import even the molds used for precast manufacturing.

Thankfully, with the government’s support—such as patent grants—we were able to start producing these machines locally. Now, we not only manufacture these machines in India but also export them to overseas markets. Over time, we also saw a shift in talent—engineers who were initially unfamiliar with precast techniques are now more adept and eager to work in this area. 

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As for misconceptions, the biggest one stems from fear of risk. In construction, people naturally avoid risks because taking a chance could mean endangering lives. This apprehension is rooted in one simple thought: “If someone else has done it, and it’s been proven safe and effective over time, only then will I adopt it.” Nobody wants to be the first to try something new.

That’s where early adopters like the Tata Group come in. They conducted their own studies, convinced themselves of the method’s safety, and became pioneers of 3D precast construction. When a reputable company like Tata adopts a new technology, it alleviates the concerns of others. We delivered our first project for them in 2016, and today, eight years later, the building still looks brand new—no leaks, no seepage, the paint is still gleaming, and it doesn’t even need plaster.

Once people see these results, experience the quality firsthand, and speak with those who have lived in these buildings, their apprehensions fade.

7 What types of structures are compatible with the 3D precast technique? Can this method support complex designs, or is it better suited for simpler structures? Could you provide details about the different types of modules in your precast systems?

That’s a great question. The 3D precast technique is incredibly versatile, and one mold can deliver a variety of modules—different types of rooms, different heights, lengths, and wall thicknesses. This versatility allows for the construction of a wide range of buildings. For example, the tallest building constructed with this method was initially a 40-story structure in Singapore in 2017, and now it’s been extended to a 56-story building. This demonstrates that the technique isn’t limited to simple structures; it can handle complex, large-scale projects as well.

In India, we’ve already completed various projects using 3D precast systems. For example:

• A residential project for Tata Housing.
• An institutional building for the new Goa International Airport, commissioned by the GMR Group.
• An office building for Goa Police, also located inside the Goa Airport.
• An administration office building in Navi Mumbai, near JNPT, featuring an open floor plan with over 20,000 SqFt per floor.
• Ready-to-use security and site offices, complete with walls, roofs, slabs, and furniture, manufactured in Navi Mumbai and transported to various locations.

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We are also currently working on a technical building for an airport radar system. We are designing an air traffic control tower that will become one of the tallest structures at airports.

When it comes to the types of buildings, this technique covers a wide range, from simple to complex. For instance, the radar building we are constructing is quite complex. The flexibility of 3D precast even allows for creative architectural designs. For instance, the technique can accommodate complex forms, like the curved structures often seen in projects by architects like Zaha Hadid. Whether it’s walls, plumbing lines, or any decorative elements—everything that can be done in traditional RCC can be done with 3D precast.

8 How do you envision the solutions proposed by Salmonleap Hommission creating a positive impact on the construction industry? Can you provide examples of how your methods have already started to make a significant difference?

So, you know, it’s not just about Salmonleap and Hommission—any entity bringing a fundamental change to the construction industry can really start addressing long-standing challenges. For instance, these days, many people aren’t keen on working in traditional construction. But if you shift construction into a more production-focused, manufacturing model, you boost productivity while creating better working conditions. That way, workers are safer, the job is less physically demanding, and you can actually pay them more, right?

With this approach, you’re increasing productivity as well as eliminating much of the tough, manual labor, such as wet works. Instead, the focus shifts to assembling pre-manufactured components. That immediately improves efficiency and helps with scheduling too. You’ll know precisely when a project will finish, regardless of weather delays or worker unavailability during festivals. So you get this perfect combination: guaranteed timelines, costs, and quality. Think about it like ordering a car—when you order, you know the delivery date, price, and exact specifications.

This isn’t just for big business projects—it’s something we’re doing for individuals too. It’s all about making construction faster, more efficient, and more accessible.

9 How do you envision the future of construction evolving with these changes, and what positive impacts do you anticipate?

As we’ve discussed, the construction industry is set to transform significantly. It will shift from manual, fragmented processes to more integrated, streamlined manufacturing practices. This integration—encompassing design, engineering, and construction—will redefine how we approach building projects.

In the future, what we know as contractors will evolve into what could be called “manufacturers of buildings.” This shift will introduce higher precision, efficiency, and predictability, much like in the manufacturing industry. The future lies in making spaces multi-functional and intelligent, maximizing every cubic foot, not just square footage. We’re already working on these concepts through partnerships, such as our collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science under SpaCyPhy Tech. The goal is to make spaces adaptable, optimizing them for various uses throughout the day.

This shift will bring significant value, particularly to individuals in urban environments. It enables them to optimize their living space without requiring expansive square footage. It’s an exciting development that will reshape the construction landscape in the years to come.

10 You’ve expressed a strong desire to drive positive change in the construction industry. Could you elaborate on the specific goals and objectives Salmonleap Hommission aims to achieve in this regard?

When we first set out on this journey, we focused on two keywords: “abode” and “all.” The idea was simple yet powerful—abode for all. In India, we often hear the phrase “roti, kapda, aur makaan” (food, clothing, and shelter). While we have made considerable progress in addressing the needs for food and clothing, housing remains a significant challenge.

At Salmonleap Hommission, our goal is to transform the way we approach construction. By shifting from manual, labor-intensive methods to industrial-scale manufacturing, we aim to bring scale, speed, and quality to the construction sector.The vision is to make homes and all types of buildings—residential, commercial, or institutional—accessible to everyone. This ensures they meet standards of both quality and affordability.

We expanded on the idea of “abode for all” to encompass not just housing, but all the different types of spaces where human activities take place—offices, hospitals, schools, and even public infrastructure. The goal is to build a future where everyone has access to dignified, quality living and working spaces, similar to what Singapore has achieved for its citizens.

In our country, we still see people living in substandard conditions—temporary shelters, makeshift homes made of tin or canvas sheets. Our long-term vision is to eliminate such conditions by revolutionizing the construction industry, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and sustainable living spaces. Whether I realize this goal in my lifetime or not, I believe we can achieve this dream, and we remain relentlessly committed to pursuing it.

11 Lastly, can you share any final thoughts or reflections on your journey and the transformation you aim to achieve in the construction industry?

I consider myself a dreamer. I believe in the concept of “moonshot” thinking—aiming for extraordinary goals. Achieving a moonshot in the construction industry, however, is exceptionally challenging, as this sector is inherently conservative and slow to embrace change. Despite its critical importance, construction doesn’t always attract the attention it deserves, and fewer young professionals are choosing careers in civil engineering. My hope is that we can reverse this trend by making the construction industry more appealing and dynamic, drawing talented individuals back into the field.

The real challenge lies in transforming construction from its traditional form into a modern, manufacturing-based industry. This shift would not only enhance productivity but also improve the quality of structures and make the industry more financially rewarding. Just as India has emerged as a global leader in the food and pharmaceutical industries, I envision a future where we can be recognized as the “building factory of the world.”

India has the talent, resources, market size, and capacity to achieve this transformation. The “4 S’s” that our Prime Minister often speaks about—size, scale, speed, and skill—are abundantly available here. If we leverage them correctly, I believe we can realize this vision within our lifetimes.

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I’ve witnessed significant changes over the decades. When I started, India faced shortages in food and clothing, but today we are known as the food and pharma factories of the world. I firmly believe that the construction industry can follow a similar path. It’s not just about contributing to GDP; it’s about making this sector one of the most respected and value-adding industries.

We need to shift our perspective from focusing on what’s lacking to recognizing the immense opportunities ahead. The construction industry has the potential to be a key driver of progress, and with concerted effort, we can light the way forward. I feel fortunate to have been part of transformative changes in banking and infrastructure, and I hope to see a similar transformation in construction. The future is bright, and I believe this industry is on the cusp of something remarkable.

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Salmonleap Hommission

Visit: www.hommission.com/

Email: stanley@salmonleap.co.in

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Disclaimer: The information herein is based upon information obtained in good faith from sources believed to be reliable. All such information and opinions can be subject to change. Furthermore, The image featured in this article is for representation purposes only. It does not in any way represent the project. If you wish to remove or edit the article, please email editor@biltrax.com.