CE makers are hopeful that the current situation continues and government focuses on infrastructure development.
By Jayashree Mendes
This time around bauma Conexpo India 2018 was different as compared to last time. There was a sense of self-confidence and assuredness among construction equipment makers and also the ancillary players. Reason being obvious: The last year has seen the construction equipment industry fare well what with the government rolling out infrastructure projects with quick dispensation. Complex and novel projects like the ones India has rarely done before like Sagarmala or inland waterways meant the need for new kinds of equipment and manufacturers delivered. Hence expectations from vendors was also at an all-time high.
Interestingly, more CE makers had new products to display – this could be in the form of brand new ones or existing products loaded with new features. It only proves that investment in R&D has increased and companies are serious about having advanced products in their portfolio.
In an earlier interview to this magazine, Bhupinder Singh, CEO, bauma CONEXPO India, had spoken about the new initiative called “buyer seller forum”. Apparently, it proved to be a well-thought move as it encouraged focused meetings with predefined objectives.
Ready for market
As trade fairs go, bauma Conexpo India may not be vastly different. But for CE manufacturers, it becomes imperative to participate as it gives them a chance to stay in sight of customers and bag new ones. Considering that bc India has stuck to Gurgaon (it was held once in Noida), it becomes a good way to attract northern customers. The nip in the air only adds to the attraction of holding it in Gurgaon.
Arvind Garg, executive VP, construction and mining, L&T and also president of ICEMA, said, “The idea is to bring contemporary products to the market. Most manufacturers present here are either MNCs or have tie-ups with them. They would like to introduce India specific products to the Indian customers. It means that products must be more robust, stronger and withstand Indian climatic conditions and workload.”
He added that Indian customers deserve the best products that are also available globally. Telematics, digitalisation, other advancements available should be offered here too without shaving off anything.
Generally, most were also of the opinion that most customers are growing at a pace faster than in any other industry. More the reason to offer new products and solutions. Vendors too, on their part, are racing to offer regular customers new products while ensuring that the customers do not have to travel afar or put in much effort to look around for other products. The idea is to offer complementary products that would go well with their existing range. Sorab Agarwal, executive director, Action Construction Equipment, said, “Our pick and carry cranes also function as an aerial work platform or as a telehandler. Each of the machines will replace two machines, so it reduces capital investment and operational cost for our customers.”
Considering that election results were also out on the same day of bc India, with surprises in store, there was a nagging feeling that much of the progress happening now might slow down. But any government wanting to prove their ability will surely know that awarding infrastructure projects is the only way to gain votes.
Feedback plays an important role in the construction equipment industry. Most innovations happen when customers come back with opinions on what they would like the machine to do. It’s also the reason why loyal customers return to the same vendor seeking new products and vendors launch complementary ones.
In the following pages, you will read about new launches and solutions that major vendors launched at bauma Conexpo India 2018.
