Balancing cost and quality are always our priority.
Gurunath Kulkarni
Vice President, Shandong Heavy Industry India
How do you view the Bauma Expo this time, particularly in terms of participation and business?
The participation at Bauma has always been fascinating, and this time is no different. People across industries, from tooling to equipment manufacturers, are present, reflecting the growth and readiness of Indian manufacturers. The response has been very positive, and it highlights the industry’s progress and potential. Exhibitions like these provide a great platform to showcase products and connect with stakeholders.
What were the machines or products that you had launched at the Expo?
The key focus for our launch has been on construction machines, particularly those aligned with the Stage-V emission norms, which are set to be implemented on January 1st, 2025. We have displayed all our Stage-V compliant products. Apart from construction equipment, we are showcasing our mining product, which powers IOT & 90T Trucks for overburden, as well as our driveline and gearbox solutions. Our primary focus is to convert more OEMs, especially in the India region, where we currently work with three OEMs. We see this as a significant opportunity to expand our collaborations and grow our reach in the market.
How do you see scalability in comparison to the demand for your products?
Scalability has been well understood across the industry, particularly with the projected growth over the next 10 years. Similar or better than last 5 years. This growth has been anticipated and planned for by most players in the industry, including us. We have worked on enhancing our capacity and product range to meet this demand. For instance, the engine on display is a large engine capable of handling higher outputs, scaling up from our previous range of up to 2000. We are prepared to offer solutions ranging from the smallest to the largest engines, ensuring scalability and readiness for the evolving market.
What are your views on electric machines, and how will they impact the engine business?
The adoption of electric technology has been relatively slow, except for cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and to some extent, buses. Highway trucks are still primarily reliant on diesel engines. For construction and infrastructure projects, engines remain crucial, as the capital expenses & current available infrastructure to support that. While electric solutions are part of the conversation, the immediate focus remains on delivering efficient engines to support infrastructure development like bridges, tunnels, metros, and roads.
What policy suggestions would you make to the government to support technology and growth?
Policy frameworks should support the infrastructure required for new technologies. For instance, the government needs to ensure the availability of cleaner fuels, such as those required for Stage-V emission engines. While advancements are possible, implementation should be aligned with customer affordability. If costs increase too sharply, it affects the pricing of day-to-day products and interest rates. Affordable alternatives like gas pipelines are being developed, which will eventually equalize gas and diesel prices. Policymakers must focus on pushing alternate technologies while ensuring affordability and accessibility for customers.
India is a price-sensitive market. How do you balance cost and quality in your products?
Balancing cost and quality are always a priority. For any end customer, quality, cost, and delivery play a critical role. Achieving this balance requires scale, which in turn comes from growth and access to good markets. We focus on delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions that provide value to customers. By achieving scale, we ensure growth and affordability, benefiting both the company and the end-users.
