Ensuring reliability and safety is at the core of our material handling solutions at Godrej

Neville Mevawala
Head of Sales & Marketing, Godrej Material Handling

What emerging trends in material handling equipment are you observing? How are you addressing the increasing demand for automation and smart technologies in the sector?

The material handling industry is witnessing rapid transformation through digitalization, automation, and sustainability initiatives.

With the government’s recent mandate for CEV-V emission norms replacing CEV-III/CEV IV standards for diesel forklifts above 37KW, the industry is aligning with global sustainability benchmarks.

At Material Handling Equipment business of Godrej Enterprises Group, we were first in the industry to offer CEV-5 compliant emission norms forklift trucks that reduces particulate matter by 60%, improving workplace air quality and employee health. Our approach includes smart technologies like AI cameras for safety of man and machine at workplace, a balanced portfolio of electric and clean-diesel equipment, and automation solutions designed and manufactured under our “Make in India: For the world” initiative, combining regulatory compliance with innovation while showcasing Indian engineering excellence globally.

What are your core products and services in Material Handling Equipment?

At Godrej Enterprises Group, we are committed to integrating sustainable technologies and innovative design into our material handling equipment. Our focus on electric solutions has led to the development of energy-efficient models that deliver longer run hours per charge. These electric forklifts, traditionally limited to indoor use, can now operate outdoors as well, offering a viable alternative to diesel-powered equipment. This not only enhances workplace efficiency but also reduces operating costs and environmental impact.

We have also adopted Li-ion battery technology for our forklifts with indigenous BMS ensuring data protection; opportunity and fast charging, longer working hours complying to stringent safety norms equivalent to EVs, contributing to a more sustainable material handling ecosystem.

Beyond equipment, we provide comprehensive after-sales services tailored to diverse duty cycles and working conditions. Our offerings include technical assistance, maintenance contracts, rental solutions, and operator training in safety, operations, and maintenance.

To ensure seamless support, we have a dedicated toll-free service line, where all requests are tracked through our CRM system.

How do you ensure the reliability and safety in your range of material handling equipment?

Ensuring reliability and safety is at the core of our material handling solutions at Godrej. From design to deployment, we integrate rigorous safety protocols that exceed industry standards. To bridge the gap in industry safety standards, we introduced India’s first-ever material handling safety application – the i-Report app. This innovative tool provides a 360-degree safety solution, enabling remote and real-time incident reporting, audits, training, and consultations for our customers and business partners.

Additionally, our equipment is designed with inbuilt advanced safety features to minimize operational risks. For instance, our Smart Curve Control Technology automatically reduces speed by up to 30% while turning, preventing tip-overs. The Anti-Rollback System activates every time the brake pedal is released on an incline, preventing unintended movement and enhancing control.

Beyond technology, we strongly emphasize operator training and education. Through partnerships with institutes like Gram Tarang in Bhubaneswar, we conduct specialized training programs that not only ensure safer operations but also contribute to skill development and employability in the fast-growing logistics sector.

By embedding safety into every aspect of our products and services, we empower businesses with reliable, high-performance material handling solutions that prioritize both efficiency and worker well-being.

What are the biggest challenges currently facing the material handling industry and how is your company preparing to meet these challenges?

The material handling industry is navigating several key challenges—both internal and external—that are shaping its future.

Warehouses and distribution centers require well-structured facilities for efficient pallet handling. However, the lack of palletisation and standardized pallet sizes in India creates inefficiencies in storage and logistics. Standardizing pallet dimensions would enhance compatibility, streamline operations, and reduce handling costs.

The competitive imports of material handling equipment from China and unavailability of key component such as drive trains locally makes Indian manufacturer at disadvantage.

At Godrej, we are proactively tackling this challenge building local eco-system such as we manufacture our own motors and transmissions to mitigate these challenges.

What do you envision as the future of material handling equipment in the next 5-10 years?

The Indian material handling equipment market is very small compared to its GDP. We have lowest per capita forklift among top 15 economies of the world.

Having said that, the material handling and logistics sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the growing demand for automation, digitalization, and sustainability. Businesses are increasingly adopting smarter, more efficient supply chain solutions that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The rapid expansion of e-commerce and the focus of increasing percentage of manufacturing in GDP and global trade is further accelerating the need for advanced, scalable material handling systems.

Looking ahead, we anticipate greater supply chain visibility through the integration of AI and IoT, enabling real-time tracking and predictive analytics. Additionally, AI-powered defect detection will enhance quality control, ensuring higher accuracy and efficiency in operations. These innovations will empower businesses to make data-driven decisions, streamline workflows, and eliminate inefficiencies, setting new benchmarks for agile and sustainable logistics.