Our company has registered six patents this year, highlighting its transition from a design-focused entity to a research-driven organization
V.G. Sakthikumar
Chairman and Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India
What were the highlights of the BC India exhibition for Schwing Stetter India?
Our company displayed 44 machines, 11 of which were new. Key highlights include the launch of jaw and cone crushers, marking the company’s entry into the crushing market. This step completes the company’s range, making it a comprehensive platform for various construction needs. Another standout was the new 14 cubic metre truck mixer, designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve site efficiency by minimizing vehicle use during deliveries.
Can you explain the evolution of truck mixers in India?
Initially, the Indian market primarily used 4 cubic metre truck mixers. The company disrupted this norm by introducing larger capacities, such as 6, 9, and 10 cubic metre mixers. The latest innovation, a 14 cubic metre mixer, is specifically designed for mass concreting projects, addressing challenges like site congestion and delivery delays. By reducing the number of vehicles required, this mixer significantly improves operational efficiency.
What other innovations were showcased?
Additional innovations include concrete pumps, separate placing booms, and dry mortar plants, which cater to specific site requirements. Ice plants for cooling concrete were also introduced to address the challenges of mass concreting projects, ensuring temperature regulation for optimal results. The company showcased solutions for batching plants and dry mortar, further expanding its portfolio in the concreting sector.
How is the company expanding its manufacturing capabilities?
The company has registered six patents this year, highlighting its transition from a design-focused entity to a research-driven organization. Manufacturing expansion includes adding new sheds and increasing production capacity. Vendor development is also a focus, with efforts to indigenize components previously imported from Europe, boosting domestic capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
How is the company addressing workforce development?
Workforce development initiatives include partnerships with five state governments to provide training for operators and skilled employees. The company also operates its own welding training schools and internship programs to meet internal manpower needs. Inclusivity efforts are evident in the 28% female participation in assembly shops and the launch of an all-women service center in Chennai. These initiatives aim to create a diverse and skilled workforce to meet future demands.
What is the approach towards contracts for buying versus renting?
The company maintains a balanced approach to both buying and renting contracts. While some contractors prefer renting machinery for flexibility, others prioritize ownership to enhance their qualifications for certain projects. Contractors often aim to have a minimum number of owned machines, ensuring a reliable operational base while supplementing their fleet with rented equipment as needed. This mix allows flexibility and aligns with varied project demands.
Can you expand on preventive maintenance for the machines?
Starting from mid-last year, preventive maintenance has been significantly enhanced with IoT integration. Three categories of machines are now factory-fitted with IoT devices, allowing customers to track their machines’ geographical location, operational status (whether they are working or idle), and hours of usage. These devices also provide detailed insights, such as proximity to scheduled maintenance. For example, customers can monitor whether a machine is approaching its 500-hour service mark or has exceeded it, ensuring timely maintenance and reducing downtime.
How do IoT devices enhance operational efficiency of your machines?
IoT devices provide real-time data on machine performance, enabling predictive maintenance and better resource management. Customers can track operational metrics through a mobile app, offering a seamless way to stay updated on machine activity. Additionally, for machines with control systems, like batching plants or boom pumps, IoT integration allows monitoring of critical parameters beyond basic status updates. These innovations streamline operations and improve decision-making, helping customers maximize the efficiency of their equipment.
How does sustainability feature in the company’s operations?
Sustainability is integral to the company’s strategy, with initiatives focusing on energy-efficient machinery and reducing environmental impact through recycling. The company has introduced long-life machinery to minimize resource consumption and reduce the need for frequent replacements. These efforts align with global environmental standards and enhance customer satisfaction by offering cost-effective and sustainable solutions.
If given an opportunity, what would be your suggestion to the government for any policy change?
The company strongly advocates for making skill certification mandatory for operating machinery. This would function similarly to a driving license, where an authorized agency certifies operators before they are allowed to handle equipment. Such a policy would improve safety standards, reduce accidents, and ensure that machines are operated efficiently. In addition to this, the company suggests policies to encourage accelerated depreciation for equipment and measures to promote the adoption of sustainable technologies, such as hybrid fuel and EVs. Another recommendation involves incentivizing recycling practices to minimize resource consumption and reduce environmental impact. These changes would align with broader safety and sustainability goals.
What technological advancements are being implemented?
Technological innovations include IoT-enabled devices for real-time monitoring of machinery, enabling predictive maintenance and improving efficiency. The company has also developed mobile applications that streamline communication between site engineers and production units. These advancements allow for better resource allocation, optimized operations, and reduced downtime, enhancing overall project management.
What is your perspective on fuel efficiency and resource conservation?
Fuel should be clean, efficient, and used optimally. For example, a hydraulic pump powered by a motor or engine consumes significant energy—either electricity or diesel. If the pump produces excessive heat while performing minimal work, such as pumping, it leads to fuel wastage. This not only impacts operational costs but also depletes national resources, which must be used responsibly. Efforts should focus on improving efficiency and minimizing wastage. Additionally, promoting reusable components is crucial. For instance, systems like valves can be rebuilt after wear rather than replaced entirely, reducing resource consumption and supporting sustainability goals.
How is safety being prioritized in operations?
Safety remains a top priority, with initiatives like proposing mandatory skill certification for machine operators. This certification would ensure that operators meet safety and operational standards, reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving machine efficiency. The company also integrates safety measures into its product design and training programs, reflecting its commitment to a secure working environment.
