Our focus during the exhibition is to emphasize Ammann’s motto Productivity partnership for a lifetime

Dheeraj Panda
Managing Director, Ammann India

What products or solutions are you showcasing at this edition of Bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024? What is your focus during the exhibition?

At Bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024, Ammann is ecstatic to showcase a range of cutting-edge products and solutions designed to advance construction efficiency and sustainability. This year, we are spotlighting our newly acquired ABG paver, asphalt plant, asphalt recycling systems, compactors and other machines with BS5 emission standards and the CC30 ELBA Concrete Batching Plant with pan mixer, a revolutionary concrete mixing plant known for its reliability, economic efficiency, and precision in quality concrete production. These innovations highlight our commitment to delivering robust, high-performance equipment that meets the diverse needs of India’s infrastructure projects.

Our focus during the exhibition is to emphasize Ammann’s motto: “Productivity partnership for a lifetime”. We aim to demonstrate how our equipment solutions are not just tools, but enduring ways for our partners to improve their productivity. We are committed to creating a positive impact on the environment through sustainable technology, such as recycling systems that reduce resource consumption by reusing road materials. We look forward to engaging with industry professionals and sharing insights into how our innovations can elevate the quality and sustainability of construction projects across India.

What are your expectations for participating in Bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024? How do you plan to engage with visitors and stakeholders at the exhibition? Are there any specific goals or outcomes you are hoping to achieve from this event?

Participating in Bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 presents a vital opportunity for Ammann to connect directly with industry leaders, stakeholders, and customers in the dynamic Indian market. Our primary expectation is to strengthen our position as a leading provider of innovative, high-quality construction solutions that align with India’s rapid infrastructure growth and sustainability goals.

This exhibition allows us to showcase not only our latest products but also our commitment to fostering long-term productivity partnerships. To engage effectively, we’re offering personalized consultations, and arranging live Q&A sessions to address specific needs and challenges that visitors may face in their projects. By demonstrating the practical applications and sustainable advantages of our equipment, we hope to create an immersive and informative experience for our audience. 

Our key goals are to expand our customer base, build deeper connections with existing clients, and reinforce our brand’s reputation for reliability and innovation. Ultimately, we aim to gather valuable insights into market demands and to understand how we can continue enhancing our offerings to better serve the evolving needs of India’s construction sector.

How has the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme influenced your company’s investment plans and production capacity?

Ammann India is not a part of production linked incentive scheme as of now. However, we anticipate that it will be useful for component manufacturers in future. The PLI scheme will strengthen their commitment to India’s infrastructure development. It will empower them to not only expand their operational footprint but also contribute meaningfully to India’s self-reliance goals by manufacturing world-class equipment locally.

Do you believe the PLI Scheme is effectively enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global construction and mining equipment market? What specific support or incentives do you think would further accelerate growth in this segment?

The PLI Scheme is undoubtedly strengthening India’s competitiveness in the global construction and mining equipment market. By incentivizing local manufacturing and encouraging companies to expand their production capabilities, the scheme is positioning India as a manufacturing hub for high-quality, technologically advanced construction equipment. This aligns well with the rising global demand for sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions, giving Indian-made equipment a competitive edge in international markets.

To further accelerate growth in this sector, additional support in areas like research and development (R&D) and skill development would be highly beneficial. Expanding R&D incentives could help companies innovate faster, especially in eco-friendly technologies and automation, which are increasingly crucial in construction and mining. Additionally, initiatives focused on workforce training in advanced manufacturing skills, including digital tools and precision engineering, would help maintain high quality standards and boost productivity.

Moreover, creating export incentives for companies that meet sustainability benchmarks would encourage environmentally responsible production while increasing India’s market share globally. By building on the foundation of the PLI Scheme with these targeted incentives, India can solidify its standing as a leader in the global construction equipment market, enhancing its reach and reputation for reliability and innovation. 

What challenges and suggestions for any improvements or policy adjustments that would make the scheme more effective for manufacturers in this sector?

While the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has been instrumental in fostering growth for manufacturers, certain challenges could be addressed to make it even more impactful for the construction and mining equipment sector. One of the primary challenges is the complexity of compliance and the stringent eligibility criteria, which can be particularly difficult for mid-sized manufacturers. Simplifying application processes and adjusting eligibility thresholds would make the scheme more accessible and inclusive, allowing a wider range of manufacturers to benefit and contribute to the sector’s growth.

Another area for improvement is support for supply chain development, particularly in sourcing critical components. Construction equipment manufacturing relies on specialized parts, and the lack of domestic suppliers often necessitates costly imports, impacting overall production costs and timelines. Offering incentives for local supply chain development, or even subsidies for raw material procurement, would boost self-reliance and reduce dependency on imports.

Lastly, providing targeted incentives for sustainable manufacturing practices would align well with global trends and the industry’s sustainability goals. Support for green technologies, such as energy-efficient machinery and recycling capabilities, would enable manufacturers to innovate responsibly. By addressing these challenges and tailoring the scheme to support these areas, the PLI Scheme could drive even greater growth and resilience within the construction and mining equipment sector.

How do you foresee the PLI Scheme impacting the industry in the next 3–5 years, particularly in areas like localisation, export potential, and employment generation?

In the next 3–5 years, the PLI Scheme is poised to significantly impact the construction and mining equipment industry by advancing localization, boosting export potential, and generating employment. By encouraging local manufacturing, the scheme reduces reliance on imported components, allowing companies to source more materials domestically. This shift strengthens India’s self-sufficiency and positions it as a competitive manufacturing hub, particularly as global markets seek high-quality, cost-effective construction solutions.

The scheme also enhances India’s export potential by enabling companies to invest in technologies and processes that meet international standards. With PLI support, manufacturers can focus on producing world-class equipment that appeals to overseas markets, expanding India’s presence in the global construction equipment supply chain. The growing emphasis on exports will not only increase revenue streams but also solidify India’s reputation as a source of reliable and innovative machinery.

As manufacturers expand and upgrade their facilities, the scheme will drive significant employment growth across various functions, including manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain management. This rise in job opportunities supports skill development and creates a more robust talent pool within the industry, ultimately strengthening India’s construction equipment sector and its long-term economic growth.