Our focus this year is to deliver a strong and clear message to the industry that TIL is back

Our focus this year is to deliver a strong and clear message to the industry that TIL is back

Alok Kumar Tripathi
Whole time Director & President, TIL

What is your focus for bauma this year compared to the earlier versions?

Our focus this year is to deliver a strong and clear message to the industry that TIL is back, and back with a bang. After a period of reduced activity, it’s essential to reconnect with the industry, our peers, and even our competitors. This event provides an excellent platform to showcase not just our presence but also the new energy and capabilities we are bringing to the table.

We are also here to understand industry trends, technological advancements, and the direction in which the market is moving. It’s a gathering where the entire fraternity comes together, providing opportunities for collaboration and learning. Additionally, it serves as a motivational event for our team, many of whom haven’t participated in such an exhibition in a long time.

What are the products you are showcasing?

First, we have the N80A - a specialised article handling equipment used widely by India’s Defence Forces (now available for retail customers). The crane features a state-of-the-art Load Moment Indicator (LMI) system, precision controls, and a compact mounting design that makes it ideal for urban construction sites. Its advanced articulation system enables operation in confined spaces, while the integrated safety features like overload protection and stability control system garnered significant attention from visitors.

Secondly, we unveiled the Snorkel A62JRT articulating boom lift at Bauma ConExpo India 2024, marking its strategic entry into India’s aerial work platform segment. This product marks our entry into a segment focused on retail consumers, moving beyond our traditional focus on government and defense sectors. The partnership with Snorkel, an American company, also extends to telehandlers. Our aim is to not only distribute these products across India but eventually manufacture them domestically for both local and global markets. Engineered for versatility and efficiency, the A62JRT comes equipped with multi-function proportional controls enabling precise operation and up-and-over capabilities. The machine’s powerful 4-wheel drive system, combined with its robust construction, ensures reliable performance across challenging terrains. With a maximum working outreach of 11.1m and a platform capacity of 227kg, the A62JRT sets new standards in the articulating boom lift category.

Lastly, the Hyster-TIL RS46-33 ReachStacker demonstrated TIL’s expertise in port handling solutions, featuring a lifting capacity of 46 tons and advanced container handling capabilities. The machine’s newly designed ergonomic cabin offers 360-degree visibility and includes an intelligent monitoring system that provides real-time performance data. The ReachStacker’s innovative ECO-mode operation, resulting in up to 15% fuel savings, particularly resonated with port operators and logistics companies looking for sustainable solutions. This series offers enhanced features and positions us to reclaim our competitive stance in a market increasingly populated by Chinese and other international brands

These three products symbolize our renewed aggression and ambition in the industry.

How is your company different from competitors?

Our legacy is unmatched, with an 80-year history that few in the industry can rival. TIL represents world leaders like Hyster and Manitowoc and has long-standing associations with Caterpillar. Our capabilities extend to manufacturing and an established reputation within India’s defense sector, where we are highly respected.

We are uniquely positioned to capitalize on India’s growth story. While we have missed opportunities in the past, India’s potential over the coming decades ensures that we are in the right place at the right time. Moving forward, we plan to expand aggressively into exports, railways, and aftermarket solutions, diversifying beyond material handling and cranes. Our focus will also shift toward providing comprehensive engineering solutions.

India is a cost-centric market. How do you balance between cost and quality for your products?

TIL’s strong manufacturing capabilities allow us to focus on localization, ensuring competitive pricing without compromising on quality. By emphasizing local production of critical components, we reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and improve efficiency.

To remain competitive, we focus on providing solutions rather than standalone products. This approach includes integrating the latest technologies and innovations while keeping our offerings cost-effective. Our commitment to innovation, localization, and customer-centricity ensures that we deliver value while staying competitive in the market.

What suggestions would you give to the government to support the industry?

While we welcome competition, it’s essential that the government creates barriers to prevent dumping of foreign products, which can undermine local manufacturers. Indian manufacturing companies need protection and support to remain competitive, especially in the face of growing infrastructure demands. The government should simplify processes for companies undergoing turnaround phases, providing funding and resources to foster growth. Additionally, it should lower entry barriers in sectors like defense to encourage broader participation and innovation. Export competitiveness is another area that requires attention. Simplifying export procedures and reducing tariffs on raw materials would enable Indian companies to expand their global footprint.

The rental market is booming in India. What is TIL’s take on this?

The rental market presents another growth avenue for TIL. While it competes directly with our customers, we believe in adapting to market needs. Alongside offering new machines, we plan to provide rental solutions and used machinery, catering to young entrepreneurs and businesses that may not be able to afford new equipment initially.

Our RUN initiative—Rental, Used, and New—aims to provide customers with tailored solutions that meet their operational and financial requirements. Additionally, we focus on aftermarket services, ensuring peace of mind for customers by helping them manage and optimize their assets effectively.

What is your message to the industry as TIL re-establishes itself?

Our message is simple: let’s embrace healthy competition and innovation while creating space for everyone. TIL is back with renewed energy, and we are committed to offering the best solutions to Indian customers. Let’s work together to grow and succeed.