The PLI scheme has been instrumental in shaping Schwing’s investment strategies in India

V. G. Sakthikumar
Chairman and Managing Director, Schwing Stetter 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, SCHWING is excited to showcase a diverse range of cutting-edge solutions designed to address the evolving needs of the construction and infrastructure sectors. This includes our latest concrete mixers, boom pumps, batching plants, stationary pumps, and crushers, all engineered for maximum efficiency and performance. For the first time, we are unveiling our crusher, a significant milestone in our product portfolio. Our focus this year is on sustainability, innovation, and the integration of advanced technologies like IoT, telematics, and automation to enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. Through live demonstrations and engaging displays, we aim to offer visitors a first-hand experience of SCHWING’s engineering excellence.

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?

SCHWING views Bauma CONEXPO INDIA as a pivotal platform to connect with industry professionals, government stakeholders, and clients. We aim to strengthen existing relationships, forge new partnerships, and showcase our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Through interactive displays, live demos, and knowledge-sharing sessions, we plan to create an engaging experience for all attendees. Our primary goal is to demonstrate how our solutions address current industry challenges while driving efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, we look forward to gathering valuable insights from stakeholders that will inform our future strategies and product developments.

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

The PLI scheme has been instrumental in shaping SCHWING’s investment strategies in India. It has enabled us to expand our manufacturing facilities, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies to enhance production efficiency and capacity. By incentivizing local manufacturing, the scheme has supported our vision of making India a global hub for high-quality construction equipment. This initiative aligns with our long-term goals of meeting both domestic and export market demands while driving job creation in the sector.

In what ways has the PLI Scheme enabled the adoption of new technologies or innovations in your manufacturing processes? How has it contributed to enhancing efficiency, quality, and sustainability?

Under the PLI scheme, SCHWING has accelerated its adoption of advanced technologies, including automation, robotics, and energy-efficient processes in manufacturing. These innovations have significantly reduced production timelines while enhancing product quality and consistency. Additionally, the scheme has encouraged us to invest in sustainable practices such as waste recycling and energy optimization, aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship. The resulting efficiency gains and cost savings enable us to deliver greater value to our customers while minimizing our ecological footprint.

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

The PLI scheme has undoubtedly strengthened India’s position as a competitive player in the global market by fostering local manufacturing and innovation. For further acceleration, additional
support could include targeted incentives for R&D, faster approvals for technology implementation, and enhanced infrastructure for logistics and supply chain management. These measures would not only encourage greater investment but also enable Indian manufacturers like SCHWING to compete more effectively on a global scale.

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

While the PLI scheme has brought significant benefits, challenges remain, such as navigating complex compliance requirements and the need for more streamlined processes. Simplifying the application and implementation frameworks would encourage wider participation. Additionally, introducing incentives for green technologies and creating dedicated funds for skill development in the manufacturing sector would further enhance the scheme’s impact, enabling companies like SCHWING to contribute more effectively to the industry’s growth.

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?

The PLI scheme is poised to drive transformative changes in the construction and mining equipment sector over the next few years. Localisation will see a significant boost as companies prioritize domestic sourcing to meet incentive criteria. Export potential will rise as Indian manufacturers, including SCHWING, enhance their production capabilities and quality standards, making India a preferred global supplier. Employment generation will also see substantial growth, with new jobs created across manufacturing, R&D, and allied services. SCHWING is committed to leveraging these opportunities to drive innovation and growth while contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in this sector.