The PLI scheme will play a transformative role in driving the localization of manufacturing in India

The PLI scheme will play a transformative role in driving the localization of manufacturing in India
SANTOSH KUMAR SRIVASTAVA
President, Mtandt Group

 

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, Mtandt Group will proudly showcase a diverse array of innovative products and solutions designed to enhance safety, productivity, and sustainability in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Key highlights include:

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs): Hybrid, Electric Boom Lifts, and Oil-Free Scissor Lifts tailored for environmentally conscious operations.

Truck-Mounted Boom Lifts: Manufactured under the Make in India initiative as “Comet Bharat,” aligning with the vision of promoting indigenous production.

Under Deck Access and Netted Proetction Systems (WEB Systems): Revolutionary solutions enhancing safety and efficiency during infrastructure maintenance and construction.

Portadeck Road Mats: Lightweight, robust mats for temporary road and terrain access.

Aluminium Scaffolding: Flexible, durable, and safety-centric scaffolding solutions.

MLIT Mobile Light Towers: Providing unmatched illumination ensures uninterrupted productivity and worksite safety.

Vertikal Tower Cranes: Advanced crane solutions that set benchmarks in reliability and performance.

Our focus at the exhibition is to highlight our commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Each product is designed to address the modern challenges of working at heights while ensuring the highest global standards.

 

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?

Bauma CONEXPO India provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry leaders, safety professionals, and decision-makers. As a premier platform for the construction and infrastructure sectors, the exhibition allows us to showcase Mtandt’s world-class solutions, reinforcing our vision of prioritizing safety and innovation. We expect to connect with a wide range of industry stakeholders, sharing insights about our safety-centric equipment and its role in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency. By offering live demonstrations, hosting interactive discussions with our experts, and presenting a captivating booth experience, we aim to foster meaningful interactions. Our goal is to build awareness about Mtandt’s capabilities, explore potential collaborations, and inspire confidence in our solutions, ultimately contributing to the evolution of safe and sustainable infrastructure practices.

 

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

The PLI scheme has been instrumental in encouraging Mtandt Group to venture into manufacturing, leveraging our decades-long expertise in operations and maintenance of Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs). Having represented globally reputed companies since 1974, we have built a strong foundation of knowledge and operational excellence. The PLI scheme inspired us to transition from being an importer to a manufacturer, allowing us to capitalize on our existing skills while establishing a manufacturing facility at Jewar.

This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India vision, enabling us to expand production capacity and meet the growing demands of both the domestic and SAARC markets. With this support, we are confident in our ability to manufacture world-class AWPs while enhancing our market reach and production capabilities.

 

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?

With the emphasis on Make in India, the PLI scheme has enabled us to manufacture equipment of global standards at competitive prices, allowing us to not only serve the vast Indian market but also focus on exports. To achieve this, we have rigorously evaluated conventional and non-conventional manufacturing processes, leveraging insights from the market and implementing best practices. This has resulted in streamlined manufacturing processes that ensure the production of high-quality equipment at optimized costs. The scheme has also empowered us to adopt innovative methods that enhance both efficiency and sustainability, enabling us to compete effectively on the global stage while contributing to environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.

 

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 has provided a clear motivation for companies like ours to transform into global players, shifting from import dependency to becoming exporters of high-quality equipment. By offering strategic incentives, the scheme has instilled confidence in manufacturers to compete internationally. To further accelerate growth, additional support in the form of research and development funding, particularly for safety and automation technologies, would be highly beneficial. Policies aimed at simplifying export procedures and enhancing logistics infrastructure would also strengthen India’s position in the global market. The scheme has been a game-changer, but continued government support in these areas would amplify its impact and drive sustained growth in the sector.

 

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

The PLI scheme has encouraged us to take the bold step of entering manufacturing, enabling us to compete globally with our Make in India products. However, as first-time manufacturers, we face challenges such as high initial investments and procedural complexities. Simplified processes for accessing PLI benefits and more flexible eligibility criteria would significantly benefit smaller and newer manufacturers, making the scheme more inclusive. Additionally, targeted policy adjustments to support infrastructure development, such as improved logistics networks and streamlined supply chains, would further bolster the industry. These improvements would not only ease the manufacturing process but also ensure the long-term success of the initiative.

 

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 will play a transformative role in driving the localization of manufacturing in India. This growth will stimulate the development of ancillary industries, including component manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain networks, creating a ripple effect across the economy. By fostering indigenous production, the scheme will reduce dependency on imports and boost export potential, positioning India as a global leader in construction and mining equipment manufacturing. Furthermore, the expansion of manufacturing facilities will generate significant employment opportunities, contributing to the creation of a skilled workforce and enhancing the economic landscape. Over the next three to five years, the scheme will serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth, innovation, global competitiveness and employment generation in the sector.

 

Any other information that you would like to add.

At Mtandt, our vision extends beyond delivering innovative products to shaping the future of safety and access in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Our presence at Bauma CONEXPO India 2024 is a testament to this commitment, as we aim to redefine industry standards through continuous innovation and strategic collaborations. We invite all stakeholders to visit us at Booth O.F 60 to explore our latest offerings and witness firsthand how Mtandt is revolutionizing work at heights with safety, sustainability, and efficiency at its core.