CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE: A Comprehensive Look at EXCON’S COMPONENT and SPARES’ Display

The market for components, accessories, and spares used in construction equipment is a crucial part of the construction industry. This sector encompasses a wide range of products that are essential for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading construction machinery and equipment. Excon 2023 was a showcase of ground-breaking machines and their components, accessories and spares that reshape the construction equipment arena.

he market for components, accessories, and spares used in construction equipment is an integral part of the construction industry. It encompasses a wide range of products that support the functioning, maintenance, and enhancement of construction machinery.

Replacement Parts are essential components that need periodic replacement due to wear and tear, such as engine parts, filters, belts, and hydraulic components. Additional features or add-ons that enhance the performance or functionality of construction equipment, like GPS systems, specialized attachments (buckets, blades), and safety features.

Thera are consumables items which are regularly used and replaced during operations, such as lubricants, oils, tires, and batteries.

Providers of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for construction machinery.

Upgraded or specialized parts and accessories are offered by third-party manufacturers that may improve equipment performance or longevity. There are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and components which are directly sourced from the manufacturer of the construction equipment.

The market dynamics for these components and spares often depend on the overall health of the construction industry, including factors like construction spending, infrastructure development, and housing demands. It’s also influenced by technological advancements, environmental regulations, and the shift towards more efficient and sustainable equipment.

Moreover, the rise of digitalization and IoT (Internet of Things) in construction equipment has led to a growing demand for smart components that can gather data, optimize performance, and enable predictive maintenance.

Excon

The recent Excon 2023, India’s foremost construction equipment exhibition hosted in Bengaluru, showcased an impressive array of over 1,000 exhibitors. This year’s lineup featured leading crane, aerial lift, and telehandler manufacturers, but the spotlight was on eco-conscious solutions.

Held biennially at the Bangalore International Exhibition Center (BIEC) in India, this prestigious gathering spotlights a wide spectrum of topics and innovations within the construction industry.

Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a premier organization dedicated to propelling Indian industry forward, Excon showcased a comprehensive range of products and services, spanning from construction machinery and equipment to cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence, alternative fuels, and sustainable construction practices.

The event’s core themes centered around efficiency, productivity, safety, and environmental protection, meeting the dynamic demands and challenges of today’s construction landscape. It provided an ideal platform for unveiling the latest advancements in earthmoving, material transport, and concrete production. Notable highlights included seminars and workshops covering current topics such as automation, eco-friendly building, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Excon 2023 was a showcase of groundbreaking machines and allied industry that reshaped the construction arena. From autonomous vehicles to AI-integrated heavy machinery, innovation permeated every corner of the exhibition.

One standout highlight was the emergence of autonomous construction vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors and AI algorithms. These machines exhibited remarkable efficiency and safety in operation without human intervention. Excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks, all operated autonomously, showcasing precise navigation and workload management, promising heightened productivity and minimized operational risks.

Industry reacts…

Alok Kumar, Associate Director – Sales (Engines), Kohler Power India, said, “The market shows immense promise, primarily driven by the robust expansion of the Indian economy. This growth hinges upon the effective establishment of infrastructural foundations and seamless facilitation provided to contractors, customers, governmental bodies, and road construction companies. This collective effort propels the market forward. Moreover, aligning with the Prime Minister’s forward-looking vision, we anticipate a significantly promising trajectory for market expansion—a unique trend currently observable in India, projecting an approximate 6.5% growth rate. Contrasting this with projections for Europe, the US, or China, none of these markets are anticipated to sustain a growth pace akin to India’s. This foresight presents a highly optimistic future, not just for industry advancement but also for the advancement of our technology, applications, and their adaptability to both local and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).”

Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Managing Director – Filtrec Bharat Manufacturing and Andrea Pernici – General Sales Manager, Filtrec, said, “Europe and India offer distinct perspectives on the future. In Europe, the future seems imminent, not just in the next five years, but in the very next day. Conversely, India is experiencing a significant boom. Beyond merely 45 kilometers of roads, India is witnessing rapid growth in new airports, cities, and infrastructure.

Contrastingly, Europe presents a different scenario. Here, growth extends in various directions, notably spurred by construction, a catalyst that sets off a chain reaction of activities. However, Europe’s approach differs; it relies heavily on the diverse strategies of its constituent countries, with a handful leading the economy. In contrast, India functions as a unified whole, striving for uniform growth across all states—more akin to a continent than a single country. India’s transformative journey involves a shift to the next level, evidenced by the remarkable surge in manufacturing earthmoving and mining equipment—a feat unparalleled by any other nation, including Europe or any Asian country.”

Naoyuki Tokudome, Vice President, Industrial Engine Sales, Yanmar Engine Manufacturing India, said, “Our primary focus lies in diesel engines, ranging from 1.3 to 4.6 liters. While we offer a diverse range of products, we’re placing a spotlight on these specific models at this time. Notably, engines up to 4.6 liters have been proudly manufactured in our Chennai factory, a testament to our commitment to ‘Make in India’. We take pride in being a Japanese company firmly rooted in India, showcasing our dedication to this market. Our strong presence here stems from our unwavering determination to cater to the needs of the Indian populace. Our engines have garnered significant acclaim, particularly in the construction machinery sector across the USA, Japan, Europe, and China.”

Anurag Pai, Marketing Manager – South Asia, Perkins Engines, said, “Perkins defines ‘Aftermarket’ as the availability and supply of component engine parts used to service, repair, overhaul and maintain a diesel engine in a high-performance condition. Having an engine able to operate efficiently and effectively is critical to deliver profitable work for the owners and operators of an engine. Our scope extends far beyond engine sales, encompassing comprehensive solutions. In India, we’ve established a robust presence through two distributors: Power Parts in North and East India and Gmmco Power in the South and West India. Their pivotal role involves bolstering our nationwide coverage, providing unwavering support for our parts and services.”

Amit Deokule, Director – Sales & Marketing, NORD Drivesystems, said, “NORD tailors its product development to meet both industry and application requirements. Our core belief centers on enhancing system efficiency for our customers. Every product is meticulously crafted and chosen to align with this principle. Additionally, we prioritize swift responses and expedited deliveries to ensure an optimal experience for our clientele. Cost plays a pivotal role in our decision-making, which is why we prioritize optimal selection. Whether it’s opting for a larger or smaller size, both might not align with our objectives. Therefore, we invest in training our personnel and educating customers on maximizing the efficiency of our products within their systems.”

Ashish Govil, Head – Industrial Sales, NBC Bearings, said, “NBC, founded by Shri. B.M. Birla, was established with a vision to bolster India’s self-reliance. Recognizing the pivotal role bearings play in driving various sectors, be it automobiles or industries, he laid the foundation for NBC bearings in 1946. Originally named National Bearing Company (NBC), the company later evolved into National Engineering Industries to expand its offerings beyond bearings to encompass a spectrum of engineering products for diverse industries. Despite the name change, the brand name NBC had gained such prominence that it was retained. Since its inception, NBC bearings have been integral to Indian Railways, commencing a business partnership in 1952 that endures to this day. This enduring collaboration has involved close cooperation, developing tailor-made bearing solutions for evolving needs within the railway industry.”

Debasis Khuntia – Head OTR, JK Tyre, said, “We are not solely focused on products; our approach revolves around delivering holistic solutions to our customers. Take, for instance, our position as a tyre manufacturer. While creating top-quality tyres remains a key forte, our emphasis is equally on ensuring tyre availability and custom designing to meet specific customer needs. Additionally, we deeply analyze the challenges and pain points our customers encounter. This led to the development of “TREEL TPMS”—a revolutionary technological solution. It is a game-changer, marking a significant departure from our traditional product line. Our dedicated investments and efforts have resulted in pioneering this technology domestically, a first of its kind from India. Previously, mining customers had limited options, often sourcing similar solutions from the US, Europe, or China. Now, however, these solutions are locally accessible in India, offering not just technological advancement but also cost efficiency, a huge benefit for our customers. Our presence in various exhibitions has garnered substantial recognition. The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing a strong preference for these innovative products.”

Subhamoy Ghosh, Business Head – India, Hidromas, said, “Our product focus primarily features our standard products, given the limited scope for innovation in this industry. However, our range encompasses everything from medium heavy commercial vehicles to super heavy commercial vehicles. Among our offerings, there are two notable introductions. Firstly, we’ve unveiled a short cover cylinder designed specifically for a niche market in India. Secondly, we’re proud to introduce our underbody telescopic cylinder, anticipating its relevance in the Indian market, particularly with the onset of side tipping requirements. These two innovations stand out amidst our otherwise conventional product lineup.” 

Vasim Pradhan, Head Sales – India & International Business, Ashar Locker, said, “Ashar Locker stands apart from its competitors in a league of innovation. Over 15 years ago, we pioneered the groundbreaking concept of anti-clogging technology, setting a global standard. While many screen manufacturers have since followed suit, refining their own versions, Ashar Locker continues to lead the charge. As they strive for perfection in their technology, we’re already on the cusp of introducing the next pioneering product, poised to redefine the industry segment once again. In India, the market is highly price-sensitive.

Balancing between cost and quality is crucial. At Ashar Locker, we maintain consistent quality standards globally, ensuring that our products maintain the same high level of excellence everywhere. This approach has garnered a loyal customer base in India, comprising individuals who value and seek out quality products. Despite competitive alternatives, those who recognize and prioritize quality often choose Ashar Locker.”

Mandar Tikhe, Head – Business Development, Cranesafe Technologies, said, “Cranesafe Technologies prioritizes the durability and quality of its products. While some crane owners might be tempted by cheaper alternatives available in the market, we can assure you that the superior quality of Cranesafe Technologies’ products sets us apart. Take, for instance, our A2B limit switch, Gripper Length sensor, Boom length sensors etc. Also, the meticulous attention to detail in our panels and wiring may require additional time and investment, but it undoubtedly translates into superior value. The extra time, effort, and cost are unequivocally justified by the unmatched performance and longevity of our offerings.”

Nisha Sakaria, Group CHRO & Corporate Functions. & Dhirendra Prasad, Lead Gearboxes & Channel Sales, Premium Transmission, said, “We’ve recently undergone significant growth within our design and R&D teams. Formerly centralized in a single location, we’ve now transitioned to a decentralized model across three sites. Each site, including Chennai, hosts a dedicated R&D team exclusively focused on addressing emerging needs. This restructuring has notably bolstered our R&D capabilities. Our expansion extends from our initial establishment in Calcutta to our pioneering step into Pune. This expansion stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to driving innovation in design and technology.”

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