MAKING INDIA Atmanirbhar!

The construction equipment’s components, accessories and spares market is all set for a renewed growth in future in the light of ‘Make in India’ Programme. Equipment Times looks at the ‘Make in India’ programme and mission motivating construction equipment and component industry to participate in it, views on making India as a global construction equipment and component manufacturing hub, future strategies at a time when technological disruptions are rapidly defining businesses in the sector, challenges in the sector.

he Indian manufacturing industry generated 16-17 percent of India’s GDP pre-pandemic and is projected to be one of the fastest growing sectors. The machine tool industry was literally the nuts and bolts of the manufacturing industry in India. Today, technology has stimulated innovation with digital transformation a key aspect in gaining an edge in this highly competitive market.

In the sphere of manufacturing, India has traditionally been focused on domestic production and consumption. Challenges included a price conscious market, underdeveloped infrastructure and supply chains, and a leaning towards labor intensive processes owing to the availability of low-cost labor and technology being expensive.

Both the Government of India and Indian companies recognize the need to move forward to the next and latest phase of industry. The National Manufacturing Policy of the Government of India aims to increase the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 percent by 2025.

The “Make in India” policy of the Government of India is expected to increase the demand and consumption for machinery and equipment by the local manufacturing industry.

To be implemented from 2022, the Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme was launched by the Government of India to develop 13 sectors on par with global manufacturing standards. The gap in demand and supply has spurred the requirement for increased capacities and the Indian manufacturing sector is expected to offer several opportunities for investment and trade. There is also a gradual shift in the focus of Indian industry to more automated and process driven manufacturing. Companies previously dependent on labor intensive practices are now looking towards increased automation to minimize uncertainties and maximize productivity.

The components, accessories and spares market is all set for a renewed growth in future in the light of increased construction activities. A look at some of the key products, their importance in the equipment functions and the market trends

Infrastructure sector including construction, mining and material handling segments continues to grow in India for the past few years with a host of positive measures from the government resulting in creation of more infrastructure projects.

Diesel engines

Diesel engines are the major source of power for various machines which are utilised in construction, agricultural, automobile and industrial verticals.

Emission is the most important factor considered when we talk about diesel engines. Major manufacturers have taken adequate steps to design engines according to the set emission norms and continue to update according to the revision in the norms from time to time. Engine design evolved drastically due to change in emission standards, fuel efficiency demand, heavy load cycles and more compact design requirements of application from customers.

Lubricants

Lubricants play a vital role in increasing equipment productivity and reducing total cost of ownership by reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. High performance lubricants are required to meet the demands of machines working in extreme conditions. Lubricants play the role of blood in machinery, by working on aspects like long drain interval oils, reducing downtime and increasing equipment life. This in terms have a positive impact on productivity, equipment availability, spares and consumables cost, manpower cost etc.

Leaders speak.

Sanjay Koul, Managing Director, Timken, said, “Devised to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub, ‘Make in India’ has become a timely response to a critical situation. By 2013, the much-hyped emerging markets bubble had burst, and India’s growth rate had fallen to its lowest level in a decade. ‘Make in India’ has proven to be a powerful, galvanizing call to action for Indian citizens and business leaders, as well as an invitation to potential partners and investors all around the world. In this regard, ‘Make in India’ represents a comprehensive and unprecedented overhaul of outdated processes and policies.”

Hemant Mohindra, Managing Director, Rossi Gearmotors (India), said, “Government initiative is extremely important in pushing the growth and India is reaping the reward of this government’s strong commitment to business growth. Rossi India we expects a growth of 35% in the year 2023. The main reason for this is our strong product line up and also our technical strength. We are entering into new markets like Power, that are contributing to Industrial growth in a big way and our products are very suitable for these markets.”

Himanshu Sharma – Head – Marketing and Corporate Communications, B&R Automation, said, “B&R has been a pioneer of automation products and solutions globally. In India, we have successfully completed 25 years of supporting our business partners and maintaining a sustainable approach toward business growth with innovative products and solutions for Indian manufacturers.”

Sudeesh K., Managing Director India & Vice President OE, Rest of Asia, Mann+Hummel, said, “The Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ program is aimed at promoting the manufacturing industry in India and encouraging foreign companies to invest in the country. The program is designed to make India a global manufacturing hub, by providing various incentives and support to companies that choose to manufacture their products in India.”

Amit Deokule, Director- Sales & Marketing, Nord Drivesystems, said, “Make in India is a major national programme of the Government of India designed to facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property and build best in class manufacturing infrastructure in the country. The primary objective of this initiative is to attract investments from across the globe and strengthen India’s manufacturing sector.”

Manish Bhatnagar, Managing Director, SKF India, said, “India’s construction equipment industry has been experiencing steady growth over the past few years, driven by a surge in infrastructure development projects, urbanization, and government initiatives. Specifically, the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative has led to an increased pace of digitalization, and adoption of new technologies as well as modern manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the initiative has encouraged the industry to increase R&D investments and create a robust supply chain by development of ancillary industries.”

Sanjay Agarwal, Director, Filtrec Bharat Manufacturing, said, “The Make in India program can motivate the industry to participate through a favorable policy environment, investment opportunities, enhanced competitiveness, localization and self-sufficiency, skill development, and global exposure. These factors can incentivize the industry to actively engage in the program and contribute to the growth and development of domestic manufacturing. Overall, the Make in India program can help the construction equipment sector and its allied industries improve their technological status and competitiveness in the global market through technology transfer, R&D incentives, skill development, infrastructural development, export promotion, and localization of manufacturing.”

Rohet Sareen, Head, Product and Business Development, Cognecto, said, “The construction equipment sector is one of the key areas where the ‘Make in India’ programme has been successful. The government has taken several initiatives to promote the manufacture of construction equipment and allied industries in India. This has led to an increase in the participation of domestic and international players in the construction equipment sector. It has given the industry confidence in trying to enter the manufacturing field rather than blindly importing components.”

Vasim Pradhan, Head Sales – India & International Business, Ashar Locker (India), said, “We at Ashar Locker have always believed in “Made in India & Made for the world”. Our major export markets are Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Oman, Africa & South East Asia and we have been supplying to all our markets from India over the past two decades. The ‘Make in India’ program is a great initiative by the government to promote local manufacturing and make India a factory for the world. Today India is looked upon as an alternative to China for manufacturing and we are witnessing a global shift towards India for their manufacturing needs.”

Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, Balkrishna Industries, said, “The Indian economy is driven by the construction/infrastructure sector. This sector is a key driver of India’s overall economic development. The government has a strong focus on it and encourages policies that will ensure the creation of world-class infrastructure within a time frame. The Indian CE industry, being the 3rd largest market in the world, has shown remarkable progress over the years and poise to become the 2nd largest CE market in the world.”

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