Recent policy changes also indicate a positive orientation toward improving the ease of doing business
The Government’s sustained thrust on infrastructure-led development will undeniably act as the growth fulcrum for the Indian Construction Equipment (CE) industry which is expected to emerge as the second-largest globally between 2030 and 2035.
– Arvind K Garg,
Vice-President and Head, L&T Construction & Mining Machinery
What are your views on India as a global construction equipment manufacturing hub?
The Government’s sustained thrust on infrastructure-led development will undeniably act as the growth fulcrum for the Indian Construction Equipment (CE) industry which is expected to emerge as the second-largest globally between 2030 and 2035.
On the supply side, India has developed a robust ecosystem of OEMs (Original Equipment Suppliers), vendors, distributors and dealers to meet the projected demand growth. The potential of the Indian market has prompted Global CE majors to set up manufacturing bases in India that are now also being used as export sourcing hubs for their global operations.
The CE industry is enthused by the Government’s unwavering approach to infrastructure-led growth and is fully geared to support GOIs plans for indigenisation by fulfilling the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat with high levels of localisation in over 90% of equipment sold. These equipment also cater to the export markets.
The CE manufactured here are state-of-the-art, provide operator comfort, are contemporary, and meet international safety standards while complying with global emission norms. These machines have been deployed in critical national projects – from the Atal Tunnel to key bridges and roads in the Nathu La Sector to the most challenging projects undertaken by Border Roads Organisation in Leh and the Northeast.
In addition, incentives and reforms introduced to improve the business climate will boost the economy. At the same time, recent policy changes also indicate a positive orientation toward improving the ease of doing business. This is expected to attract substantial investments in greenfield and brownfield projects from overseas manufacturers.
Give us details on your manufacturing facilities and investments in India?
Our principals, Komatsu and Scania, as well as L&T, have made substantial investments in manufacturing facilities over the years.
Komatsu, through its subsidiary, Komatsu India Private Limited (KIPL), has established a world-class manufacturing plant for Hydraulic Excavators in Oragadam, near Chennai. Equipped with state-of-the-art systems like welding robots, Komatsu India manufactures models ranging between 7 Ton and 45 Ton. There are models PC71, PC130, PC210, PC300, PC350, and PC450.
KIPL also locally manufactures mining Dump Trucks of 60 Ton and 100 Ton payload capacity — HD465 and HD785. All these machines have more than 50% indigenous content. They are highly successful in India and are the preferred choice of our valued customers.
Scania, the multi-national French manufacturer, has invested in a production facility near Bangalore. The plant produces heavy haulage off-road mining tippers model G500. This machine is a preferred model for overburden mining contractors due to its low fuel consumption.
KIPL has also invested in a Parts Distribution Centre located in Nagpur, ensuring higher spare parts and machine uptime availability. L&T is the authorised exclusive distributor of Komatsu’s products and provides after-sales support to the products with Genuine Parts in India. L&T works closely with Komatsu to deliver exceptional value to its customers through effective site support and remote management of assets.
L&T Construction Equipment Limited (LTCEL), the wholly owned subsidiary of L&T, located in the industrial suburb of Doddaballapura, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, manufactures a diverse range of Road Construction Equipment such as Vibratory Compactors, Pneumatic Tyred Rollers, Asphalt Pavers, Skid Steer Loaders, Wheel Loaders and Hydraulic Excavators, besides attachments such as Crusher Buckets and Slope Compactors. L&T also markets and provides after-sales support for Construction Equipment manufactured by LTCEL. All these machines are designed by L&T’s Product Development Center in Coimbatore and are built with 90% indigenous content.
LTCEL constantly looks for opportunities to develop Equipment for the Construction Industry which are otherwise imported. It invests in the Design & Development of indigenous products in a way that fulfils the Atmanirbhar mission.
This L&T subsidiary also makes and markets high-precision Hydraulic Components & Customised Systems for applications in Construction Equipment, Industrial Machinery and other engineering sectors. It adopts contemporary manufacturing practices, including Welding Robots, CNC machines, and Contemporary Test Benches for various Hydraulic Parts.
To support Customers in reducing life-cycle costs, L&T has invested in service and training centres. These are accredited as authorised training partners of the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC) and are considered the best in the Construction and Mining Equipment Industry. L&T’s Central Training Centre at Kanchipuram and Regional Training Centres at Bahadurgarh, Durgapur, Kanchipuram and Nagpur are certified to conduct training and refresher courses for operators and technicians on Excavator, Dump Truck, Mining Tipper, Wheel Loader and Vibratory Compactor. The company also conducts mechanics classes for Hydraulics, Mechatronics and Engines under various PMKVY schemes. L&T conducts RPL4 (Recognition for Prior Learning) Programs for customers’ operators and mechanics, helping them earn formal recognition for their skills. In addition, L&T regularly conducts customised training programmes and technical appreciation courses on machines for Customers and Dealers at Kanchipuram and customer sites.
How technologically advanced are your manufacturing facilities in India?
Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with the latest state-of-art technologies and systems, such as welding robots, to roll out products that match global standards in productivity, emission, and operator safety. We make machines that feature environment-friendly engines with ultra-low emissions, telematics, GPS and fleet management systems. For example, Komatsu Excavators are equipped with advanced ecot3 (Ecology, Economy, Technology 3). These deliver versatility, superior productivity and economic performance. The manufacturing facility of LTCEL has the right mix of automation and human skills suited to make Equipment of contemporary design.
What are the safety features incorporated in these facilities?
Environment Health & Safety (EHS) coupled with sustainable technologies assume utmost importance for us. We ensure safe work environments at manufacturing facilities, workshops and customers’ project sites. This is implemented by continuously creating EHS awareness among employees at sites, service stations and dealers. Ensuring implementation of best practices like toolbox talk, PRA (Personal Risk Assessment), work permit, EHS promotion, housekeeping audits, workshop and site visits, audits and training programs are a regular feature at all locations.
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