AGM of Crane Owners Association Of India calls for Industry Collaboration

The 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Crane Owners Association Of India (COAOI) took place on 21st September 2024 in a vibrant atmosphere, fostering collaboration and dialogue among industry professionals. Sponsored by Sany Heavy Industry, India, the event held at Taj Lands End hotel in Mumbai, saw a gathering of members of the association, industry leaders, and representatives from various partner organizations, including the Aerial Platform Association of India and CERA. At the AGM, the current state of the crane industry was discussed, along with the challenges. The gathering also applauded COAOI's achievements over the past year.

Welcome Address by Premal Thaker, President of COAOI

The meeting began with a warm welcome from Premal Thaker, President of COAOI. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their commitment and active participation, emphasizing the crucial roles each member plays in advancing both the association and the industry as a whole.

Mr. Thaker conveyed his excitement about the growing membership and underscored the importance of enrolling more crane owners from various states and cities to ensure their voices are heard. He highlighted the unique opportunities this AGM provides for networking and knowledge sharing, setting the stage for fruitful discussions throughout the evening.

In his address, he touched upon key issues regarding the role of original equipment manufacturers in our industry, stressing the need for collaboration to enhance services. He also noted the increasing presence of Chinese manufacturers in India, highlighting the necessity of staying proactive and working together to navigate these industry changes.

“Our sector faces challenges related to investments and delays, which can significantly impact operations,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Thaker expressed optimism for the future of the crane industry. He firmly believes that, through collective efforts, we can overcome these challenges and seize new growth opportunities. He encouraged all members to remain focused and keep pushing forward, wishing them continued success in their businesses.

In closing, he reiterated that by working together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and turn our vision into reality.

Financial Overview

The esteemed Secretary, Jayantilal Gala, took the stage to present a comprehensive overview of COAOI's financial health. He shared the audit of the income and expense accounts, as well as the balance sheet as of March 31, 2024.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, COAOI generated an income from Renewal fee, New memberships, advertisements, and other sources. He not only highlighted the operational challenges COAOI faces but also illustrated its commitment to serving its members. Notably, COAOI now has its own dedicated office in Mumbai—a dream that has come true.

In his address, he acknowledged the invaluable contributions of team members and supporters, stressing that their dedication is vital to COAOI's ongoing success. He also shared some significant initiatives undertaken in 2023, reflecting the association’s commitment to continuous improvement in the industry.

One key initiative was the design of the COAOI 2025 Member Directory, aimed at enhancing member engagement and visibility. This directory will be distributed to all active members and included in future publications.

Member Engagement and Queries

An open floor was provided for members to raise questions and express concerns. One prominent query revolved around the demand from Reliance Industries and L&T like companies regarding the certification for the potential reuse of older equipment, specifically machinery over 30 years old. This raised an important discussion about the operational viability of aging equipment and whether the association should support such initiatives.

Additionally, members raised concerns about outstanding issues affecting various stakeholders and how COAOI could assist in addressing these matters.

President Premal Thaker took the opportunity to respond, reflecting on the association’s accomplishments during the 2023-2024 period. He noted that COAOI’s membership has significantly increased, now comprising 270 members. Mr. Thaker reiterated the importance of collaboration and transparency in addressing members' concerns, emphasizing that the association is committed to fostering an environment conducive to shared growth.

He underscored the pivotal role of original equipment manufacturers in the industry, highlighting that improving service reliability is essential for the growth of the sector. His positive outlook for the future of the crane industry was contagious, instilling hope and motivation among attendees.

Industry Insights

The event included valuable insights from Mr. Manoj Choudhary, who addressed the attendees regarding the significant challenges facing the crane industry today. He discussed the current state of the industry, particularly highlighting the lack of information available to professionals compared to previous years.

Emphasizing the importance of safety, Mr. Choudhary noted that human error plays a crucial role in accidents, making it imperative to prioritize safety measures in operations. He addressed the current lack of healthy competition in the crane industry and acknowledged the challenges faced last year, with equipment sales ranging from 1 to 1.5 million units. He stressed the need for improvement in compliance and customer service, as customer experiences significantly impact the industry's reputation.

Looking ahead, Mr. Choudhary called for collaboration and the sharing of experiences to strengthen the association, emphasizing that unity and communication are essential for effectively addressing challenges. He emphasized the importance of fostering a constructive competitive environment within the industry, urging members to collaborate in overcoming the challenges ahead.

Following Mr. Choudhary’s address, Mr. Bipin from Sany India provided an overview of the company’s journey and presence in India. He highlighted Sany's commitment to innovation and quality, noting that the company had engaged with approximately 7,800 clients last year, with discussions now revolving around larger projects.

Mr. Bipin celebrated the contributions of the younger generation in the industry, stating that their energy and innovative spirit are vital for future growth. He emphasized Sany’s commitment to building a robust portfolio while contributing positively to societal development.

Felicitation Ceremony

Following this, a felicitation ceremony took place, during which Mr. Premal Thaker presented a token of appreciation to Deepak Garg, Chairman and Managing Director of Sany India and South Asia. Mr Bajrang Agarwal Sr. Vice-President honored Mr. Sanjay Saxena – COO-Sales & Marketing & Customer Support, Sany India Mr. Rajesh Makad, Vice President of COAOI, honored Mr. Rajeev Kumar Singh from the Vice President Business Unit at Sany India. Mr. Jayantilal Gala, Secretary of COAOI, then stepped forward to felicitate Mr. Vinay Oza from Vice President BU- Head Hoisting Solution. Finally, Mr. Jayesh Shethia, Treasurer of COAOI, recognized Mr. Bipin Pillai representing the AGM Business Unit.

These acknowledgments not only recognized individual contributions but also symbolized the collaboration between COAOI and its partners, emphasizing the collective efforts in advancing the industry.

Closing Remarks

As the AGM drew to a close, Mr. Sachin Phadke (General Secretary COAOI) delivered the vote of thanks, extending heartfelt gratitude on behalf of COAOI to all participants. He expressed special appreciation for the ex-presidents whose invaluable insights have shaped the association's direction, particularly acknowledging Mr. Premal Thaker’s leadership over the years.

Mr. Sachin also recognized the speakers for their knowledge-sharing efforts and commended the organizing team for their hard work in making the event a success. He concluded by reinforcing the idea that the collective participation and support of all members are the foundation of COAOI's strength.

Conclusion

The 12th AGM of the Crane Owners Association Of India was a resounding success, marked by engaging discussions, valuable insights, and a strong sense of community among industry professionals. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to excellence within the crane industry. As COAOI moves forward, the collective efforts and unity of all members will undoubtedly propel the association to new heights, ensuring continued progress and development in the industry.