CASE Construction Equipment – India & SAARC region
The Government’s Make-in-India initiatives have laid a strong foundation by encouraging companies like CASE to consider India as a global manufacturing hub; however, further steps aligned with the ICEMA Vision Roadmap can significantly enhance these efforts.
Shalabh Chaturvedi - Managing Director, CASE Construction Equipment – India & SAARC region
How are your autonomous machines and AI-enabled systems enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and project timelines?
CASE Construction is at the forefront of innovation in the construction equipment sector, addressing the construction challenges of mega infrastructure projects like highways, metro rails, tunnelling, mining, railways, etc. Our cutting-edge offerings include autonomous machinery and AI-enabled predictive maintenance systems that significantly enhance operational efficiency, safety, and project timelines.
By integrating AI technology, our machines are capable of performing intricate tasks with minimal human intervention, leading to faster project delivery and improved cost-effectiveness. For instance, real-time data analysis from smart sensors allows for precise maneuvering and decision-making, which reduces delays and operational costs.
Moreover, predictive maintenance capabi- lities extend the lifespan and uptime of equipment, ensuring that projects progress without unexpected interruptions. Overall, through the amalgamation of autonomous systems, IoT technologies, and advancements in electrification and green fuels, we are poised to revolutionize the construction landscape, supporting India’s ambitious infrastructure goals while promoting sustainability.
How is your company innovating to reduce energy consumption, minimize emissions, and incorporate green technology in its products?
We are continuously developing solutions for reducing energy consumption, lower emissions, and for green technology integration. Our product line-up includes compact equipment designed to minimize fuel usage while maximizing output; these machines are designed to work in projects with limited space projects that have environmental constraints.
Our machines are equipped with advanced mechanisms like intelligent hydraulic systems, fuel-saving modes, and telematics, allowing operators to monitor and optimize fuel consumption in real-time. These technologies not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to significantly lower emissions. We are also exploring alternative fuel solutions in our global markets, in order to support the shift towards greener energy sources that align with global emissions standards.
Our durable designs and extended product lifespans ensure fewer resources are needed over time. In manufacturing, our energy-efficient processes include recycling initiatives and waste reduction, to further minimize our environmental footprint. Through these initiatives, CASE is making equipment that supports sustainable infrastructure development without compromising environmental health.
Given the rising costs of production and operational challenges, how is your company optimizing its manufacturing processes and addressing supply chain issues?
CASE’s Pithampur plant operates with lean manufacturing principles that emphasize waste reduction, efficiency, and quality control. By adopting advanced production practices, we ensure streamlined operations, reducing unnecessary steps and enabling a quicker turnaround.
Localization is a pivotal component of our strategy. Approximately 70% of our suppliers are within a 10 km radius of our Pithampur facility. This proximity enables agile supply chain management, reducing transportation costs, mitigating risks associated with delays, and ensuring a reliable flow of components. By fostering strong partnerships with local suppliers, we have built a resilient, cost-effective supply chain that supports timely delivery without compromising on quality—critical for meeting the high standards of our industry and customers.
How can the government and industry work together to ensure that components are manufactured locally, and that vendors have the technological and financial capabilities to meet international benchmarks?
India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives have laid a strong foundation by encouraging companies like CASE to consider India as a global manufacturing hub. However, further steps aligned with the ICEMA Vision Roadmap can significantly enhance these efforts.
A critical step would be establishing sustained demand through closer government and CE Industry collaboration, potentially via a joint task force. This task force could streamline policies, ensure consistent demand, and address sector-specific challenges effectively. To reduce dependency on imports and drive indigenization, we should focus on creating a robust operating ecosystem by supporting an organized rental market, facilitating improved access to financing for construction and equipment purchases, and offering incentives for local component manufacturing.
Moreover, a stable foundation in technology and skilling is vital. Developing indigenous technology capabilities and formalizing training programs for a skilled workforce will be key to meeting international benchmarks. This could include government- supported upskilling programs and public-private partnerships for technical training, which would enable local vendors to produce high-quality components and enhance the competitiveness of India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Through these collaborative efforts, the government and industry can strengthen India’s position as a global manufacturing hub while ensuring quality and innovation in locally produced components.
