Telcon has important tie-up arrangement with leading overseas manufacturers. How do these tie-ups help Telcon in serving domestic market better?
Telcon is a joint venture between two global giants, Tata Motors, India’s largest Commercial Vehicle manufacturer and Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Ltd., Japan, the world leader in Hydraulic Excavator technology.
Our association with Hitachi goes back to 1984, which is the oldest relationship that exists in the industry. Hitachi, being the world leader in hydraulic technology, has always ensured that they gave the latest technology. So we are on a continuous technology up gradation programme.
We are also in the process of including the Hitachi team into our manufacturing initiatives. In terms of manufacturing, support, design, and quality, they have ensured their presence with us all the time.
The other aspect of course is that Hitachi has global affiliates and partners through which we can access technologies. For instance, there is Hitachi Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Crane Co. Ltd, which is a joint venture between Hitachi Constructions and Sumitomo Heavy Industries - So products such as heavy cranes that are widely used in infrastructure building activities such as ports and refineries are sourced through them and supported by the extensive Telcon network.
What segments of construction equipment are set to grow in the wake of current boom in infrastructure?
With the growth outlook in the Indian Economy pegged at a robust 9% as well as the increased investments by the government for better roads, modern ports, airports, railways, the construction equipment industry as a whole is set to grow at a rate of 35-40%. This would include a variety of equipment such as Backhoe Loaders, Excavators, Wheel Loaders and so on.
What is the market share enjoyed by Telcon at present and what are the plans to ramp up the market share in the next 3-4 years?
Telcon is the market leader in Excavators with a share of 53%. In the Cranes market also, we have a dominant share. Telcon has a significant presence in the Wheel Loader and Backhoe Loader markets.
Telcon has been expanding its dealer network to widen reach and serve customers better. Adding new outlets will further reinforce this network.
We have identified new segments and applications where we can use our products and have launched various products to cater to the diverse needs of the customers. Our access to Hitachi’s technology and our strong manufacturing base enables us to quickly respond to the evolving market.
What are the value added services that Telcon offers its Customers?
Telcon’s constant endeavor has been to provide Constructive solutions to the customers, be it the right kind of equipment for their applications, the new age technology or the after sales support. Our focus is also on value added service offerings such as Full Maintenance Contracts, which complete our package to our customers and enable them free up precious resources for their core activities. Specialized reconditioning and refurbishing services are offered to ensure that the utility of the equipment is extended and life cycle costs brought down.
Telcon has been an important participant in the national and international exhibitions showcasing its technical capabilities in the manufacture of stateof- the-art equipment and machines at these events. What are Telcon’s plans to participate in the forthcoming mega event Excon—2007 to be held in Bangalore. What will be the focus of its participation and plans to launch new versions of equipment?
The company has recently launched ZAXIS 50U, India’s first zero tail swing Excavator that will redefine construction work in urban areas and open up endless possibilities for the construction contractor.
Also on the display would be the World-class Hydraulic and Truck Mounted Cranes from Hitachi Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Crane Co. Ltd and Tadano Ltd, Japan. The company would also be launching a series of new products during the event, which have been carefully designed keeping the requirements of the Indian customers in mind.
