JCB - Blazing New Trail of Success
It is indeed creditable that JCB India despite facing strong economic headwinds has been showing very robust business and technical performance, pouring new investment in its manufacturing facilities and introducing innovative products and services and moving towards a sustainable long-term growth. What has gone into it enabling it to navigate successfully through choppy waters?
JCB believes in manufacturing India centric products for its customers and that is among the prime reasons we have the largest base of satisfied customers across India which have been loyal to us for years.
JCB India understands the need to continually innovate, keeping its existing product line abreast with latest technology and therefore, manufactures and designs products which help the customers in growing their business.
Over the years, our product offering has increased from 7 machine models in 2005 to 25 machine models in 2013. All JCB products are manufactured on the company philosophy of "One Global Quality". Our products are backed by world class facilities, technology and people, therefore, are unmatched in quality and performance.
The current economic scenario is witnessing a slowdown at the moment but we are confident about India's long-term growth prospects and even in these uncertain times, JCB has been successful in expanding its market share across multiple product lines.
In the interim, we have seen a considerable increase in the exports of our machines. It was about 85% in 2012 over 2011 and we expect a similar increase this year too.
JCB India is in the process of setting up its fourth Greenfield manufacturing facility in Jaipur with a sizeable investment. What is the extent of investment planned for this venture and the timeframe chalked out for its commercial operation to enable JCB India as 'one-stop CE solution' company in CE market within the country and overseas?
The upcoming facility in Jaipur will be JCB's fourth manufacturing footprint in India and JCB plans an investment of Rs. 500 crore in the span of next 5 years. JCB has acquired 115 acres of land.
We will have 2 plants wherein one will manufacture the fabrications and components. The company plans to start the first phase from March / April 2014 and will keep on scaling up in the years to come.
Recently, JCB India launched some of its new products-Tracked Excavators and Wheel Loaders. What has been the market response to this product line and company long-term, market assessment for these as market situation improves in the near future sets?
Our latest entrant is the rugged and reliable JS205LC - the 20 tonne Excavator. The new machine will be well suited for applications such as earthwork, quarrying, road construction etc., it offers outstanding cycle time and has a rugged and robust structure which makes it highly durable. JS 205LC provides fuel savings worth Rs. 5.2 lacs in 4 years.
Like all our other machines, JS205LC design is based on the feedback received from our customers.
The New JCB 432 ZX provides exactly what the customer needs - world class loader profile, unmatched operator comfort, best-in-class productivity and improved safety features.
It has the ability to dump at the centre of Wagon & High Bodied Trucks. JCB 432ZX Wheel Loader exhibits exceptional performance in all kind of applications such as roadwork, mass excavation, pipe work and other underground installations, highway maintenance, foundation work, waste/ recycling, crushers etc.
JCB India has a strong pan India presence as far as its dealership network is concerned. What are the systems placed to ensure fast track technical services response to its customers?
Like us, our dealer principals are extremely committed to provide unparalleled support to its customers and therefore, run a dealer service van which offers 24x7 assistance to our customers incase of a machine breakdown across India.
We have over 7000 dealer employees who are trained by JCB for selling and servicing these machines.
In a market like CE marked by cut-throat competition with customers overwhelmed by numerous options available to choose a product; what determines the success or failure of a brand? How does JCB's brand delight the customers vis-a-vis differentiated brands available?
JCB is a pioneer in the industry and in the past few years, we have launched machines which are known for its cutting-edge technology and versatility. At JCB, all products' design, production, distribution and marketing have only one central focus i.e. Customers. Focusing on the customer centric approach in business, all product innovation, and improvement is based on the feedback received from the customers.
With the best team in construction equipment proudly in place, JCB will continue to retain its leadership position and create the best value propositions for our customers. Further, we have the most extensive distribution network in the industry with over 555 outlets and 59 dealers.
Over the years, JCB has established some of the finest engineering facilities across the globe. In India, JCB has established centers in Pune and Ballabgarh which cater to the India centric requirements. A dedicated "India Design Center" has also been set up in Pune which caters to the JCB Group global design requirements.
At JCB India, our aim is to provide the most fuel efficient, most productive & safe machines and our team of experts continuously works on achieving this goal.
As the prime movers in organizing Excon 2013, what are company's plans to unveil new products and services and business deals at this mega show?
Excon Trade Fair, South Asia's largest Construction Equipment exhibition is a platform where innovation and technology goes hand in hand. It is a platform for the industry to understand the latest technology that is available for accelerating India's accelerated Infrastructure progress.
As always, JCB will also participate in a big way in South Asia's largest Construction Equipment exhibition - EXCON 2013. We will be the biggest exhibitor in 2013. JCB will unveil many of its much awaited technologically advanced and made-in-India, made-for-India machines.
NBMCW November 2013
