JCB Offers 'One Global Quality' Across Product Line
How confident are you on the government's announcement of awarding 8500 km roads projects in this fiscal? What are the other initiatives that, you think, could help the ailing industry to recover at a brisk pace?
Recent announcements like awarding 8500 km road projects, rolling out infrastructure projects worth Rs.2 Lakh crore etc. have definitely created a mood of great optimism within the country – and great opportunities for leading construction equipment OEMs such as JCB.
Moreover, the major Indian government investment in building infrastructure, coupled with pledges of billions of dollars investment from foreign governments, including Japan's investment towards India's development, would create a strong demand for construction equipment across the country. However, the real progress can only be measured once projects are executed on ground. The need of the hour is to identify 20 projects of national importance and ensure they are implemented expeditiously.
Other than that, various projects like Swachh Bharat, Clean Ganga etc. launched by our Government will create a huge opportunity for the Construction Equipment Manufacturers.
The key lies in quick execution of projects to get the momentum going.
How do you analyze the CE sector growth in 2015-16 and beyond in the wake of the government's strong initiatives and commitments?
India needs $250 billion in 20 years to put in place a basic urban infrastructure relating to transport, water supply, sanitation, solid waste management etc. This alone presents an enormous opportunity for the Construction Equipment sector however, as I mentioned earlier, the Government needs to kick start on the ground movement.
In the next couple of years, projects like building of 100 smart cities, airports in tier 1 and tier 2 cities, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, building of 1800-km highway along China border in Arunachal, energy (thermal and hydroelectric power plants), telecommunications, water & sanitation etc. will primarily drive the demand for Construction Equipment.
Yet again, I would reiterate the need for quick execution of projects.
Foreseeing the stable sentiment in the market, what marketing strategies are you reorienting knowing that despite marginal recovery, there would be stiff competition? What is the progress on Livelink you showcased during last Excon?
JCB is a pioneer in the industry and our machines are known for their performance, productivity, cutting-edge technology, and versatility. JCB machines always set new benchmarks when it comes to technologically advanced features. All JCB products are manufactured keeping the company philosophy of "One Global Quality". This means the equipment we manufacture in India can be used in any part of the world.
At JCB, we believe in customizing our product range to meet the key customer demands of high fuel efficiency and more specialist machinery. Today, we offer the widest range of machines in the industry – 25 products in 7 product lines.
Moreover, JCB has the largest and strongest distribution network in the country. We currently have 60 dealers and 600 outlets in India. Strategic investments have been made by our dealers in establishing world class infrastructure/ facilities, which are at par with global standards. Currently, our dealers employ over 6000 people in India out of which, a majority look after 'after sales support' and are regularly trained by JCB India to ensure they are always abreast with the latest in the industry.
On the technology front also, JCB is the front runner. We have recently introduced an advanced telematics technology called Livelink. It is an innovative technology which allows the user to remotely monitor the machine. JCB Livelink provides alerts on real time location, maintenance alerts, machine and fleet hours etc. putting the user in entire control of the machine from any location. It can assist in ensuring that the machines are operated at correct times and helps to protect them from theft.
What is the progress of JCB's Rajasthan plant? What are the distinctive engineering and manufacturing capabilities of this new facility?
Broadly speaking amongst other things, Jaipur will certainly produce the products that hold a promise for the future.
The Jaipur facilities will set many benchmarks in the Construction Equipment industry – innovative green initiatives, safety and security, process and production layout.
At JCB, safety is of prime importance and therefore, all our facilities are designed keeping safety as core. Like our Ballabgarh facility, our new Jaipur facilities will have forklift free manufacturing floor. We have flexible and automated linear product lines.
In the Green initiatives, we have constructed a large water body which will act as a rain water reservoir. Some other notable features are:
- Daylight utilization in factory, use of daylight saving system & occupancy sensor
- Water Management (Recycling, conservation, Rain water harvesting, zero discharge facility)
- Solar Water Heaters for hot water and solar panels for electricity
The demand for Backhoes in India is still strong and successful because of their versatility. However, the market is also moving towards more specialist equipment like Excavators, Wheeled Loaders and Compactors, as projects grow in size. We are seeing a particular increase in demand for our Compactors, because of urban renewal and lighter projects.
There is also a growing requirement for safe material handling equipment, such as Skid Steers and our Telehandlers called Loadalls. We have recently launched two Skid Steers and two Loadalls country wide and I think the rise in their popularity will, like with the backhoes, bring revolutionary change to the market. India's urban waste management programme offers ideal work for Loadalls and Skid Steers.
Published on:
09 December 2014
Published in: NBM&CW December 2014
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