Moses Eddy From Kobelco shares insights on Next-Gen, Sustainable & Competitive Construction Equipment
Through transparent processes, prompt responses, and continuous innovation, Kobelco has earned its reputation for quality that endures not just in machines, but also in customer relationships.
Moses Eddy, Director
With India’s CE market seeing rapid growth led by infrastructure development projects across the country, what strategies will define competitiveness amongst the OEMs?
The Indian construction equipment market is on a robust growth trajectory, projected to expand significantly by 2030. India’s infrastructure story is being rewritten through accelerated investment in connectivity, housing, and urban renewal. The construction equipment sector is at the core of this transformation, driven by projects under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and many other similar initiatives.At Kobelco, we view this growth not just as expansion, but as an evolution, where technology, sustainability, and reliability converge. We see several key trends defining the market:
- The earthmoving machinery segment, particularly excavators, continues to dominate, fuelled by new projects in roads, railways, and urban infrastructure.
- With stringent project timelines, customers expect equipment that can deliver faster output, high uptime, and consistent performance across varied site conditions. Kobelco’s machines, with their superior torque, faster travel speed, and long reach, ensure quicker results and reduced downtime, enabling project owners to meet targets on time and within budget.
- Developers and contractors want machines that deliver high productivity with reduced emissions and fuel consumption. Kobelco’s excavators are designed for low fuel usage, reduced noise, and minimal environmental impact with their eco-mode operations.
- Customers now evaluate a brand on its lifecycle value. This includes service quality, availability of genuine parts, attachments, and customization options.
How is Kobelco expanding its global footprint to increase its exports, and stay competitive in India and abroad?
Our global strategy is deeply intertwined with our Indian operations. Kobelco India’s manufacturing facility in Sri City is a cornerstone of our global supply chain. We are expanding our export markets, which currently reach over 16 countries, enhancing our production capabilities in India, leveraging our cost-competitiveness, and ensuring high-quality manufacturing.We bring Kobelco's global R&D and proprietary technologies directly to the Indian market. This includes our unique iNDr (Integrated Noise & Dust Reduction) cooling system and the advanced K-SCAN remote monitoring system, which deliver superior efficiency and productivity.
We have set up a new R&D centre at our Sri City location to adapt products to specific market needs and enhance innovation locally. This "Make in India” approach ensures that our products are competitive both at home and in demanding international markets.
What energy efficiency, recycling, and waste utilisation measures does Kobelco implement?
We use solar energy at our Sri City plant and rail-based logistics to reduce our carbon footprint. Initiatives like tree plantation and recycling promote circularity across our processes. In fact, every innovation that we introduce, reflects our support of India’s Net-Zero 2070 vision, ensuring that growth remains both responsible and regenerative.
What initiatives has Kobelco taken to promote inclusivity, diversity, and skill development within its workforce?
At Kobelco, we are creating a rewarding work environment and investing heavily in skills to build a more inclusive and capable ecosystem, driving performance and innovation.Our Diversity & Inclusion policy is founded on creating a workplace where all employees can make full use of their abilities, regardless of their background or gender. Our operator and service engineer training programs enhance on-ground efficiency and safety, while our dealer development initiatives strengthen local entrepreneurship.
We encourage women in technical roles, setting new benchmarks for diversity. And as part of our CSR activities, we actively invest in skill development programs within the community, helping to create a talented workforce for the future.
How is your company reinforcing customer trust and loyalty?
We aim to earn customer loyalty, turning our customers into our strongest brand ambassadors. We reinforce this by providing best-in-class field support, which is a key unique selling proposition for Kobelco.Our extensive network of over 140 dealer outlets across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh ensures we can provide parts and service support 24/7. Our after-sales service includes maintenance packages, operator and mechanic training, and workshops across India. Our focus on robust design, easy serviceability, and responsive support ensures maximum uptime.
By first understanding a customer's needs and applications, we offer value-for-money propositions built on higher productivity, reliability, and industry-leading fuel efficiency.
Our commitment to ‘Lean & Clean’ processes and our adherence to compliance and environmental care are central to our philosophy. Customers trust Kobelco because they know they are investing in a product that is not only productive but also built responsibly.
What will the company showcase at EXCON 2025?
Our EXCON 2025 showcase is a direct reflection of the event's theme and our commitments. We will be highlighting our entire Infra range, which is known for its exceptional fuel efficiency and durability, and which contribute to lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint for our customers.Kobelco will also showcase its next-generation SK80 excavator, known as the Japanese Little Master which exemplifies precision, power, versatility, and sustainability, built to meet India’s diverse infrastructure demands.
The centrepiece will be our 'Make in India' excavators, built to a global quality standard at our Sri City plant.
Published on:
03 December 2025
Published in: NBM&CW DECEMBER 2025
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