Mr. Vikram Sharma, MD & CEO, Kobelco.
What will be the company’s focus at bauma Conexpo India 2016?
We are having a limited scope of participation this time. Recent market trend for our specific product line has been quite positive. For the first time in recent years, market demand has overtaken supply. Inventories at the factory as well as at the various depots were a common sight. The scenario has changed in the short term. Our focus is on increasing our capacities to meet the growing demand. It is expected that the uptrend in the market will sustain in view of the various initiatives of the Govt. to push for projects in many fields.
What products and services will be launched/displayed at the show?
We have just launched a new version of our model SK380HDLC-8. It comes with heavy tracks, a really strong and wear-resistant undercarriage which will substantially improve machine uptime and bring down operating cost, thereby increasing overall profitability for the customer. We will also display our new range of OKADA Rock Breakers which are marketed through our all India network of dealers. These Breakers have been redesigned based on field feedbacks and will deliver longer trouble-free performance due to their enhanced durability.
It has been our constant endeavour, more so during the lean period, to strengthen our network by improving the infrastructure, logistics, as well as manpower competency. This is paying dividends as customer’s confidence in these crucial factors has been consistently high. The percentage of repeat buyers remains quite high. The company did a Monsoon Campaign to encourage customers to use genuine parts and lubricants.
What is your view on the growth of the CE industry in the wake of the government’s focus on infrastructure development?
As already stated, Govt. initiatives are certainly showing signs of driving the economy in the right direction. Many of the challenges have been addressed and the remaining ones are being tackled. Funds flow is also improving. All these would help in restoring the confidence of the private players so that they play a more active role in taking up new projects.
NBM&CW December 2016
