Schwing Stetter: Top Quality Concrete & Road Construction Equipment

Schwing Stetter (India), V G Shakthi Kumar - Managing Director

The CE sector is well-positioned for growth, and we are committed to investing in R&D to provide customers with the best possible products and services to help them grow their business.

Schwing Stetter India is a leading provider of a wide range of top-quality products for use in concreting, road building, earthmoving, power projects, high-speed rails, metro rails, and other mega projects. The company invests in developing tech-rich products that enhance efficiency in performance, conserve fuel, and reduce carbon emission. At Excon this year, it will showcase its new groundbreaking products.

Promoting advanced, sustainable and environment friendly solutions

We will be showcasing Artificial Intelligence and Technology-related products at Excon 23 and promoting alternate energy sources rather than traditional diesel or petroleum-based solutions. In the alternative energy pavilion, we will highlight biodiesel, hydrogen engines, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs) as viable options for powering construction machinery. These will not only offer customers a sustainable choice but will also help in addressing environmental concerns.

Imagine a scenario where construction sites no longer face dust-related issues and no halt or interruptions. The understanding of real-world challenges and the practical solutions are experiences that one cannot gain while confined to an office or limited to meeting rooms. It’s only through direct contact and engagement with equipment manufacturers and solution providers like us, that equipment users can access valuable information on new technology developments and alternative energy solutions, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve performance efficiency

We are committed to enhancing the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of our equipment at construction sites by investing in research and development to develop new and innovative equipment. For example, we have recently launched a series of plants and pumps for 3D printing - a cutting-edge technology that has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry.

We have developed fuel-efficient engines and after-treatment systems to reduce carbon emissions. We are also working on developing electric and hybrid construction equipment.

We believe that training and support are essential for helping our customers get the most out of their equipment. We offer a variety of training programs and workshops on topics such as equipment operation, maintenance, and safety. We also provide technical support to our customers to help them troubleshoot any problems they may encounter.

Equipping contractors and builders with the knowledge to stay in tune with the evolving construction landscape

The scale and speed of construction have changed remarkably, and a lot of new, advanced machines have come into the market. For instance, there is a transition from traditional piling methods to more advanced techniques like diaphragm walls or trench cutters. Such modern approaches may be more expensive, but in the long term they offer substantial advantages in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Advanced machines are now readily available in India for both buyers and rental companies. However, unless contractors and builders explore the changing market, they may remain unaware of the significant developments. After the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, the construction industry witnessed a rapid increase in mechanization and with the ensuing labour shortage at construction sites, machinery became indispensable.

Mechanization became a solution to prevent delays in project completion, which would increase the project cost. This shift highlighted that machines are not just a part of the future; they are the future of the industry. Now, using precast construction, a 9-storey building can be ready within 3-4 months; while earlier it used to take years to accomplish the same task. And the initial high cost of precast construction would pay off as the building/project would become functional sooner.

The shift towards mechanization has brought more reliability and efficiency in construction work

About 25 to 30 years ago, concrete pumps were expensive, therefore not used widely at construction sites. Work was done manually; it was cost-effective and power was readily available. However, today, concrete is no longer transported manually by laborers. Use of concrete pumps and boom pumps has increased substantially on construction sites. Mechanized processes have replaced the need for large numbers of manual laborers, making the construction industry more efficient and safer. A single operator performing the work of 25 laborers is not only a more reliable solution but it also boosts productivity. Availability of manual labourers can be affected during festival seasons, while mechanized work does not face any disruptions. Making the shift from manual to mechanised not only enhances productivity but also leads to long-term cost savings and project reliability.

Strategy for overcoming potential challenges in 2024

We are optimistic about the outlook for the CE sector in 2024. The Indian government is investing heavily in infrastructure projects, which is driving demand for construction equipment. Additionally, the implementation of BS V emission norms is likely to boost demand for new equipment, as many older machines will not be able to meet the new standards. However, we are also aware of the potential challenges that could impact the sector in 2024, such as the upcoming general elections and the global economic slowdown. We are taking steps to mitigate these risks, such as diversifying our customer base and expanding into new markets.