We will be unveiling four electric products

LiuGong India is one of the leading manufacturers of construction equipment in India. Rohit Punjabi, Vice President – Excavator Business, LiuGong India, discusses the trends he is observing in the construction equipment industry and how his company is adapting to these changes.

Can you share with us any innovative technologies or products your company will be showcasing at Bauma Conexpo?

As the world continues its shift towards greener solutions, we’re proud to be leading the way in sustainability. At Bauma, we will be unveiling four electric products that highlight our commitment to reducing environmental impact. This includes a 22-tonne battery-operated excavator, a 3.5-tonne battery-operated wheel loader, and even a 2-tonne and 6-tonne class battery-operated wheel loader in the construction equipment sector.

Additionally, we will be showcasing new material handling equipment, also powered by batteries. This marks a significant step for us, especially here in India, where we are introducing these solutions for the first time.

Beyond electric products, what other trends are you observing in the construction equipment industry, and how is your company adapting to these changes?

The most pressing issue today is the global challenge of pollution and carbon emissions. Across the world, we’re focusing on reducing the carbon footprint in construction. In line with this, we are introducing a range of equipment that meets stringent emission standards. This includes not only electric and battery-operated machinery but also Stage V compliant wheel equipment—ranging from wheel loaders to motor graders and compactors. Our aim is to offer products that contribute to tackling global warming, ensuring that we leave a better world for future generations.

What do you see as the key challenges for the construction equipment industry in the next few years? How is your company preparing to address these?

One of the major advantages we have in India right now is a stable government, which is driving infrastructure projects forward at full speed. This stability creates a favourable environment for growth, and I don’t foresee many challenges arising from the governmental side.

However, for construction to continue at a rapid pace, public-private partnerships need to grow, and projects need to be completed faster. We’re doing our part by providing the best equipment possible to support this, helping clients meet tight deadlines. Furthermore, as the industry expands, there is a need to manufacture key components locally. We see this as essential for long-term growth and sustainability in India, as it would not only benefit the domestic market but also boost our export potential.

You mentioned launching several battery-operated products at Bauma Conexpo. How do you assess the current market potential for these electric machines in India?

The market for electric and battery-operated machinery is still in its infancy in India. However, early adoption often leads to long-term advantages, and we are positioning ourselves as the first movers. We’re paving the way for others to follow, and we firmly believe that this is the future of the industry. As the market grows, we are ready to lead the charge and offer these cutting-edge solutions.

With the rise of electric machines, training and skill development become essential. How is your company ensuring operators are equipped to handle these new technologies?

We take training very seriously. At our plant, we have a dedicated training centre focused on preparing operators for these new machines. The transition from conventional engine-powered machines to electric ones requires a completely different skill set. We focus on educating operators about battery maintenance, motor handling, and troubleshooting potential issues quickly and effectively.

It’s not just about our own operators; we’re also inviting external operators to join these sessions to raise awareness across the industry. By developing this ecosystem, we can ensure smoother operations and a more efficient transition to greener technologies.

Are there any plans for expanding your manufacturing capacity to support these initiatives?

We are currently in the process of expanding our manufacturing capacity at our existing plant in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. In fact, we plan to double it in the near future to meet the growing demand from the Indian market. This expansion will allow us to scale up production of our advanced machinery and continue to serve the evolving needs of the industry.

Looking back at the year 2024, how would you assess your company’s performance? And what are your growth plans for 2025?

The year 2024 has been a benchmark year for us. We’ve seen impressive growth across several key product lines, including wheel loaders, motor graders, and excavators, with some categories experiencing more than 150 per cent growth. It’s been a very successful year.

Moving into 2025, we’re setting our sights on continuing this momentum. We are targeting another 150 per cent growth, and we remain optimistic about the future. With our expanded capacity and ongoing focus on innovation, we’re confident that the coming years will bring even greater success.