VG Sakthikumar, CMD of Schwing Stetter India, discusses the company’s comprehensive machine lineup, which was showcased at Bauma ConExpo, its expansion into material processing equipment, and innovative solutions tailored for high-rise and road construction.

Could you share your thoughts on this year’s overall business growth and market conditions compared to previous years?
We have experienced a very high growth rate over the past few years, especially since COVID-19, when we saw consistent double-digit growth. However, this year, our growth rate has dropped to single digits. This slowdown can be attributed to various factors, including the longer monsoon season and the election process, which affected overall market sentiment. It’s important to note that while order bookings are still robust, there has been a delay in deliveries and billing due to customers not being ready to receive and operate the machinery. Despite these challenges, we expect to close the year with a turnover of around ₹5600 crore, possibly more, depending on the final results.

We are very optimistic about 2025. We anticipate at least a 20 percent increase in business next year. Our industry is set for a significant rebound, and we are confident in the demand for construction machinery, particularly with several new projects and infrastructure developments underway.

Can you tell us about the range of machines displayed at bauma ConExpo?
We displayed 44 machines spanning various segments of construction machinery. These include concrete equipment, earth-moving machinery, road-making equipment, material handling machines, and material processing solutions. One notable addition to our range is the introduction of cone-crushing equipment. This addition makes us one of the few companies that can offer a comprehensive portfolio across all major construction equipment categories.

Of the 44 machines, 11 were completely new models, never displayed. For example, we have introduced a 14-cubic-meter concrete mixer truck, which is currently the largest in the country. This innovation helps customers reduce their fleet size and fuel consumption by requiring fewer trucks for large-scale concreting tasks, thereby contributing to lower emissions and more efficient operations. Another key introduction is our electric version of the concrete pump, which is ideal for high-rise construction. Unlike traditional diesel pumps, the electric model is quieter and more energy-efficient, featuring a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) that reduces power consumption and provides a better acoustic environment, especially in residential areas.

In addition to the products already mentioned, we have displayed two new excavator models, 8-ton and 14-ton variants, along with a 21-ton class machine. We have also introduced a new wheel loader model and two motor graders with top-end specifications, such as ZF components. Other notable additions include horizontal drilling machines for trenchless cable laying, aerial platforms for maintenance, crawler cranes, all-terrain cranes, and truck cranes. Our piling rig, soil stabilisers, and dump trucks for the mining industry have also been well received.

What prompted your company’s expansion into material processing equipment?
The decision was driven by market demand and customer feedback. We saw an opportunity to provide a complete range of equipment from a single manufacturer, with the added benefit of robust service support and strong customer relationships. Many customers preferred a one-stop solution, and this feedback encouraged us to enter the material processing space. Additionally, we are focusing on indigenisation—bringing products that were previously imported to be made in India. This aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

What other products have you introduced to address the evolving needs of high-rise construction?
Given our limited land availability, high-rise construction is becoming increasingly important in India. As cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore grow vertically, we need equipment that can efficiently handle such projects. We have developed two new pump models designed specifically for high-rise buildings. Additionally, we have introduced a cylinder finisher, which is crucial for white-topping projects where asphalt roads are milled and resurfaced with concrete. This machine, displayed at previous exhibitions, has become a regular product in our lineup due to growing demand.

What other technological advancements can we expect shortly?
We have integrated cutting-edge technology into our machines to enhance operator safety and efficiency. For instance, one of our self-loading mixers now has a 360-degree camera system, providing the operator with a complete view of the surroundings. This is particularly important on construction sites, where the terrain can be hazardous, and ensuring both operator and machine safety is critical. This feature is common in luxury vehicles but is a first for construction machinery in India.

Your company has also entered the crushing and recycling sectors. Could you elaborate on this?
We have expanded into the crushing industry by introducing cone and jaw crushers. This is a natural progression since aggregate is a crucial component in concrete production. Moreover, we are actively involved in recycling construction and demolition waste. Our new product line completes our portfolio in the crushing space, allowing us to offer comprehensive solutions from concrete batching to aggregate processing.

Could you explain your approach to collaboration with smaller manufacturers in India?
We support the local manufacturing ecosystem, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We work with local manufacturers to produce these machines according to our specifications and quality standards for specialised products that we don’t manufacture in-house. This collaboration not only supports local businesses but also allows us to offer our customers a wider range of products. For example, we source dry mortar machines, block-making machines, chilling plants, and sand washing machines from these manufacturers, ensuring they meet our stringent requirements.

Sustainability is becoming a major focus in the construction industry. How is your company addressing this?
Sustainability is at the core of our product development strategy. Our 14-cubic-meter concrete mixer, for example, helps reduce emissions by minimising the number of trucks needed for large projects. The introduced electric concrete pumps also contribute to sustainability by lowering fuel consumption and reducing noise pollution. Furthermore, we are developing machines that can process and recycle construction materials, which will significantly reduce waste and promote a circular economy in the construction sector.

Can you tell us about the new products you have developed for the road construction segment?
We have expanded our road construction equipment range by introducing soil stabilisers and pneumatic tyre rollers, essential for high-quality road finishing. Additionally, we have launched cold milling machines for surface milling of asphalt roads, a critical step in road refurbishment. These machines and our vibratory compactors provide a complete solution for the road construction sector.

How does your company prioritise customer support and service?
We take great pride in offering a comprehensive range of products and exceptional customer service. Our customers value the quality of our machines, but they also rely on our after-sales support, which we consider a key differentiator. For instance, some customers working on metro rail construction projects faced operational difficulties due to unique site challenges. We worked closely with them to address these issues, providing tailored solutions that helped improve their project efficiency.

We constantly engage with our customers to understand their evolving needs and pain points. This feedback informs our product development process. Whether it’s introducing new models, enhancing safety features, or offering specialised machinery for niche applications, our goal is to be a trusted partner to our customers. Additionally, our focus on indigenisation means we are always looking for ways to offer more localised solutions, reducing reliance on imports and ensuring quicker turnaround times for deliveries and services.

For more information, visit: https://www.schwingstetterindia.com/