Like every other industry, the crane industry has a strong correlation with the economy – Amit Gossain, Vice President – Marketing & Business Development, JCB India
Demand in Indian crane marketThe infrastructure sector — in particular power, ports, roads, and mining — drives the growth of the bulk material handling equipment sector. With huge investments in the infrastructure sector in the coming five years, the demand for cranes is definitely on the upsurge. Rapid expansion of ports is going on in India and as a consequence, steep increase in the demand can be observed.
Like every other industry, the crane industry has a strong correlation with the economy. Any fluctuations in the economy reflect immediately on the sector.
Driving factors for the continuing growthThe key driver of the Indian crane industry is the infrastructure industry. Within the infrastructure industry, construction and power projects are the main drivers. In the coming years, the demand for construction equipment will be driven by road construction, irrigation projects, power and other construction projects.
Keeping in mind the current movements, following factors will ensure the continuing growth of this segment:• The steady inflow of investments from the multinationals• Increase in domestic spending on infrastructure construction and power projects• Increased investment of $ 1,025 billion in the Twelfth-Five-Year Plan (2012-17) will surely have long-term benefits.
Technological reforms in the industryWe are seeing major technological reforms in the industry as the demand for high-capacity equipment is on the rise.
Safety is a key focus area for all the construction equipment manufacturers. Companies are now deploying technology which will ensure proper safety of the operator as well as the machine. For example: new JCB Liftall 1553 is fitted with audio-visual alarms which warn the operator of overloading.
 As always, JCB is committed to maintain the highest standards and are dedicated towards continuous improvement to always be a step ahead in the market.
Challenges for the industry While the Indian market provides a plethora of opportunities to crane manufacturers, the challenges in this sector cannot be overlooked. Unavailability of trained manpower is one of the biggest challenges that need to be addressed. To overcome this issue, JCB set up 11-fully functional operator training centres (OTCs).
Furthermore, import of used equipment in the Indian market is another major problem at hand as the guidelines to filter the influx are less available.