With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and expanding its market presence, TIL is poised to make significant strides in the construction equipment and defence sectors. Its new product launches, including the Snorkel A62JRT articulating boom lift, and commitment to aftermarket solutions and sustainability reflect a future-driven approach to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.

TIL has recently launched a new product from Snorkel at bauma 2024. Can you tell us more about this product and the technologies integrated into it?

We proudly introduce the Snorkel A62JRT range of aerial work platforms, a leading brand in this space. Snorkel, an American company, manufactures its products in the US and Europe, and we are delighted to have been appointed as the official distributor for Snorkel in Eastern and Northern India.

We have unveiled a new articulated boom aerial work platform. Our long-term vision is to become a significant player in this rapidly growing market. Aerial work platforms are gaining traction in India faster than many realise. As one of the oldest players in the construction and infrastructure equipment space, we saw the need to bring in a world-class product for our customers. We foresee a future where Snorkel could manufacture these platforms in India, not just for the Indian market but also for global exports.

You mentioned the potential for manufacturing Snorkel products in India. Could you share more about your plans in this direction?

TIL has a rich legacy of over 80 years, primarily in manufacturing cranes, defence equipment, and reach stackers. We operate two manufacturing facilities in West Bengal—one in Kamarhati, Kolkata, and another in Kharagpur. These facilities are well-equipped to produce any construction or infrastructure-related equipment.

We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our product portfolio, including relaunching some of our earlier products like truck cranes. Additionally, we plan to introduce new products, although I am not at liberty to reveal all the details at this stage.

Besides Snorkel, what other products are you showcasing at Bauma 2024?

We are showcasing several key products. First we have the Hyster-TIL RS46-33 ReachStacker. It demonstrated TIL’s expertise in port handling solutions, featuring a lifting capacity of 46 tons and advanced container handling capabilities. The machine’s newly designed ergonomic cabin offers 360-degree visibility and includes an intelligent monitoring system that provides real-time performance data. It is manufactured at our Kharagpur plant. This product is part of the ‘Make in India, for India’ initiative, and with some slight modifications, it will also be ready for export to markets like Australia and New Zealand starting in 2025. We have also displayed the N80A – a specialised article handling equipment used widely by India’s Defence Forces (now available for retail customers). The crane features a state-of-the-art Load Moment Indicator (LMI) system, precision controls, and a compact mounting design that makes it ideal for urban construction sites. Its advanced articulation system enables operation in confined spaces, while the integrated safety features like overload protection and stability control system garnered significant attention from visitors. Although this product may cater to a niche market in India, we see definite potential, particularly for our retail customers. As I mentioned earlier, the Snorkel articulated boom aerial work platform is one of our flagship launches at this event. It’s an incredibly versatile and high-quality product expected to garner substantial interest in the Indian market.

How is TIL integrating sustainability into your product development?

Sustainability is a key focus for TIL, a broader concept than creating new products. We are committed to extending the life cycle of our existing equipment through repairs, rebuilds, and recon solutions. This approach provides our customers with cost-effective options and aligns with our sustainability goals.

We are heavily investing in our aftermarket services to ensure that machines can be rebuilt and given second or even third lives. Additionally, we are working on developing new technologies that contribute to the sustainability of our products, ensuring that we reduce waste and increase the longevity of our equipment. This reduces the environmental impact and helps our customers by offering long-lasting, reliable solutions.

How has your participation in bauma helped TIL navigate the evolving construction equipment market?

Bauma is an incredible platform for networking and understanding industry trends. Although TIL has been relatively quiet in recent years, our return to Bauma under the Gainwell banner signifies our renewed commitment to the industry.

This year’s participation is vital for us. We want to showcase our latest products and communicate to our customers, competitors, and the market at large that TIL is back and ready to reclaim its position as an industry leader. Bauma allows us to engage with the latest technologies and innovations worldwide, giving us valuable insights into what is happening in the global construction equipment space.

Could you share TIL’s product pipeline and any plans for market expansion with us?

We have ambitious plans for the future, both in terms of product development and market expansion. You can expect enhanced digitisation and technology integration across our product range quickly. The articulated boom platform from Snorkel is just the beginning. We plan to introduce additional products in the aerial work platform category.

We are also focusing on expanding our presence in the defence sector. TIL supplies equipment to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. We have several orders in the pipeline from major defence organisations like BEL, BDL, and BEML, and our participation in defence projects is set to increase.

In terms of aftermarket solutions, we aim to create world-class repair facilities that can give components and machines first, second, and even third lives. This aligns with our sustainability goals and helps us serve India’s growing demand for refurbished and used machines.

We are also considering entering the equipment rental space directly through TIL or our group rental company. Rental services are becoming increasingly popular in India, which is a significant opportunity for us. Finally, exports remain a critical focus area. We see immense potential in exporting our products, mainly to markets like Southeast Asia and Africa, where there is a growing demand for high-quality construction and defence equipment.

How do you see the market for used machines evolving in India?

The market for used machines in India is growing rapidly. Many customers are now open to purchasing refurbished equipment with high-quality performance at a lower price point. This shift is driven by the growing focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness in the construction industry.

We are positioning ourselves to capitalise on this trend. Our aftermarket services are geared toward giving our equipment a second or third life, which not only supports our sustainability goals but also addresses this market demand. By offering reliable, refurbished machines, we can tap into a new segment of customers looking for affordable yet durable solutions.

With TIL’s long legacy, how do you see your company navigating the future, especially in terms of innovation and customer needs?

Our focus will always be on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. TIL has a deep-rooted history of manufacturing excellence, and we plan to build on that by continuing to innovate. Whether it’s through adding new products, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, or expanding into new markets, we will ensure that our offerings meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Looking ahead, I see TIL becoming a more agile and customer-centric company. We are committed to enhancing our product portfolio, expanding into new markets, and continuing to be a trusted partner for our customers in India and globally.

For more information, visit: https://tilindia.in/