Seeing the acceptance of high-end solutions in Indian market, we will bring futuristic technologies that will change the way roads are being built in India today.

Ramesh Palagiri, Managing Director & CEO, Wirtgen India

Firstly, we would like to hear from you about the Deere’s acquisition of Wirtgen?

Of late, Wirtgen has been acquired by the American equipment major John Deere. With the $5.2 billion acquisition of Wirtgen Group, John Deere has become the first manufacturer to have both crushing and screening as well as mobile equipment under one parent group. Wirtgen’s product portfolio will complement Deere’s existing construction equipment offering and establishes Deere as the industry leader in global road construction.

So, from 1st December 2017, Wirtgen Group becomes a part of John Deere and it will operate as part of John Deere’s construction forestry division. All the Wirtgen brands namely Wirtgen, Vögele, Kleemann and Hamm will remain untouched.

How different was EXCON 2017 from its earlier editions?

I think it is too busy – more customers compared to the earlier editions of EXCON and that’s the biggest difference. The event is getting more popular beyond South. Apart from getting quality footfalls from South India, we have seen visitors from other regions were also queuing up with serious requirements.

How do you see the future of road making in India?

The road making in India has seen remarkable growth during the past 3-4 years. When the current government took over in 2014, road construction was only around 9-10 km a day and today it is picked up to around 25 km a day. This upward trend is not only visible in National Highways, but also in State highways. A lot of major road projects are being awarded by State governments like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

Concrete or asphalt – which is going to sustain?

I think, the trend for concrete roads will continue as the Ministry’s directive of making all roads using concrete is very clear. Considering the number of roads which are already awarded and the number of tenders which are announced are for concrete roads. I think there will be mix of both asphalt and concrete roads in the coming years.

Are you going to be active on both?

Wirtgen is equipped for both – concrete as well as asphalt roads. In addition to road rehabilitation, we have all the equipment that are used in making concrete roads and asphalt roads on the paving level.

How do you see the acceptance of advanced road making technologies in India?

In Excon, Wirtgen announced five Indian premières: the large milling machine W 195, the small milling machines W 50 H, W 55 H, W 120 R and the slipform paver SP 62.

Vögele presented the new SUPER 1400 and SUPER 1403 – true all-Indian road pavers for pave widths up to 7.3 metres whereas Hamm showcased its compactor 3520, compactor 311 and the compactor 311 D with additionally powered drum.

Also, Kleemann exhibited three products from the EVO line: mobile jaw crusher MOBICAT MC 110 Z EVO, mobile cone crusher MOBICONE MCO 9 EVO and mobile screening plant MOBISCREEN MS 703 EVO.

However, apart from displaying these products, we have showcased some futuristic technologies which are going to come to India soon. We displayed dual-layer concrete paving technology which is advantageous in both economic and technical terms. We have also exhibited VÖGELE RoadScan, a contactless temperature-measurement system, makes paving quality measurable and verifiable. So, seeing the acceptance of high-end solutions in Indian market, we will bring futuristic technologies that will change the way roads are being built in India today.

How was your performance during the past year?

Apart from roads, railways has also shown significant traction. In fact, business in railways is as big as roads. For us it has been an excellent run during the past three years with around 25 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) growth. The year 2017 again will be a best year for us.

What kind of y-o-y growth you expect in the next three years?
We expect at least 15-20 per cent y-o-y growth in the next three years.