JCB India ready to meet growing demand

“With strong pipeline of road projects to be awarded by NHAI and state governments, the opportunities for the road equipment manufacturers are sizeable,” says Amit Gossain,
Executive Vice President – Marketing, Business Development and Corporate Affairs at JCB IndiaLeading construction equipment manufacturer JCB India continues to expand its footprint, explore new markets and fulfil customer requirements. In an exclusive interview with ACE Update, Amit Gossain gives an overview of road building equipment sector in India. He also talks about JCB’s contribution in this segment.
India’s roads and bridges infrastructure is expected to reach $ 19.2 billion by 2017 from $ 6.9 billion in 2009. How do you look at the opportunities? Road equipment has seen considerable growth in the past few years. For the current financial year, NHAI plans to award 2,000 km through cash contracts, and is ready with 3,000 km to be bid via the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode.
With strong pipeline of road projects to be awarded by NHAI and state governments, the opportunities for the road equipment manufacturers are sizeable.
JCB offers the finest road compaction equipment through its Vibromax series i.e. VMT 115, VMT 860 and VMT 330. VMT 330 Tandem Roller is a latest addition to the portfolio. VMT 330 Tandem Roller is a highly versatile compactor with high compaction forces. This machine is ideal for compaction in restricted spaces as this has got high kerb clearance. JCB VMT 115 comes with dual anti-vibration isolation system which reduces the vibration thus making it more comfortable for the operator to operate the machine. This machine also has a 3-point pre-loaded anti- vibration pads which also minimises the effect of vibration.
The 9T Tandem Roller VMT 860 is designed to offer high productivity and reliability with maximum operating economy. Powered by robust, fully tropicalised, low fuel consumption
JCB Engine ecoMAX, the ideal combination of static weights, centrifugal forces and amplitudes makes this asphalt roller perfect for a wide range of both soil and asphalt applications, from rolling sub-base to finish rolling.
How does JCB fare in such a competitive market? Currently, the overall economy is facing a slowdown but at JCB, we always plan our business strategy for the long-term and long-term prospects for infrastructure growth are substantial. JCB focuses on strengthening its market share across product categories by constant innovating and launching technologically advanced products, strategically expanding its distribution network and manufacturing base.
JCB offers the finest distribution network in the country. Today, we have 59 dealers, 575 outlets and we will continue to expand our reach. Like JCB, which is a family-owned organisation; our dealers are also family-owned businesses with whom we have developed a long-term relationship on the basis of mutual trust and understanding.
The aim for JCB is continue to expand its footprint, explore new markets and fulfil our customer requirements.
Are you going to expand your manufacturing capability to meet the additional demand from across the globe? JCB India is well prepared to meet the growing demand. We have world-class facilities – one in Ballabgarh, Haryana near New Delhi, two in Pune and two upcoming units in Jaipur.  With our upcoming Jaipur facility, the idea is to meet the growing demand for construction equipment in the coming time.
What is the status of your Jaipur facility?The two plants in Jaipur are in the final stages of construction with a combined floor space of over 700,000 sq. ft. We plan to begin with fabrications and will continue to upscale its production facilities as per the market requirements.
Our Ballabgarh facility which is the world’s largest Backhoe Loader plant has the capacity to manufacture 100 machines per shift. Our 100-acre Pune facility manufactures 4,500 state-of-the-art heavy equipment like Tracked Excavators, Wheeled Loaders and Compactors per annum.

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