Page 22 - Construction_Opportunities_August_2024

COVER STORY
INTERACTION on digital-enabled solutions to establish customer loyalty. After- Our R&D facility in Chennai leads technology innovation across

manufacture, design and engineering services to Caterpillar BUs
market products serve as a strategic differentiator for Caterpillar
across the globe. We have pioneered customer and product
Backhoe Loaders (BHLs) by enhancing customer satisfaction and
led innovations driving industry leadership in sustainability, safety,
extending machine life thereby giving best return on investment to
customers. This customer-centric approach fosters brand loyalty
productivity, efficiency; producing world-class products for India
and competitiveness in the construction equipment industry. We
range of equipment which includes off-highway trucks, large mining
offer ‘Aftermarket Performance Customer Value Agreements’ (CVAs),
to support hassle-free service to customers at any point in the and exporting Indian-made products across the globe We make a
trucks, hydraulic excavators, motor graders, backhoe loaders, skid
machine lifecycle to help maximize machine performance and steer loaders, wheel loaders, engines and gensets etc. Caterpillar
utilization. This includes dealer technician support using genuine team and Cat dealers are spread across hundreds of locations
Cat parts for certain planned maintenance and fluid health in India to serve and support our customers and respond quickly
management to help identify issues before they cause unexpected to their needs. These indigenization efforts not only enhance
downtime. Customers can contact their dealer to know more about Caterpillar’s competitiveness in the Indian market but also align
CVAs and other offers. Long-standing Cat dealers, Gainwell Commo with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting domestic
Sales India Pvt Ltd (GCPL) and Gmmco Ltd have all the technical manufacturing and economic growth. Through these endeavors,
information, training, access to the latest updates to provide reliable Caterpillar continues to meet the evolving market requirements
services to our customers. The improved analytical and service while fostering a stronger presence in India’s construction and
capabilities such as telematics, inspections, SOS Services, as well infrastructure development landscape.
as eCommerce platforms like www.parts.cat.com, and other dealer
specific mobile applications are making it easy for our customers to Your take on the rentals market for backhoe loaders.
own, operate and maintain the equipment at a click of a button. The rental business in India is not an organized sector. However,
50 to 60 percent of construction equipment owners, particularly
Please provide details on your emphasis on technology, research, in the retail area, rent machines like backhoe loaders and mini
design and innovation. excavators to other customers for their projects. India already has
Caterpillar is a technology leader in the industry and has a a sizable informal rental sector. There is an opportunity for people
100+ year history of product innovation and development. Our to have an organized rental ecosystem. Our dealers, GMMCO Ltd,
technology strategy stems from a evaluation of where and how our and Gainwell Commosales Pvt Ltd., offer a range of rental fleets
machines will operate in the long term. Guided by this assessment, for customers across India for specific requirements. The rentals
our primary focus lies in elevating customer experiences through market for backhoe loaders is experiencing notable growth and
intelligent solutions. Our products are ahead of time and to is poised for further expansion. Several key factors contribute to
make this happen our R&D teams are constantly working with the increasing demand for backhoe loader rentals such as cost-
dealers and customers to understand what they expect when efficiency, flexibility, reduced risk, etc. However, challenges such
they buy a machine for their jobsite. Sustainability is integral to as availability during peak seasons and adherence to rental terms
our technology development strategies and permeates our New and conditions need to be managed.
Product Introduction (NPI) process. We are committed to not only
meeting but exceeding the expectations of our customers while Your comments on the financing of equipment, how fast and easy
ensuring that our innovations align with environmental and social it is for a customer to get finance.
sustainability goals. We offer comprehensive product solutions to our customers which
Our state-of-the-art R&D centers in Chennai and Bengaluru remain are a combination of technology, financial and aftermarket
at the forefront of innovation. We continue to invest in advanced services. Our Cat Financial services help customers to make the
research and development initiatives to create cutting-edge best choice to support their business no matter how big or small,
solutions that drive the industry forward. We innovate in a number whether it be for new or used Cat machines or for repair/ rebuild
of areas that advance our customer’s goals, including alternative options to keep their current machines operational. Cat Financial
fuels, batteries, sustainable power solutions, autonomy and provides retail and wholesale financing solutions and extended
automation, digital capabilities, supply chain & logistics, and many protection products to Cat customers and dealers for the complete
more. line of Cat machinery and engines. Whether the customers are
looking to finance equipment, acquire working capital, improve
Tell us about the indigenization efforts undertaken by the company cash flow, or protect their investment, Cat Financial understands the
to meet the market requirements? customers’ businesses and has the solutions to fit their needs. The
For more than 50 years we have been contributing towards socio- ease and speed of equipment financing can significantly influence
economic development of the country through our investments in customer buying decisions. Streamlined financing processes with
cutting edge R&D, enabling us to localize our operations, develop competitive rates and flexible terms can encourage customers
robust infrastructure and job creation to build resilient communities. to invest in equipment, ultimately boosting sales. Quick approvals
At present over 7,300 people work at Caterpillar and about and minimal paperwork are key factors in facilitating this process,
4,000 people work at Cat dealers. Our presence in India includes making it more accessible and appealing to potential buyers.
state-of-the art manufacturing facilities, high-tech research, and We offer quality service throughout the life cycle of equipment
development, as well as numerous global support organizations. including purchase, protect, manage, and resell.

22 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|AUGUST 2024