Innovation is at the heart of SCHWING-XCMG’s product strategy
Introducing path breaking products is a way of life at Schwing Stetter India, the company with its “Customer-first” approach to doing business keeps churning out technologically advanced products that are robust, fuel efficient and full value for money. In an exclusive interview to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES, V.G. SAKTHIKUMAR, CMD, SCHWING STETTER INDIA, speaks about the latest trends in the excavator industry, his company’s latest launch XE215C, a 21-ton excavator and a lot more.
Give us an overview of the excavators industry and market dynamics. What are the types of excavators currently in demand?
The excavators industry in India is witnessing strong growth, driven by the country’s expanding infrastructure requirements. With increasing investments in highways, railways, and urban projects, there is significant demand for high-performance, fuel-efficient excavators. The market is seeing a preference for medium to large-sized excavators (20-40 tons) suitable for heavy-duty operations. Compact and mini excavators are also gaining traction due to urbanization and projects in confined spaces. The industry is shifting towards machines that offer telematics, real-time monitoring, and enhanced fuel efficiency to meet project timelines and reduce costs.
Tell us about the range of excavators offered by you, in terms of types, capacities, and applications.
SCHWING-XCMG offers a comprehensive range of excavators designed for versatility across various capacities and applications. From compact models ideal for urban construction to larger excavators for mining and large-scale infrastructure projects, our lineup includes machines with capacities ranging from 6 to 60 tons. Each excavator is engineered to meet diverse operational requirements, including digging, grading, material handling, and demolition. Our excavators are also equipped with high-performance hydraulic systems, making them suitable for the most demanding projects.
Major demands made by end-users of your equipment. Is there a shift from initial cost price to TCO in Buyer Decisions?
End-users are increasingly looking beyond the initial cost to focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The shift is driven by rising operational costs and the need for reliable equipment with lower fuel consumption, minimal downtime, and easy maintenance. SCHWING-XCMG has adapted to these demands by incorporating fuel-efficient engines, durable components, and telematics solutions, ensuring long-term cost savings and operational insights that contribute to an optimal TCO for our clients.
Please provide details on your emphasis on technology, research, design, and innovation. What advancements have you introduced or plan to introduce? Telematics has become a standard feature in all machines. What extra feature in your machines adds real value for your customers?
Innovation is at the heart of SCHWING-XCMG’s product strategy. We emphasize advanced research and design, integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT to enhance our machines’ efficiency, reliability, and usability. Our excavators come with real-time telematics and diagnostic capabilities, which allow operators to monitor machine health and performance from any location. The added value in our machines lies in our adaptive hydraulic technology, which optimizes power distribution for precise and efficient digging. This not only reduces fuel consumption but also improves productivity by enabling faster cycle times.
Factors such as safety, operator comfort, and ease of operations are crucial in any excavator. What steps have you undertaken to provide these?
SCHWING-XCMG places a high emphasis on safety and operator comfort. Our excavators feature reinforced cabins with 360-degree visibility and advanced ergonomic controls for reduced operator fatigue. We include safety features like automatic emergency brakes and overload sensors, and our excavators are designed for easy handling with intuitive controls, minimizing the learning curve for new operators. Enhanced insulation reduces noise levels, and climate-controlled cabins are standard to ensure operator comfort across diverse site conditions.
Tell us about the indigenization efforts undertaken by the company to meet market requirements. What is the company’s approach to implementing the ‘Make in India’ drive?
As part of our commitment to ‘Make in India,’ SCHWING-XCMG has localized production in line with Indian requirements, sourcing a significant portion of our components domestically. This approach not only supports local suppliers but also makes our equipment more cost-effective and adaptable to Indian operational conditions. By aligning with government initiatives, we ensure that our machines meet regional regulations and quality standards, while also driving local economic growth.
Aftermarket services as a strategic differentiator.
Our aftermarket services are integral to SCHWING-XCMG’s value proposition. We offer a nationwide network of service centers, mobile support units, and comprehensive spare parts availability, ensuring rapid response times and minimizing downtime for our clients. Additionally, our digital support platforms provide real-time troubleshooting, preventive maintenance schedules, and service reminders, making maintenance hassle-free and reducing lifecycle costs for operators.
Going forward, which sectors are major demand drivers for your excavators?
The major demand drivers for SCHWING-XCMG’s excavators are set to be in road construction, mining, and urban infrastructure projects. With the government’s focus on mega infrastructure projects like highways, metro rail, and smart city developments, there is a steady demand for high-performance excavators that can handle intensive workloads. The mining sector also remains a key driver, with an increased need for durable, high-capacity machines.
Any new model launched or being launched. Details on the same.
We are excited to introduce our latest model, the XE215C, a 21-ton excavator optimized for fuel efficiency and power. This model is designed specifically for India’s terrain and operational demands, offering enhanced stability, higher lift capacity, and reduced fuel consumption. It includes advanced telematics, which provides operators with detailed performance metrics, helping improve efficiency and reduce operational costs over time.
Your comments on the financing of equipment. How fast and easy is it for a customer to get finance? What, according to you, will enthuse customers to buy equipment and thereby increase sales?
SCHWING-XCMG works closely with financial institutions to offer flexible and competitive financing options. Our finance partners ensure that clients have access to quick approvals, customized loan packages, and low-down payments. Offering options with buyback guarantees has also incentivized purchases, allowing clients to invest in high-quality equipment without upfront financial strain. Transparent terms and flexible repayment plans are also instrumental in encouraging clients to choose SCHWING-XCMG machines.
What sort of government policies or measures will foster growth for the infra industry at large, thereby propelling the growth of the CE industry?
Government policies that prioritize infrastructure development, such as funding for highway expansion, railways, and urban projects, will drive growth in the CE industry. We also advocate for simplified regulations on imported components and tax incentives for green technology investments to encourage sustainable equipment use. Streamlining project approvals would accelerate project timelines and boost demand for construction equipment across various segments.
Future outlook from an industry perspective and company?
The future of the construction equipment industry in India looks promising, with sustained demand for infrastructure projects and advancements in smart technology shaping the market. SCHWING-XCMG is focused on expanding our product line with smarter, more sustainable equipment to meet evolving customer needs.
Our goal is to continue pioneering innovations in fuel efficiency, automation, and telematics, contributing to India’s infrastructure growth with equipment that prioritizes productivity, safety, and environmental responsibility.
