Mechanisation will continue to drive demand
What are the major products on display at Bama, and what are their unique features?
At Bauma, we are showcasing a variety of products, including backhoe loaders with BS5, 4x4 and two-wheel drive options, mini excavators, forklifts and skid steer loaders. We’ve also displayed 8.8-tonne mini excavators. Currently, these are targeted at the export market, but we plan to eventually indigenize them for the domestic market as well.

Are these products manufactured in India?
It is mix of products made in India and imports, BHL, S 70 and 8.8 tonne Hex products are 100 per cent manufactured in India and rest are imported, also being exported to global markets.

Can you tell us more about the unique features of these products?
When it comes to skid steer loaders and mini excavators, we are the global leader in skid steers, and in India, we are also the market leader. Our market share has been number one for a long time. While there are other manufacturers in India offering very price products, the longevity, reliability, and overall performance of our machines are unmatched. Our equipment is known for its long lifespan, reliability, and excellent productivity, which are key factors that set us apart. For example, with our skid-steer loaders, the focus is on durability, and the same applies to our backhoe loaders. India serves as our global hub for manufacturing, and we export these machines worldwide under the "Make in India" initiative. Our ultimate ambition is to become the number one compact equipment manufacturer, both in India and globally.

So, quality, reliability, and performance are your core strengths. Is there anything else that sets you apart?
Yes, safety is another critical factor for us. All of our equipment, including skid steer loaders and backhoe loaders, is designed with operator safety in mind. Ensuring the safety of operators is our top priority.

What is your market strategy for the next year?
Our goal is to become the number one in the compact equipment segment. For backhoe loaders, the market size is around 40,000 to 42,000 units annually, and we aim to cover the full range of compact products to achieve the number one position. We’re not looking for overnight success; we’re focused on steady growth, with an annual target of increasing our market share. This year, for example, we’ve seen a 19 to 20 per cent year-on-year growth. In the next few years, we plan to grow and solidify our position as the number one brand in compact equipment, particularly in products like skid steer loaders mini excavators and forklifts.

How do you view the Indian market for these products?
The Indian market looks promising, especially for skid steers, mini hex and forklifts. Over the next two decades, I expect the market to grow significantly. However, there may be some ups and downs along the way. This year, for instance, there were challenges in several industries, including automobiles and the trucking sector. We’ve seen some struggles, but it’s important to recognize that market cycles are natural. Factors like elections and delayed monsoons have impacted customer sentiment, particularly in regions like Gujarat, Delhi, and northern India, where the rains were widespread. Despite these challenges, the overall market remains strong, and I am optimistic that it will grow in the next two decades. Mechanisation will continue to drive demand, as it is the solution for labour replacement.

What is your current market share, and what are your expectations for the next few years?
Currently, our market share for SSL is 40 per cent plus, BHL 2 per cent and Mex 3 per cent, we were holding 19 per cent market share in case of Mex below 5 tonne due some supply issues from our manufacturing plants market share was lost. However, we have a new strategy in place for the next year, and we are optimistic about regaining a significant share of the market. We are aiming for double-digit market share in the near future in case of BHL.