Congratulations on being named the Equipment India Person of the Year 2024. How does it feel to be recognised for your leadership, and what do you think has contributed most to your success in leading Terex India to where it is today?

Thank you! It’s an incredible honour to be recognised among the industry’s stalwarts. This award is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective effort of the entire Terex India team. Our success stems from a shared commitment to excellence, continuous innovation, and a deep understanding of our customers’ evolving needs. The unwavering support of my team and the trust of our stakeholders have been instrumental in our journey.

This award comes at a significant time for Terex India. Could you share with us the key milestones or achievements you’re most proud of since taking the helm of the company?

Our journey at Terex India began with a focus on track machines, and over the years, we have steadily expanded our product portfolio to include several new brands across multiple sectors. From crushing and screening equipment to lifting solutions and recycling technologies, we’ve grown into a comprehensive solutions provider. The recent launch of products like the Franna cranes and advancements in recycling equipment are a testament to our diverse capabilities. Moreover, our products are not just designed for the Indian market but are also being exported globally, strengthening our international presence.

We’ve also made significant investments in expanding our manufacturing facilities, enhancing our aftermarket services, and offering customised solutions that cater to local and global demands. These achievements reflect our vision of delivering value through innovation, global reach, and world-class technology.

The crushing and screening industry has seen various shifts in demand, technological advances, and regulatory changes in recent years. What would you say are the most significant trends shaping the industry in India today?

The industry is being shaped by several key trends, including the shift towards eco-friendly solutions, automation, and digital integration in equipment. There’s also a growing emphasis on maximising efficiency and uptime to meet higher production standards. Regulations and job site requirements for cleaner-powered and quieter equipment are driving demand of our electric and hybrid equipment. Our hybrid range of machines offers customers the flexibility to power their plant either by mains electricity or an on-board genset power-pack. 

The Indian construction and infrastructure sectors are expected to witness considerable growth in the coming years. How does this impact demand for crushing and screening equipment, and what steps is Terex India taking to meet these demands?

The anticipated growth in infrastructure development directly translates to increased demand for crushing and screening solutions. At Terex India, we are scaling up our production capacity, enhancing our product portfolio, and investing in R&D to introduce innovative solutions. Our focus remains on delivering reliable, efficient, and customisable equipment to meet the diverse needs of this dynamic market.

At bauma ConExpo India 2024, Terex India will showcase exciting new product launches, including advanced solutions for the quarrying, recycling, and construction sectors. These innovations reflect our commitment to providing high-performance, cost-effective equipment tailored to meet the evolving needs of our customers. These launches underscore our dedication to supporting the growth of infrastructure in India and internationally.

Automation and digitalisation are becoming critical drivers for many industries. How is Terex India embracing these trends, and what role do you see automation playing in the future of crushing and screening equipment?

At Terex India, automation and digitalisation are integral to our product strategy, driving us to constantly innovate. We are one of the first companies in the crushing and screening domain globally to launch telematics across our tracked mobile range of equipment. Telematics provides customers access to complete information on the machine such as production data, performance data, and other vital parameters. This year, we have introduced advanced solutions like our Connec-T platform, which leverages telemetry systems to provide real-time equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance. These technologies not only improve operational efficiency but also reduce costs and enhance safety.

Another standout example of our dedication to digital innovation is the launch of our AI-powered assistant, “Ask Terex”, designed specifically for Powerscreen equipment. This tool empowers operators by providing real-time solutions to operational queries, offering instant insights and facilitating quick decision-making. It reduces downtime by addressing potential issues directly on-site, ensuring greater productivity and smoother project timelines. At Terex India, we believe these innovations are key to transforming the way our customers work, enhancing both their operational efficiency and safety on the job.

How does Terex India approach sustainability and environmental responsibility within the crushing and screening industry, especially considering the growing emphasis on eco-friendly and energy-efficient equipment?

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our strategy at Terex India, and we are committed to developing energy-efficient solutions that minimise environmental impact. A prime example of this commitment is the Terex Ecotec TTS 620i Trommel, the first "Made in India" model, proudly launched at this year’s IFAT show. Designed for efficient screening of compost, biomass, soil, gravel, and other waste materials, it is an ideal solution for waste segregation and recycling applications. More than half of the track machines sold by Terex India are hybrid, reflecting our focus on reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency.

At Bauma this year, we will further this commitment by unveiling electric-powered track machines, expanding our eco-friendly offerings to reduce emissions and support sustainability in construction, waste management, and recycling sectors. Complementing these efforts, we are also showcasing the EvoQuip Cobra 290R Impact Crusher, known for its versatility in applications like steel slag crushing for road construction, and the Terex Washing Systems Logwasher, which excels in cleaning and recycling for construction and demolition (C&D) applications. Together with stringent environmental manufacturing standards and investments in waste reduction and recycling technologies, these innovations reinforce our dedication to driving a sustainable future.

With increasing pressure on industries to meet higher production and efficiency standards, how is Terex India ensuring its equipment remains at the forefront of performance, while maintaining quality and reliability?

Terex India prioritises delivering world-class products that combine superior performance with unmatched reliability. Our rigorous testing processes and stringent quality control measures ensure that our equipment meets the highest industry standards. Our robust aftermarket support, including a comprehensive network of dealers and service centres, provides customers with timely assistance and genuine parts, maximising uptime and minimising operational disruptions.

Looking ahead to 2025, what are Terex India’s key goals or plans in terms of capacity expansion, product innovation, and market share? How do you plan to further strengthen the company's position in the Indian market?

In 2025, we aim to further strengthen our market position by expanding our manufacturing capabilities, launching innovative products, and enhancing our digital offerings. We will continue to focus on sustainability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a strong customer-centric approach, we are confident in our ability to drive growth and shape the future of the industry.