What is the demand-supply scenario for tower cranes?
The major demand in India is for the real estate sector, so, 5-tonne capacity cranes are the main demand for this sector. The demand for higher capacity cranes can increase in future gradually but still the 5-tonne capacity crane may have a major demand for real estate sector.

What was the impact of economic slowdown on the tower crane segment?
As the overall demand was very slow in market as a pre-poll scenario, we could sustain it with some good orders, but the situation has changed now. A steady improvement is visible in markets and this is expected to increase steadily.

Which are the major demand drivers for tower cranes?
The major demand is from the realty sector as I mentioned earlier. This includes all high rise and prefab sectors, with a relaxed FDI norms since last October. We expect more MNCs invest in India, and a demand from the power and manufacturing sectors with the positive steps Government is taking now. But this needs time to get reflected in market.

Is there a shift towards higher capacity tower cranes, (above 10T)?
This is natural with developments, but not an abrupt change, a slow and steady increase can be there to10T and even more. The reasons are the precast projects, may be steel structures projects in future also, power and dam projets and ship building/port projects etc.

Brief us on the range that Liebherr offers in India?
At present, we have sold cranes ranging from 85 m tonne to 630 m tonne tower cranes in India, this is starting from real estate sectors to ship-repair yards.

Which models are manufactured here?
Liebherr tower crane 85EC-B5i flat top tower crane is manufactured in India at Pune factory. The model 85EC-B5i has jib length of 50 m suitable for maximum hook height 278 m, and maximum capacity 5 tonne with a tip load 1.3T, available in internal and external climbing configurations.

How do you assess the rentals?
The growth of rental companies will increase in India and there is big potential for professional rental companies having a good fleet of tower cranes.

What are your views on imports?
The cranes manufactured here will have more demand than imported ones, due to factors such as price, delivery time, shipping costs/customs duty etc.

What is your take on the non-availability of trained operators?
Liebherr is always keen on training operators and P&M staff. Our service personnel make sure while erecting the crane that the operators are familiarised with the machines. Liebherr also conducts training sessions at site/office periodically. We also have training facility at our Pune factory with tower crane erected there, to impart knowledge by on-job training, to operators and P&M staff etc.

Is there any launch of new model?
Liebherr plan to launch the next model for Indian market which is in design stage. It is too early to comment on specs now.