Even though the initial mood at the recently concluded Excon was of apprehension, especially from the exhibitors, doubts that the mega show would really bring in focused footfalls, eventually everything turned upbeat, more positive and rather realistic. Of course, comparisons were inevitable, with the earlier Excon edition as well as the last bC India show but given the current scenario, the latest Excon edition went off quite well. Moreover, it mirrored the realistic approach of the CE stakeholders, revealing how well prepared they are for the much-awaited turnaround. The fact that over a hundred products were launched, many upgraded models showcased, and many players including aggregates and component manufacturers announcing fresh investments, tells a positive tale in itself. EQUIPMENT INDIA interacted with scores of participants and visitors from various parts of the country, and found that most of them were enthusiastic about the long-term growth story.

As for the OEMs who have seen the bottom of the barrel, they no longer subscribe to the after- six- months story but know well that any kind of revival is still a full year away; that it?s not just the general elections but also on what the next government intend to do; and how removing all the bottlenecks could make for a whole new growth story.

Another very perceptible shift noticed at Excon 2013 was the participation from the suppliers of components, aggregates and other accessories. To be precise, there were 386 component manufacturers and 93 accessories suppliers, and over double the number of OEMs, who displayed a wide range of products, many of them planning fresh investments in India, and widening product lines that could cater not only to local demand but also to overseas markets. Also, many OEMs, big and small, have already started exporting. This clearly designates the fact that India is fast becoming an export hub.

For the majority of the players, the wintry days were long and hard, too. What they know is that it is part and parcel of the cycle of nature, and summer is not too far ahead.