Tighter safety norms would ensure a safer working environment
Whether it is a construction job site, plant maintenance or assembly/installation, JLG makes working at heights safe and productive, says Sunil Jain, Country Manager, JLG Industries, Inc. Excerpts from the interview.

Brief us on JLG and its core competencies.
JLG Industries, Inc USA, an Oshkosh Corporation Company, is the designer, manufacturer and marketer of access equipment (aerial work platform) and telehandlers. The company's products extend beyond its own well-known brand of JLG aerial work platforms; scissor lifts, boom lifts and JLG telehandlers to skytrak and lull telehandlers; triple-L trailers and JLG vertical and mobile stock picking lifts for material handling applications.

JLG Industries is a leading aerial work platform designer and supplier having its headquarters in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. JLG has nine manufacturing plants across the world: North America (USA), Europe (Belgium, France, Romania) and Asia. JLG has been present in India from 1996 and has been one of the major suppliers of aerial work platforms in the industry.

What is the market potential for access equipment in India? Given the present scenario, how do you view the growth potential?
There has been a steady growth in the aerial work platform market in India. JLG sees a good opportunity for aerial work platforms in the next three years, provided the Indian economy continues to grow at 7-8 per cent. Growth in manufacturing and construction sectors will be critical for developing needs of products like aerial work platforms. JLG has been working with the following strategy:

  • Market recovery and growth;
  • Optimise cost and capital structure;
  • Value innovation; and
  • Emerging market expansion.

What is the product range and services offered by JLG to the Indian customers in the access equipment segment?
JLG offers various types of scissor lifts, boom lifts and vertical masts. Boom lifts are available up to 150 ft platform height. Both boom lifts and scissor lifts are available in electric and diesel models. Whether it is a construction job site, plant maintenance or assembly/installation, JLG makes working at heights safe and productive.

How do you find industry practices here in India?
Aerial work platforms are becoming very popular among industries every passing year and the industry has accepted this as a tool, not only for increasing workers' safety and higher productivity but also as an access solution for hard-to-reach areas.

Do you think that legislation on the use of safer access equipment or tightening the safety norms could help augment the growth potential of this segment?
One of the causes of injuries at sites is due to falling objects/falling from heights. Tighter safety norms for working at height would ensure a better, safer working environment in industries. AWP carries most valuable assets ie, the worker, at any site. All AWPs are designed as per stringent international standards for complete safety to the user. JLG is working with various safety organisations to improve awareness in the market.