We’re also moving towards fully electric machines
Terex has launched quite a few products recently. So how do you position Terex India in the competitive Indian crushing and screening market?
Well, one of the things we want to do on any of the machines that we’re doing, the important thing to us is we’re doing the highest performing machine at a good price point. You know, so, we know like the market in India, there is a need to be competitive in your price point, but it has to be a good machine that plays into them. So, there is an aspect to it. It has to be the right price point, but at the same time, it has to be a good machine.

Can you provide an example of a successful product in the Indian market?
Certainly, an example is the Powerscreen Maxtrac 1300. It is a medium to large-sized track mobile cone crusher that is ideally suited to secondary applications. It’s an extremely reliable machine. I’ve visited three of these in Australia, and each of them had over 23,000 hours of operation with minimal issues. We’re also working on introducing a fully electric variant for our machines, which aligns with the growing trend of electric vehicles in India.

You mentioned the fully electric variant. Could you elaborate on the hybrid technology and some of the features of those machines?
We offer a range of hybrid options. One of them is the Warrior 1200, which features a dual power system. The Powerscreen Warrior 1200 is the most compact 12ft scalping screen in today’s market. Despite this footprint, with a highly aggressive screen at its heart, the Warrior 1200 is not overshadowed by its competition. It has a diesel motor with hydraulic pumps but also includes a second set of hydraulic pumps powered by an electric motor. This allows users to switch between electric and diesel power. We offer this dual power system across various machines, including screens and scalpers.

We’re also moving towards fully electric machines, like the Terex TAM 10 and TAM 8, which are equipped with a Volvo engine powering a generator. The rest of the plant components, such as the feeder, cone, and jaw, are operated electrically. These innovations in hybrid and electric technology are designed to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.

How do these machines help in reducing fuel consumption and operating costs?
Efficiency is a primary focus for us. Take the Chieftain 2200, for example. The technology in the screen allows for more aggressive screening, which results in higher-quality products and increased productivity. This means you can achieve more with the same amount of fuel, ultimately reducing operational costs.

Additionally, our machines can often do the work of multiple machines, reducing the need for additional fuel and labour. For instance, two operators can manage two machines, but with our technology, one operator can handle the work of both, reducing fuel and labour costs. Furthermore, our hybrid and electric solutions provide additional fuel savings.

It’s clear that Terex values sustainability. How does the company address environmental concerns in its products?
Sustainability is crucial for us. One approach is through our hybrid and electric machines, which reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Additionally, we focus on serviceability and maintenance. Our goal is to ensure that every part of a machine is replaceable, reducing the need to discard equipment.

We also operate refurbishment facilities, where we can take a customer's machine and bring it back to a like-new condition. This extends the lifespan of our equipment and contributes to a more sustainable approach in the long run.

How do technology and automation play a role in product development and after-sales service?
Technology is essential in both product development and after-sales service. We utilise finite element analysis to design our products, ensuring they perform as intended. Automation helps us predict how materials move through the machinery, aiding in design and efficiency improvements.

In after-sales service, we offer telemetry systems that allow customers to monitor the performance of their equipment remotely. This technology helps diagnose issues quickly, allowing for faster repairs and reduced downtime. We aim to make it as easy as possible for customers to maintain and service their machines.

As a product manager, what are your key responsibilities in product development and customer service?
Ultimately, our main focus is on the customer. We listen to their needs and aim to provide the best solutions. However, we also need to balance cost and profitability. Our responsibility is to ensure we offer products that meet customer demands while remaining financially viable. Customer service is at the core of what we do.

How do you prioritise new product developments and improvements to existing models?
Prioritisation is a crucial aspect of our work. We generate numerous ideas, but we must select the ones that align with customer needs, business plans, and market demands. It’s not about how many ideas we have but about the quality and relevance of those ideas.

What challenges do you face in the Indian market?
There are several challenges, but they are not unique to the Indian market. Economic fluctuations, exchange rate issues, and competition are challenges we encounter worldwide. We continually work to navigate and overcome these obstacles to better serve our customers.

How do you view the Indian market in terms of future growth and competition?
The Indian market is essential for us, and we have a dedicated team working closely with our Indian customers. We anticipate significant growth in the region and expect to see new competitors emerging. To stay ahead, we need to focus on developing machines that cater to the specific needs of Indian customers. The market's vibrancy makes it an exciting place to be.

Can you tell us about Terex’s skill development initiatives and training programmes?
Training is vital, and we have established a state-of-the-art training centre. We believe that providing training to operators and customers is key to ensuring our machines are used effectively. We want users to understand our equipment inside out and know how to maintain and troubleshoot it. This commitment to skill development helps our customers get the most out of our machines.

Any final comments?
We are fully committed to providing innovative, sustainable, and technologically advanced solutions to the Indian market. The evolving landscape in India motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and meeting the unique needs of our customers. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us.

In the world of crushing and screening technology, Terex India is a driving force, and their dedication to customer satisfaction, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology sets them apart. As the Indian market continues to evolve, Terex remains a crucial player in shaping its future.