The exhibition space for bC India 2013 has been extended to a total of around 150,000 sq m. All in all, more than 700 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and innovations and around 40,000 trade visitors from India and abroad are expected to visit the show, says Thomas L?ffler, Chief Executive Officer, bC Expo India & Deputy CEO, MMI India. Excerpts from an interview with EQUIPMENT INDIA.

Given the current economic scenario, how do you expect the Indian construction fraternity to benefit from bC India 2013?
India, as the world's seventh largest country by area and second biggest by population, is one of the most dynamically growing, but has largely untapped construction equipment markets. In the recent years, the country has witnessed massive investment in the construction industry from both the public and private sector. The consequence of government investment in infrastructure development for large and fast track projects and the requirements to realise these projects will be an increased demand for specialised construction equipment. The variety of latest technologies which will be showcased at bC India 2013 will give visitors the opportunity to compare equipment from Indian and International manufacturers in order to meet the requirements for these kinds of projects.

The launch show in 2011 did an impressive job of putting this quality standard to the test. bC India provides the construction industry with a professional platform for networking, investment and the exchange of ideas and information. In 2013, bC India will again be highlighting themes which will shape the future of building, and which are of outstanding importance for all segments of the construction industry.

What is your take on the industry's competencies and capabilities in the coming years?
The construction equipment market will largely be driven by the planned development of infrastructure and the economic growth of the country according to the 12th Five Year Plan (April 2012-March 2017). The government has planned investments of nearly $1 trillion on infrastructure which is the highest ever for any Five Year Plan. I am confident this will have positive effects on the construction industry and eventually also on the construction equipment market. A lot of work is yet to be done with regards to infrastructure projects in India which primarily favours the future growth of the construction industry and construction equipment market.

While the economic situation and sales figures for construction equipment are declining in 2012, the research organisation Off-Highway Research fore??casts an increase of sales figures of earthmoving equipment of 16 per cent in 2013, 9 per cent in 2014, 11 per cent in 2015 and 10 per cent in 2016. The recent government announcement of further highway and port projects underline the positive development which is likely to happen in the coming years.

Despite the current challenges, Off-Highway Research is positive about the long term prospects of the construction equipment market. It forecasts sales of construction equipment will reach 71,255 units in 2012, which are likely to rise to 114,165 units by the end of 2016. bC India happening in February 2013 could become the right platform to witness an upswing of the construction equipment industry in 2013 as forecasted.

What can we expect from the second edition in 2013?
The Bauma Conexpo Show - bC India - held between 8 and 11 February 2011 at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai, exceeded all expectations: 508 exhibitors from 36 countries and 24,823 visitors from 71 countries attended the first edition of the international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles. This result shows clearly that our decision to launch bC India just came at the right time, at the right place. Furthermore, the number of exhibitors as well as the feedback from all participants evidence impressively that bC India truly is a new dimension for the construction industry. A 97 per cent of the visitors rated bC India as good to excellent according to a survey conducted during bC India 2011. A full 99 per cent of the visitors said they would come back to visit bC India 2013. Regarding the exhibitors, 91 per cent rated bC India as good to excellent which is an outstanding result.

bC India 2013 takes place from 5 to 8 February, 2013 at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Responding to very strong demand from exhibitors, the exhibition space for bC India 2013 has been extended to a total of around 150,000 sq m. All in all, more than 700 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and innovations with regards to construction equipment, mining machinery, building material machinery, construction vehicles and spare parts.

Around 40,000 trade visitors from India and abroad are expected. We are again offering an online registration for bC India visitors. All who register online will receive their badge by e-mail free of charge. All who do not register online have to queue up on-site and pay an entrance fee. With this concept, we guaranteed a top quality audience at bC India 2011. As many as 84 per cent of the exhibitors rated the quality of bC India 2011 visitors as excellent to good, a result which we are very proud on. The online registration is already functional. Please visit www.bCindia.com/register.

The international character of bC India will be underlined through national pavilions expected from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain and UK, all showcasing state-of-the-art technology produced in their countries.

How do you solve the lack-of-space problem for bC India 2013?
Beside to the global players which participated already in the first show, many new key exhibitors like JCB, Hyundai, Case, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ashok Leyland, Cifa, Shantui and more will take part at bC India 2013. Many companies have booked more space than at the first event. The response from the exhibitors and industry is excellent. Considering the same, we have booked more space. With pleasure, I invite new exhibitors who wish to participate in the show. Hope that they do not miss this opportunity to present their technologies to an audience from all over India and neighbouring countries.

What is the kind of support you receive from government bodies and associations?
From our first edition in 2011, we have been getting good support from associations and government bodies. The list of supporting Indian and International associations is long. Our joint-organiser, the Builders Association of India (BAI,) strongly supports us by inviting all their members to the show. Even the support from the local government authorities with regards to the venue, the MMRDA grounds in Mumbai is strong.

Are there any concurrent activities during bC India 2013?
bC India is not just a platform for global companies to showcase their innovations to the industry. We also offer our trade visitors and audience to participate in first-class conferences and buyer forums that are held concurrently to the trade fair. There are conferences organised by the BAI, ASAPP Media and the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers' Association (iCEMA). iCEMA's Conference for example will deal with the topic `Infrastructure Development - Deliverables and Imperatives.` More details on the conference programme can be found on www.bCindia.com

Why have you chosen Mumbai as the host destination?
Mumbai is the leading international trade hub in India that offers several advantages to bC India's exhibitors and visitors. Considered the centre of the construction industry, this city is the ideal spot for solidifying customer and prospect relationships. In addition, Mumbai's central location provides an easy access for domestic and international visitors. Last year we got the general feedback from visitors that Mumbai is the right place for such an event as "everybody has something to do in Mumbai." That means a lot of decision-makers travel themselves to see the exhibition as they can combine their visit with other appointments in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. I would like to share with you that according to our survey, 82 per cent of bC India 2011 visitors were decision-makers or have a jointly decisive role in the company - a result which speaks for the quality of bC India visitors.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Those companies interested in exhibiting at bC India 2013, should send in a mail to info@bcindia.co.in or contact our office at +91 22 4255 4711.  You can even download the application form and other details from our website - http://www.bcindia.com/en/Exhibitors/Application

Trade visitors interested in visiting the show can pre-register online to avoid the onsite registration charges and the queue. For pre-registration, please visit - www.bcindia.com/register. The online pre-registration ends on 31 January 2013.