During the past few years, the industry went through tough times, owing to a severe depression and economic slowdown, both globally and in India. As they say, when times are tough, the tough get going applied to the industry in every consumable way. The industry as a whole demonstrated a strong resilient determination to survive. The way forward was innovation in every aspect of their activities. With the story of India?s economic revival commencing, the construction industry was the first to witness the reversal and is gearing up to meet the growth challenges. Whenever, when one mentions innovation, automatically one looks at the new design concepts and systems, incorporated by the industry, in their range of construction equipment products, with intent of delivering real values and benefits to the customers and their business.

Having said that, EQUIPMENT INDIA through its various interactions over a period of time, found that the innovations in the CE industry were not restricted to equipment alone. In fact, very interestingly, innovative solutions also emerged in overcoming construction challenges, equipment manufacturing methods, personnel skill development to deliver quality, components, safety solutions, electronic operator assistance items, rental, and auctions of used equipment. All these in turn have driven the growth of the industry, in their respective fields of expertise. We present some interesting stories, contributed by various stakeholders of our publication, in this anniversary special.

During the course of FY 2015, many new permanent columns were introduced in this publication, to present a 360o perspective of the CE industry. As a recap, please enjoy reading the inaugural articles, published under each new column.

Incidentally, on March 16, 2016, I also celebrate my first anniversary with EQUIPMENT INDIA as its Managing Editor. During my foray into this new field of journalism, I had the opportunity to interact with industry professionals on many occasions and events, both domestic and international. I am thankful to all our readers, industry professionals and all other stakeholders, who have provided their wholehearted support to my journalistic endeavours. Having come into this line after a long career in the industry, which in itself was innovative, I have been overwhelmed with the affectionate welcome and support accorded by one and all of the CE and construction industry. I seek similar blessings, for my future in this avatar.