An exhibition so massive that you need a helicopter to view it all. EXCON, the largest construction equipment exhibition in South Asia, covered an exhibition display area of 3,20,000 square meters for over five days from December 12 to 16. It featured over 1,000 exhibitors, including representatives from 15 countries.
EXCON 2023 was based on four pillars: technology, globalization, sustainability, and inclusiveness. This event celebrated innovation and progress in the construction equipment industry through cutting-edge technology showcases, international collaborations, industry leader displays, specialized pavilions, rural connectivity and urban renewal, government and industry interactions, networking opportunities, future-ready solutions, and more. It aimed to elevate India’s status as a global hub for construction equipment manufacturing, with a target industry valuation of $25 billion by 2030.
“EXCON 2023 is being organized as a celebration of 23 years of India’s achievements in advancing sustainable infrastructure growth. it brings together visionaries, industry leaders, policy makers, and stakeholders to highlight the critical role played by innovations and initiatives in infrastructure development to ensure the country’s economic, social, and environmental growth,” said Chandrajit Banerjee director general of Confederation of Indian Industry.
This article explores a journey of 5 days of EXCON 2023 where India is propelled into a new era of progress, sustainability, and inclusive development.
The first day of EXCON 2023, was a grand affair with prominent industry leaders such as JCB, TATA Motors, and SANY, to name a few, unveiling their latest products and technologies. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, along with Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry, and Mr Vivekanand Vanmeeganathan, President of the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association. In his inaugural address, Shri Nitin Gadkari highlighted the vital role that the construction sector plays in the Prime Minister’s vision to make India a carbon-neutral economy. The government is undertaking several infrastructure and industrial projects that utilize sustainable fuels to achieve this goal. Nitin Gadkari’s speech emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry to reduce the carbon footprint and help achieve India’s ambitious climate goals.
“The construction sector in India currently ranks as the world’s third-largest. Yet, by fostering collaborative endeavours among stakeholders, and corporations, and through substantial government support, we have the potential to propel it to the top spot within the next five years,” said Shri Nitin Gadkari
Later that day, Mr Nitin Gadkari, attended the inaugural CII Vikram Kirloskar Memorial Lecture on the theme of ‘Future of Green Mobility and Green Fuels’. During the lecture, Mr Gadkari shared his vision and dream of making India a carbon-neutral country by 2030. He highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by the Indian transport sector, including severe air pollution and a heavy reliance on fossil fuel imports.
“Vikram Kirloskar believed in cutting-edge technology and innovation that would contribute not just to his own business but to the industry, to society, and the nation also. It is with this conviction and unity of purpose that he worked with both his joint venture partner companies and with CII. I remember the passion and commitment with which he always engaged with the institution,” said Ms Geetanjali Kirloskar at the lecture.
The second day was bursting with exciting conferences, press meets, and several eminent brands showcased their latest products and innovations, leaving the attendees in awe. Among the most remarkable brands were L&T, JK Tyre, SHANPARTS, Doosan and many more.
CASE Construction is now ready for BS (CEV) V compliance and they have showcased their top products at EXCON 2023. They launched their Backhoe Loader & Soil Compactor, highlighting their marquee Backhoe Loader – 770 NX Plus and Soil Compactor 1107 NX-PD. In addition, CASE Construction displayed 10 new and upgraded products and services, including an Electric Mini Excavator and a range of industry-leading Vibratory Compactors, Excavators, and Motor Graders with a host of attachments. They also introduced the all-new FLEETPRO™, a value line parts offering.
India’s first patented truck-mounted mobile concrete plant, by Hasber, was unveiled at EXCON 2023. Hasber is an innovative asset management system that offers advanced engine diagnostics, fuel efficiency analytics, and protective vehicle maintenance. Its unique compact size provides tremendous cost savings, and it is also IoT and GPS-enabled, eco-friendly, and can produce fresh concrete. The plant is mounted on a 28-tonne truck chassis, allowing it to transport higher loads. Overall, Hasber is a game-changer in the industry, offering highly efficient and environmentally friendly concrete production.
At Wipro PARI’s Automation Solutions section, visitors had the opportunity to engage in a virtual commissioning simulation for cloud-based Tipper Trucks. This simulation included comprehensive data and analytics provided by Wipro Linecraft. Additionally, Wipro Aerospace showcased its capabilities in the aerospace and defence sectors by exhibiting actuators and stub beams. Finally, Wipro 3D’s Additive Manufacturing business displayed their F300-2 printer and printed components, highlighting the printer’s exceptional quality and precision.
Mr Pratik Kumar, CEO of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering and MD, of Wipro Enterprises, said, “Wipro is proud to play a pivotal role in the construction and infrastructure industry providing innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions enabling our customers to achieve their goals efficiently and sustainably.”
Mr Sitaram Ganeshan, President, of Wipro Hydraulics said, “We are set to inaugurate our state-of-the-art Jaipur factory by the end of FY23. We are poised to cater to global market growth by delivering high-quality products.”
Day three at EXCON 2023 was a buzzing hub of activity with numerous conversations and VIP visits. The event was focused on bringing about a positive change in the industry and the world.
One of the most interesting sessions was the ‘Exploring Opportunities in Defence & Border Roads Projects’ by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). This session shed light on the BRO’s extensive contributions to infrastructure development and outlined their future initiatives. The speakers provided a detailed overview of the organization’s work in creating and maintaining roads in challenging terrains, such as border areas and military installations. The presentation also highlighted the BRO’s role in enhancing national security through its work on border road projects. Overall, it was an informative and enlightening session that left attendees with a deeper understanding of the BRO’s important work.
Lt General Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of the Border Roads Organisation, remarked, “Through engaging with our industry partners, the BRO effectively conveyed its precise requirements for a model bridge, emphasizing the necessity for increased width, two lanes, and enhanced support for larger spans with a higher load classification. In response to these clearly defined needs, the industry has successfully delivered a model of the bridge that aligns with these specifications. Mr Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Pvt Ltd and Mr Anand Sundaresan, Managing Director, Ammann India also spoke at the Session.
During the EXCON 2023 CEO Roundtable, industry leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities in India’s construction equipment sector. The discussion covered sustainability, following Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and the challenges faced by companies, like Reach International, in supplying aerial work platforms for construction sites. The panel acknowledged the significance of private-sector funding to support the government’s infrastructure initiatives.
Participants highlighted the importance of using digital tools, minimizing Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), and the collaboration between industry and academia to address the skills shortage in operating construction equipment. The session concluded by recognizing the important role the Indian CE industry plays in the country’s long-term growth and development.
On the other hand, Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized on the essence of yoga, encouraging individuals to establish themselves in the infinite nature of their being at the special session, ‘A Spiritual Reflection with Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankarji.’ “Spirituality comes into play in 20 minutes of meditation. You can energize your body, mind and spirit,” he added.
Day four of EXCON focused on two important topics in the construction equipment industry. The first was “Future Trends and Adaptability”, and the second was “Building the Future: Exploring Research Frontiers and Career Opportunities.”
During the conference, industry experts talked about the changes happening in the industry and the trends that are emerging. They also discussed the importance of being adaptable and the role it plays in navigating the future of the industry. Additionally, they explored the frontiers of research that will shape the future of careers and advancements in the construction equipment sector.
While discussing the skilling and opportunities in the CE industry, Mr M Vijay Kumar, CEO of the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC) said, “With a growing workforce entering the market monthly, the challenge lies in ensuring both job availability and skills alignment. Recognizing the industry’s value chain, from manufacturing to distribution and operational usage, we’re dedicated to setting up skilling institutes and collaborating with manufacturers to address the demand for about 2 Lakh technicians for the 1 Lakh equipment entering the market. As technology integration becomes pivotal, operators now require advanced skills in IoT, AI, ML, and more.”
Other speakers on future trends included: Mr S Manjunath, Country Head – Sales, Doosan Bobcat India Pvt. Ltd; Mr Moses Ebenezer Eddy, Executive Vice President of KOBELCO Construction Equipment India; Prof Sridhar Raju, Associate Dean of the Department of Civil Engineering at BITS Pilani and Dr M M Bagali, Director, Management Studies at East Point Group of Institutions. Dr Shailashree Haridas, Dean, Faculty of Management and Commerce and Advisor, Faculty of Law at PES University, Bangalore and Mr Riaz Nawaz, Head of Product Design and Engineering at AJAX Engineering, who were among other panellists provided their perspectives on skilling and career opportunities. Collaboration between academics, industry professionals, and experts has resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the current industry landscape, innovative approaches, and a roadmap for enhancing knowledge in the field. CII EXCON 2023 has played a crucial role in driving progress and a shared vision for the future of the construction equipment industry.
On the fifth and final day of the EXCON 2023 journey, there was a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in the air. The organizers were delighted to have delivered a spectacular show that had a lasting impact on the growth of the industries represented at the Expo. The connections that were made during the event were invaluable and had the potential to pave the way for many exciting collaborations in the future. Overall, it was a fulfilling and enriching experience that left everyone involved feeling energized and inspired.
Key Highlights
- JK Tyre has launched 11 new Off-the-Road (OTR) tyres at the 12th edition of South Asia’s largest construction equipment trade fair, CII EXCON 2023, held in Bangalore. One of the newly launched products is the JK Tyre 18.00-25 40PR Port Champion Plus, which is a Next-Gen Port Tyre designed specifically for Reach Stackers (container handling equipment). With its deep tread and accurate pattern featuring heavy rubber in the centre, this tyre is known for its excellent durability, mileage, and steering ability during operation.
- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organized a conference to discuss how the Construction Equipment industry is preparing to leverage India’s manufacturing strength. The conference aimed to improve the ease of doing business in India and make the industry more attractive to investors. The conference was titled ‘Towards Making Indian CE Industry Atmanirbhar & Global Manufacturing Hub.’In his concluding remarks at the session, Mr Sandeep Singh, Chairman of EXCON Task Force on Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasized the importance of India achieving a 30 trillion dollar economy by 2040. He stressed the need for sustainable growth and world-class infrastructure.
- Karnataka’s successful focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) makes it an important player in attracting investments to support India’s economic growth. As India works towards economic recovery, Karnataka shows resilience, strategic vision, and a commitment to sustainable growth.
- Italy and India held an event at EXCON 2023 focused on the construction equipment industry. The event featured presentations and talks showcasing the successful bilateral trade between the two countries. The aim was to make Italy the second biggest European partner and invite more Indian businesses to invest in Italy. The Italian Ministry opened a new Consulate General of Italy in Bangalore, catering to the southern states of India. Mr. Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru, expressed his positivity towards business with India and the potential for growth in the future. Mr Riccardo Honorati Bianchi, Head of Country System Initiatives at CDP, Business Matching Platform Coordinator said, “The trade between Italy and India last year saw us record €15 billion worth of total trade. This year, in the nine months, we have already crossed 25% of this number and this is indeed promising. But what is also extremely promising is the further economic integration between the two countries. The number of Italian companies that have invested in India in 2023 has also increased substantially,”
- Several distinguished individuals shared their experiences and made presentations. These included Mr Claudio Maffioletti, CEO & Secretary General at the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr Corrado Serrentino, PA, Communication Manager at UNACEA Italian Construction Equipment Association, Mr Deepak Garg, Convenor, ICEMA & Managing Director at Sany India, and Mr Aniruddha Nakhawa, Honorary Secretary at Builder’s Association of India (BAI), Mumbai Centre.
- Propel Industries has launched two indigenous electric dump trucks at the EXCON 2023 event. The ‘Make-in-India’ dump trucks aim to expand the range of electric trucks to on-road applications by the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. These electric vehicles come in two variations- 470 MEV and 470 HEV. They have gross vehicle weights of 45 and 60 respectively, and have been manufactured in India by Propel Industries. Currently, the trucks are undergoing homologation to prove their roadworthiness. Propel Industries is a well-known manufacturer in the crushing and screening equipment sector.
- Cummins India, a leading provider of power solutions technology, has launched DATUM, an innovative Fuel Management System in collaboration with Repos Energy. This system was launched at CII EXCON 2023 in Bengaluru. Cummins India will distribute the DATUM range of products through its extensive distribution network in India.
- Gulf Oil showcases a range of eco-friendly products & solutions: Gulf Oil showcased a range of eco-friendly products and solutions that align with the theme, “Partner for a Sustainable Future” at EXCON. New product launches, including advanced lubricants and EV chargers, demonstrate Gulf Oil’s continuous innovation in providing high-performance, sustainable products.
- Ashok Leyland launched the AL H6 Diesel – CEV Stage V engine at the EXCON 2023. The H6 engines are well-known for their low total cost of ownership and are the preferred choice for original equipment manufacturers in track and wheel harvester applications. Ashok Leyland has designed a range of state-of-the-art engine solutions to cater to the industry’s evolving demands. The engines can be customized for various applications and are focused on providing enhanced fuel efficiency and integration of alternative fuels with diesel engines. “We aim to offer a comprehensive array of engine solutions that are efficient, reliable, and cater to the needs of our customers”, said Mr Shenu Agarwal, CEO of Ashok Leyland.
- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with South Korea’s KINTEX and MESSE ESANG to collaborate and bring world-class exhibitions to India. These exhibitions will span across multiple sectors and will be held at the newly opened Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. A delegation of 14 members from the KINTEX group, led by Mr Lee Sang Taek, Vice President of Messe Esang, met with the CII EXCON team to witness and understand the ongoing CII EXCON Show.
- Dubai-based MYCRANE and digital platform Equip9 have agreed to work together to develop projects focused on using AI to recommend and select lifting equipment or rental providers. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at EXCON. The partnership will collaborate on technical and commercial projects, with a focus on AI-powered recommendation and selection models. The goal is to identify the most appropriate lifting equipment or rental provider.
- TVS Eurogrip, a leading manufacturer and exporter of two-wheeler, three-wheeler and Off-Highway Tyres in India, showcased its latest range of tyres at EXCON 2023. The tyres displayed were suitable for different types of construction vehicles such as soil compactors, skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, industrial tractors, wheel loaders, dump trucks, and motor graders.
- Caterpillar unveiled its new Cat C13D diesel engine platform in India, designed for heavy-duty off-highway use. The C13D engine promises to deliver exceptional power density, torque, and fuel efficiency while adhering to Caterpillar’s high standards for productivity and reliability. The new engine was showcased for the first time at EXCON 2023.
- KYB Conmat has unveiled a Soil Compactor and a Wheel Loader at the EXCON 2023 event. The company is expanding its range of machines to the Earth Moving Industry to establish itself as a major player in this segment. KYB Conmat has more than 15 years of experience in the Concrete industry and is one of India’s leading manufacturers of concrete equipment. The company holds the top three positions in most segments, including batching plants, paving machines, transit mixers, and self-loading mixers.
- Kennametal India showcased their innovative earthworks solutions at the EXCON 2023 event. The new design elements aim to maximize the tool’s life and make tooth changes effortless and efficient for operators. They have introduced three new models: RK31, RK32, and RK54, which feature an improved body, washer, and retainer design. This new design ensures optimum carbide tip usage, better rotation, and reduced axial play. It further enhances holder protection and retention in the current generation of tool holders. Kennametal also displayed its block system under the road rehabilitation line, which features a taper-locking sleeve. They have introduced the new CB22 ‘Stack-on System’, which converts an OEM’s bolt-on system to a taper sleeve system. This system is suitable for quick field repairs or maintenance to return drums to their original pattern without any hassle.
- Mtandt Group has launched new Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) at EXCON, which includes an oil-free range and a hybrid range of MEWPs that are now available in the Indian market. The showcased products include 24m Truck Mounted Platforms, which improve accessibility and flexibility for construction projects both nationally and globally. They have also launched the 22m and the world’s tallest 58m Self-Propelled Articulated Boom Lifts, which are ideal for different construction and maintenance applications.