Shaping the digitally empowered India with innovations and collaboration
At bauma 2024, Manav Kohli, COO of Gainwell Commosales, shared insights into the company’s advanced solutions, including partnerships with Caterpillar, Lintec & Linnhoff, Etnyre, and TIL. Kohli accentuated the vital role of technology in advancing India’s infrastructure and emphasized the transformative impact of IoT on improving operational efficiency.
Please tell us about the products showcased at bauma 2024.
At Bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024, we were proud to showcase a range of innovations that address critical challenges in India’s construction and infrastructure sectors. As Caterpillar’s dealer in India, we launched the Caterpillar RM500 Reclaimer, which brings unmatched efficiency to road rehabilitation with its precision and high-performance capabilities. This machine is ideal for India’s focus on sustainable road infrastructure, reducing project timelines and costs.
Additionally, through our partnership with Etnyre International, we unveiled a cutting-edge lineup of road maintenance solutions, including Roadsavers, Live Bottom Trailers, Mastic Kettles, and Crack Sealers. These products address India’s growing need for cost-effective mechanised road maintenance, ensuring safer, longer-lasting roads and smoother traffic flow, critical for supporting the nation’s infrastructure boom.
Building on the success of last year’s launch of asphalt batching plants with Lintec & Linnhoff, we introduced a range of concrete batching plants to cater to India’s rising demand for high-quality concrete. These plants are tailored to deliver efficiency, reliability, and consistent output, addressing the requirements of large-scale infrastructure projects like expressways and metro systems.
Each of these innovations reflects our commitment to equipping the Indian construction industry with solutions that enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and support the nation’s ambitious infrastructure growth. Through our partnerships and focus on cutting-edge technology, we are driving the evolution of India’s construction landscape.
How do you envision Etnyre’s solutions improving road safety and maintenance efficiency in India?
Since the last bauma, our Pune facility has paced ahead. We introduced a powerful, tall asphalt plant and are constructing a 90-cubic-meter concrete batching plant. This modern, state-of-the-art facility produces high-quality equipment, reinforcing our commitment to advanced infrastructure. As we talk about Viksit Bharat (Developed India), the entire Etnyre range stands out as an innovative concept.
It addresses the country’s growing need for reliable road maintenance and infrastructure. A strong, secure, and pothole-free road network is necessary for India’s progress, and Etnyre’s technology and global expertise play a key role in achieving this. We believe that Etnyre’s solutions can substantially improve national highway investments. It will guarantee safer driving for citizens and working conditions for road maintenance crews. By making the process faster, safer, and more efficient, Etnyre’s offerings help reduce the risks involved with traffic and road work, benefiting both the public and the workforce.
What new products or collaborations do you expect TIL to introduce in the coming years following their acquisition?
TIL has long been a leader in material handling, with its range of cranes used in both private and defence sectors, resulting in a specialized product portfolio. Their partnerships with companies like Manitowoc and Hyster have strengthened their position. I believe TIL is on its way back to its peak, both in terms of product quality and market presence. They are expanding their collaborations and introducing innovative new products. Moving forward, TIL is set to grow even more, offering an expanded range of services and launching new products at a faster pace to meet customer demand. This will make them an even more powerful player in the industry.
How do you see Gainwell’s digital transformation and IoT adoption shaping the future of customer interactions and service delivery?
Looking ahead, Gainwell and its OEM partners are focusing on strengthening their technological capabilities. Many of our partners, such as Etnyre, are considering India as a manufacturing hub to remain competitive. Etnyre plans to source components from us for their global operations, allowing us to produce entire machines locally. This approach will enable us to meet international demands better and enhance our manufacturing capabilities. Similarly, Lintec & Linnhoff is pushing for India to become a key manufacturing base for specific models tailored to both local and global markets.
On the Gainwell side, we are ramping up our efforts in technology and digitization. We are integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) into all our machines, which will help us monitor usage and perform predictive maintenance. This proactive approach will allow us to plan parts and services. Our customers will also benefit from seamless access to parts and services through their ERPs or the mobile apps we have developed. We have been investing in this digital infrastructure for five years. It is now becoming distinctive and a major differentiator for us, offering customers a more comprehensive and tailored lifecycle experience.
How do you envision the realization of digitally empowered India as a champion of Viksit Bharat?
India’s potential for rapid advancement is evident in various areas, supported by real-world examples we’ve all observed. With one of the highest internet users globally, the country has embraced technology at an impressive pace. The swift adoption of smartphones and the efficiency, simplicity, and security of digital payment systems have propelled India from a cash-driven economy to a largely digital one. This highlights the power and adaptability of India and its people. Rather than being a distant vision, a developed India seems like an imminent reality.
Share your experience as to how bauma event helped shape your understanding of customer needs.
My experience at Bauma 2024 has been incredibly focused and insightful. This platform provides an opportunity to engage directly with customers for three to four days in a highly coordinated manner. With the equipment in front of us, we gather their feedback, understand their needs, and assess how we can improve to truly support their goals, rather than simply offering what we already have. It is a chance for us to showcase our resources while gaining valuable insights into what customers seek. These intense interactions provide real-time feedback that would be difficult to achieve in an office setting or through one-on-one efforts. The ability to observe and understand multiple customers reactions sitting in one location is an invaluable advantage.