“Localising production will be key.”

Doosan Bobcat India launched the E-27 mini excavator, apart from its signature products of skid-steer loaders. Manjunath S, General Manager and Sales Head, shares more on the company’s plans and market outlook…

One pathbreaking offering: We are proving skid-steer loaders as the most versatile machines with more attachments to perform different jobs. We have started offering attachments on a rental basis through our dealers.

Demand drivers in 2019: Municipalities are going to be major demand drivers because of government schemes (Swachh Bharat), and our machines have proven their importance in municipalities in the country. Also, the rural roads segment is another demand driver.  

Announcement contributing to the company’s growth in 2018: We sold 38 units of skid-steer loaders to Patna Municipal Corporation, keeping our growth prospects alive. 

Challenge for the company in 2019: There are two major challenges for us looking at 2019. One is making the launch and subsequent sales of our backhoe loaders a success. The second challenge is, of course, the general elections.   

Key strategy to success in 2019: We have bought an existing backhoe loader plant near Chennai to develop and manufacture backhoe loaders. Localising production of skid-steer loaders, mini excavators and backhoe loaders in India, and strengthening channel partnership will be the key strategy for 2019.

Recommendation for growth of the construction equipment market: The government should support at policy levels, and government bodies such as municipalities should buy the right products and utilise funds in the right manner for the development of the country as well as the enhancement of the construction equipment industry. For government purchases, we suggest waiving customs duty for schemes such as Swachh Bharat.