We are investing around Rs 15 crore for expanding our Pune factory

Ramesh Palagiri, Managing Director & CEO, Wirtgen India Pvt Ltd For Wirtgen Group, India is one of the most important markets in the world. With its factory located in Pune, the company aims at providing its customers a wide range of products. Adapting to the local needs of the Indian market, Stefan Wirtgen, Managing Partner, Wirtgen Group, and Ramesh Palagiri, Managing Director & CEO, Wirtgen India Pvt Ltd, expound on the company's activities at bC India 2013 with CW. You are entering a new area of crushing and screening. How do you foresee some changes in the manufacturing and marketing of this equipment? Wirtgen: With a good market share across sectors that we operate in, we decided to enter a new field of activity - crushing and screening. The advantage in the case of crushing is the technology, which is very similar to our other machines in terms of the track system, the engine has electrics, hydraulics, etc. Even the customer base to an extent is similar. Also, when we brought Kleemann, it did have excellent products and its plants are very famous for high production and quality. But the company lacked international sales and service network and this is something we could offer. However, in terms of technology, we will concentrate more on the mobile technology than the stationary plants. Also, we will offer all crusher types, be it cone or impact crushers. Any additional investments planned for India? Palagiri: In Pune, we have got almost 100,000 sq m and at some stage we may look for more land. We are investing around Rs 15 crore for expanding our Pune factory with an additional bay, which will come up this year. Wirtgen: Probably a year later, similar investments would be made again, considering our increasing number of products. Any plans for exporting your products manufactured in India? Palagiri: As of now, we are exporting the 311 soil compactor - the first product produced in India - to Nepal and Sri Lanka.