Dheeraj Panda COO (Sales, Marketing & Customer Support) Sany Heavy Industry India “Electrified equipment is the most viable solution to comply with the emerging trend of stricter emission norms. We are also seeing a rising demand for low-noise and emission-free construction machines.” — Dheeraj Panda The term sustainability is no longer limited to environmental issues. For instance, a successful organisation needs to be a sustainable one too, by taking a holistic approach to three important aspects i.e., Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Our operational, administrative and financial capabilities are largely characterised by ESG. This regulatory framework coupled with our zero compromises on our belief in changing the world through quality has helped us be one of the key players in the construction equipment Industry. Yes! Quality does make its presence felt in more ways than one and that certainly includes the ESG aspect as well. Let me decipher it further… Environmental As the nation is ushering in new emission standards, we have been at the forefront in successfully embracing the Bharat CEV Stage IV norms. A few months ago, we upgraded and launched four new truck cranes in the market. Adhering to the new emission norms, the new truck cranes and motor graders have been manufactured at our plant at Chakan in Pune to boost the government’s ‘Make in India’ programme. We have now launched biodiesel-compliant machines. The industry needs to start preparing the end consumers for the new BS norms now. It has to be similar to what has been done by the passenger and commercial vehicle industry. Similarly, we view the electrification of the construction equipment segment as an essential update to the industry and a vital step towards protecting our environment. We have already started working on electric technologies for excavators in our manufacturing plants. We are delighted to say that work on remote-controlled excavators, electric trucks and lots of other exciting technologies is moving at a brisk pace. Electrified equipment is the most viable solution to comply with the emerging trend of stricter emission norms. We are also seeing a rising demand for low-noise and emission-free construction machines, especially in residential and other noise-sensitive areas like hospitals and schools. We are, therefore, increasingly investing in R&D to explore renewable energy options for our construction equipment. Ultimately, construction and mining equipment will have to make a gradual transition from the current ICV technology to the hybrid technology to become fully electrified. Social At Sany Bharat, skill building is an integral part of our company’s ecosystem wherein digital fluency, resilience and adaptability, emotional intelligence and other skill-based learning techniques are imparted on a regular basis. Having said that, we undertake a lot of initiatives in upskilling our people especially so in the post-pandemic scenario. We have customised our skilling programme as per the varying requirements of our employees. Today, this happens both in virtual and real-time mode. We also have IESC certification programmes for construction equipment operation and maintenance. Our training programmes for customers have been running successfully in key locations across India. The company has designed a detailed training course for equipment operators, certified by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) of India. We are also the Vocational Training Provider (VTP) or partner of NSDC. These expert-led training sessions ensure that machine operators, technicians and supervisors gain expertise in certain skills that help them operate machines safely and efficiently. After the training is completed, the Government of India issues a certificate to the participants with a proper assessment done by a third party. As far as our relationship with customers and dealers is concerned, it’s based on mutual trust and confidence. Our EVI app has emerged as a boon for customers as it helps them to monitor and analyse real-time performance of the machine on-site and act accordingly. It helps in managing a single machine or fleet of machines and getting real-time updates of the machine performance, which is tracked by GPS-installed hardware. Our mobile-based applications eliminate the need for physical interaction with customers. Besides, advanced features like the EVI app and Telematics, we offer different attachments to equipment, which makes them more versatile and economical. Moreover, our customer-centric focus drives us to develop reliable solutions for users. In this regard, we have invested a large chunk of our annual income towards R&D. Our stance on social causes and approach to tackling a crisis, say for example, the pandemic has been quite inclusive for all. We have set an example in the industry by actively supporting our stakeholders including employees and their families, and customers through the financial distress of COVID-19 and accompanying uncertainties. We rolled out a free vaccination camp for employees and their dependents in Pune and inoculated over 1,400 people. We have also provided food rations and critical medical supplies to the needy across the country. Additionally, we have donated over 500,000 3-Ply Masks and 100,000 N95 masks through Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation for healthcare and administration professionals in the state and gave oxygen concentrators, face masks and personal protective equipment kits to various hospitals and people working at construction sites. Governance As reiterated, we firmly believe in; “Quality changes the world “and true to it, we adhere to stringent quality practices in every line of operation. Be it in manufacturing best-in-class equipment, providing top-notch service to our customers and dealers, and other activities related to finance and administration; quality and transparency are given top priority. Speaking about employee satisfaction, we foster unrivalled talent and ensure professional as well as personal growth of all our employees. A career at Sany encompasses personal development opportunities, benefits and a working culture that embraces diversity. We believe in equal opportunities for job applicants and treat them without artificial barriers or prejudices. Capability building is one of the core areas of Sany’s strategy, which helps upgrade the skillset of our employees. Accordingly, Sany offers comprehensive training programmes for all employees which ultimately help all of us to grow together. We realise that investing in ESG creates a great value proposition for our stakeholders and enhances business performance. ESG is not a mere acronym for us, it’s in fact a measuring stick for quality, that we believe will steadily change the world someday! About the author Dheeraj Panda, COO, Sany Heavy Industry India, is responsible for on-time delivery of machines, sales and marketing, and expanding dealer network in the country. With more than two decades of experience, he has held key positions across companies including TATA Hitachi, DLF and Hyundai Construction.