For more than 42 years, Techno Industries has been manufacturing  material handling equipment, overhead cranes and hoists. The company is also an authorised channel partner of Stahl Crane System, Germany. Nirag Chokshi, the Managing Partner of the company, provides valuable insights into the Indian market for material handling equipment.Can you give us a brief introduction to the company?The company was established in 1979 by my father, Mr. Atul Chokshi, as a family-owned business. My brother (Aman Chokshi) and I, as secondgeneration entrepreneurs, have been actively involved in running the company for the past 25 years.We both have close to three decades of experience and the company is five decades young.How has the company evolved over the years in terms of its product offerings?We initially manufactured products for lifting small components, but we've since adapted to the changing needs of the material handling sector in India. As the industry grew, so did the demand. We transitioned from manual options to electric hoists, which lift and shift products vertically and horizontally. To handle movement in all three dimensions, we introduced EOT cranes. Now, we're embracing automation, robotics, and intelligent cranes to meet modern requirements. Material handling extends beyond overhead cranes to include floor-handling equipment like stacker forklifts, scissor tables, pit jacks, traversers, and various lifting solutions to enhance productivity and safety in plants.How do you view the market for your products in India?Post-COVID, there is a significant demand for various machinery across all sectors, not just engineering. Infrastructure development, including railways and precast construction, is on the rise nationwide. We believe our industry plays a crucial role in moving and shifting products, making us a key contributor to this growth. The material handling industry, as a whole, is experiencing rapid expansion.What are the USPs of Techno's material handling solutions compared to competitors?TACKLERS, our national brand, is on its way to becoming a global brand. We don’t just offer standard solutions like hoists and cranes; we tailor our offerings to different sectors. For instance, in the precast sector, we provide turntables and well-engineered cranes to suit specific needs. With over five decades of experience, we're well-versed in serving each sector effectively. Moreover, around 90 per cent of our products, except for electronics like variable frequency drives, are manufactured in India, demonstrating our commitment to local production.Which markets in India are particularly strong?We don't have a single stronger market; instead, we cater to various sectors experiencing growth. Regions like Gujarat, where our main strength lies, are significant for us. We also have a fabrication plant in Bengaluru, serving the southern market. Our presence extends to Chhattisgarh, where we cater to steel plants, and Baddi, where we support pharma units.While we have a pan-India presence, our primary market focus is in the western part of the country. Additionally, we export a substantial number of cranes and material handling solutions to the US, Africa, and the Middle East.Any capacity expansion plans?Yes, we are currently in the second phase of expansion, with a third plant underway in the Piplaj Pirana estate. Our expansion plans extend to 2027-28 as well.(Communication by the management of the company)