Schwing Stetter’s Rajeev Shalia Says Indian CE Industry Is Becoming Less Dependent on Imported Technology

India’s construction equipment sector, once heavily dependent on imported technologies, is now entering a new phase of localized innovation and frugal engineering to create India-specific solutions, says Rajeev Shalia, President, R&D, Product Design & Development, Schwing Stetter India.

“Earlier, most of the technology was brought in without keeping local needs in mind. Suppliers were also largely from outside. But over the last 8–10 years, some companies in India have started developing their own technologies and even exporting them, including us,” Shalia said, speaking at Autocar Professional’s Construction Equipment Inner Circle (‘FutureStarters of Mobility,’ a CXO Roundtable hosted by ZF Group).

He added that Schwing Stetter has recently set up a Global Competence Centre (GCC), which is already supporting operations overseas. The focus, he explained, is not on copying existing designs but on creating products built around components available in India and adapting them to domestic requirements.

Changing Customer Expectations

The profile of Indian construction equipment buyers is also evolving. Earlier, cost, reliability, and quality were the main concerns. “Today, customers take quality for granted. They now demand better ergonomics, aesthetics, comfort, and value for money,” Shalia said.

A more recent trend is the push for smarter machines supported by AI/ML. With a shortage of low-skilled operators, customers want equipment that can do more with fewer people.

“We experimented with AI-based technology in which a single driver, helped by cameras and sensors, can operate equipment without assistants. People started liking it, and costs are coming down as Indian suppliers, often with an automobile background, are already developing such components locally,” Shalia explained.

Electrification and Cost of Ownership

Indian buyers remain highly sensitive to ownership costs, Shalia said. That means companies must optimize not just upfront prices but also the cost of ownership, which includes running costs and disposal value. “We are seeing a clear shift towards electrification, and customers are willing to pay a premium if it improves lifecycle profitability,” he said.

Alongside electrification, the company is also exploring CNG-powered construction equipment, particularly in western and northern India, where CNG fuel availability is growing. “When we explain the long-term savings, customers accept a 10–15% increase in upfront cost,” he added.

Towards Full Solutions

Shalia believes the industry must move from selling standalone machines to becoming full solution providers. “At a construction site, customers may not always know what to buy. If you go with a complete solution, from first to last mile, designed with Indian suppliers and components in mind, that is where real value lies,” he said.

On sustainability, Shalia noted that improved power availability in remote areas and alternatives to fossil fuels are accelerating adoption. While initial costs are higher, lifecycle savings make the business case stronger. “Wherever we explain this to customers, they are quick to accept it,” he said.