Kobelco Construction Equipment India, a leading manufacturer of earth movers and cranes with a facility near Chennai, is significantly increasing the percentage of locally sourced components in its production. This strategic move is driven by the company’s ambition to cater to both the growing domestic demand and the expanding global market.
Takemichi Hirakawa, managing director of Kobelco Construction Equipment India, highlighted the company’s recent SK80 Excavator as a prime example of their commitment to ‘Make in India.’ This model boasts over 70% indigenisation, showcasing the company’s dedication to leveraging local resources and expertise.
“India is evolving into a key manufacturing base for Kobelco, not only to meet domestic demand but also to capitalize on the ever-growing global export opportunities from India,” said Hirakawa.
Kobelco’s Sri City facility currently has an annual production capacity of 3,500 units. Notably, the company already exports 10-12% of its production to markets in the Middle East and Africa, demonstrating its confidence in the quality and competitiveness of its ‘Made in India’ products.
Last year, Kobelco invested a significant Rs 75 crore in expanding its plant and machinery, further underlining its commitment to India’s manufacturing growth. This investment reflects the company’s belief in the potential of the Indian market and its strategic vision to position India as a major manufacturing hub for Kobelco’s global operations.
