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The potential for the India market is very encouraging with a huge demand expected in infra and other areas leading to a demand for commercial vehicles, construction equipment vehicles and other related equipment, says Li Jian, MD, Shangdong Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd

- Niranjan Mudholkar

Shandong Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd (SHIG) began in 2006 with trading & a manufacturing plant in 2014. How’s been the journey so far?

The Indian consumer has typically been brand loyal to quite an extent, but over the last decade has started to recognize high-end engineering products that are being offered by new players in the arena. We offer diesel and gas engines under renowned brands like Weichai, Baudouin, and are the largest manufacturer of diesel engines in the world with a capacity of over one million engines per annum. It is not an easy task to maintain the number one position year-on-year, thanks to our strong R&D wing, which enabled us to roll out engines with quality & performance to our esteemed clientele. The focus on after-market-support has also played a pivotal role. Incidentally, we have a market share of over 50 per cent in the marine segment, which is highly sensitive to performance with the fishing vessels operating days on end, uninterrupted in the high-seas.

We have strategically ventured from trading into manufacture of the diesel engines up to 1200 HP from our state-of-the-art plant in Pune, Maharashtra from the year 2014 and are now equipped to offer engines for various applications, which include engines for trucks & bus, earth moving & construction, power generation and so on.

The economy both globally as well as in India has been going through a slow phase for the last eight months or so. How has this affected SHIG’s business in India?