Kobelco India Rolls Out 20,000th Excavator, Expands R&D in Andhra Pradesh

Kobelco Construction Equipment India (KCEI), the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese construction machinery producer Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., has announced that it has rolled out its 20,000th excavator from its plant in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. This significant milestone underlines India’s emerging importance as a viable manufacturing and export base for the company.

Takemichi Hirakawa, Managing Director & CEO, KCEI stressed the significance of the development by stating “The congratulations on the 20,000th excavator milestone showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality construction equipment. India is a huge pillar of our global strategy, bolstering domestic consumption and supporting global demand.” We are in alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and we continue to invest, in R&D to gain capabilities.”

KCEI is also setting up a new research and development (R&D) hub for the firm at the Sri City Facility, to aid in its expansion plans. The new R&D facility will focus on technology development, and customized product and engineering solutions, further anchoring India in the global ecosystem of Kobelco, said the company.

KCEI currently produces a range of excavators, with an annual production capacity of 3,000 units. It is a market-playing company in India and exports to more than 16 countries. Kobelco maintains over 25% market share in the high-end excavator segment, holding a strong position in the market.

Kobelco plans to bolster its footprint in the Indian market while establishing the nation as a hub for construction equipment innovation and manufacturing, for which the company would continue reinforcing strategic investments in production and R&D.