Caterpillar finds ally in Robotics

Global earth-moving equipment and engines major Caterpillar has set up an India sales office to offer its original equipment manufacturer(OEM) solutions.

The $36 billion American giant has identified Automotive Robotics, which specialises in vehicle engineering, systems and software, as a facilitator between OEM Solutions and original equipment manufacturers in India.

Rajeev Ranadive, director, Automotive Robotics, said Caterpillar was interested in the huge investments planned in the Indian infrastructure sector.

"The Indian heavy machinery sector is abuzz with activity as players are expanding their product range to address the opportunity in the infrastructure sector," Ranadive said.

Automotive Robotics has been working with Caterpillar for the last few years and also has an engineering centre in US, close to Caterpillar facilities. It has manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and a markleting office in Pune.

A statement from Caterpillar said the purpose (behind setting up an India office) would be to introduce Caterpillar product and system solutions and bring new OEM customers together with Caterpillar OEM Solutions.

"Traditional OEM solutions product offerings like complete power trains, partial machines, electronic and hydraulic systems and undercarriage are not well known in India. Automotive Robotics will provide the means to allow OEM solutions and Indian OEM's to transact business with each other," the statement said.

"Our role will be that of an equipment integrator," he added. Manufacturers of off-highway vehicles, mining equipment, tugs, platforms for mobile generators, bottom dump trucks, earth moving equipment will be among the major customers of Cat products, Ranadive said.

While Caterpillar has two dealers in India to provide product support coverage to end users, Automotive Robotics will be supported by the OEM Solutions sales team based in Singapore and Beijing.

Caterpillar statement did not offer any sales estimates.

The company is, however, known to be keen on intensifying its Asia focus.

Caterpillar's Group President in charge of Asia Stuart Levenick had said the company plans to raise spending in India and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

"China has probably gotten most of the headlines in the last few years because it's had the most rapid growth, but clearly India is now in the same category," Levenick said, adding "we've got to be part of that."