BEML's defence business is venturing into new platforms viz., Combat Vehicle Segment, Mounted Gun Systems, Light/Medium Armoured Vehicles, Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) etc. as listed below:
• Integration of Missiles from the current activity of manufacture of modules for Missiles.
• Overhauling of Armoured Recovery Vehicles & BEML Tatra vehicles.
• Manufacture of Bullet proof and Mine Protected Vehicles to meet the requirements of Armed forces and MHA.
• Manufacture of variants of Main Battle Tank to serve the needs of the Indian Army.
• Development of 1500 HP engine for Defence application As a part of future business potential and to supplement the production of OFB, BEML is developing critical aggregates for battle tanks like Hull, Transmission, Engine, and other aggregates. Further, BEML has signed MoU with OFB for development of Mounted Gun Systems.
Presently, discussions are ongoing with global aerospace companies for manufacture of Ground Support Equipment and Aerospace components against offsets. MoUs are expected to be signed with a couple of companies in the near future.
There is huge competition from foreign players in the segment of railways & metros and construction & mining equipment manufacturing. How do you look at it?
We believe that boost in competition is beneficial for the Nation's development. Government's focus on infrastructure development and ‘Make in India' policy enables BEML to work on par with the global suppliers and enhances the localization of global technology in Rail & Metro segment.
Similarly, stiff competition from overseas suppliers for Mining equipment like High capacity Dumpers, Dozers, Rope Shovels and Walking Draglines. Coal India has projected huge demand for the next 3 to 4 years for high capacity equipment.BEML is operating in intense competitive business environment across all its business verticals and is pitted against MNCs to win sale orders.
Can you please tell us about BEML's global footprint?
BEML has sizable market share in export market with more than 1200 units of mining and construction equipment to 68 countries across the globe.
The company has exported Railway products to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and Defence products to Suriname and Honduras. BEML has exported its equipment to various projects under Indian Line of credit including Buyer's Credit NEIA (National Export Insurance Account) Scheme of EXIM Bank to Malawi, Srilanka, Senegal, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Honduras.
Our focus is on Africa, Middle East and SAARC market segments for mining and construction segments that have contributed to around 85% of the total export business of BEML. In order to scale-up revenue from exports and the thrust given by the Government of India for exports performance by CPSEs, recently new distributors have been appointed by BEML in 10 countries viz., Nepal, Ghana, Syria, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Oman, Kenya, Tunisia, Myanmar & Angola. BEML has plans to export the following new products:
(a) Defence: High Mobility Vehicles, Air craft towing tractor, Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles, Crash Fire Tenders, Mine Ploughss, Backhoe Loaders, Excavators, Bulldozers
(b) Rail &Metro: Rail coaches, Stainless Steel EMU, Catenary Maintenance vehicles., Wagons, Metro cars
c) Mining & Construction: Bulldozers, Wheel Loaders, Excavator, Dump Trucks, Motor Graders, Pipe Layers, Water Sprinklers.
BEML is concentrating on export of defence equipment to neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, etc. to increase the export turnover as well as meet the demand in those countries.
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