Jungheinrich : Catalysing growth through innovation
Q. Being one of the leading warehousing and material handling equipment companies, how according to you the market has evolved over the years?
Logistics is regarded as the backbone of the economy as it ensures efficient and cost-effective flow of goods. MHE industry in India is evolving rapidly, it is the interplay of infrastructure, technology and new types of service providers, which defines whether the logistics industry will be able to help its customers reduce their costs and provide effective services. The market has moved from low level of palletization towards stacking at heights and there is increase in demand for high-end automation products.
The MHE industry continues to witness growth owing to the progress in retail, e-commerce and manufacturing sectors.
Q. Comment on the emerging product and technology trends you are witnessing in forklifts.
Jungheinrich has introduced various products over past few years customized for Indian MHE market, in 2017, we launched a range of AMEISE products these are specifically designed for India, and we offer warehousing equipment like pallet truck, stacker and forklift in AMEISE range. These are used in low duty applications & provide cost effective solution.
For high- end applications, In June 2018, we have launched equipment fitted with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are extremely compact, 20% more efficient, provide fast charging, provide 4-6 times more cycles, have 100 per cent discharge and are environment-friendly as compared to lead-acid battery. In future, lithium-ion battery will be standard feature for our trucks. Currently, the lithium-ion battery is expensive compared to lead-acid variants .However when we consider the total cost of ownership, lithium-ion battery is more cost efficient than lead-acid batteries. It is going to be the product of the future.
Our Lithium Ion battery fitted MHE are Jungheinrich biggest contribution to cleaner & greener technology.
Q. What are the growth prospects of the logistics industry in India? Comment on the challenges and opportunities.
Logistics Industry in India is currently going through transformation one end is moving from manual labor & block stacking towards palletization and racking. The other end is moving very fast to adopt smart digital technologies and automation to cater to growing demand. Recent developments like Introduction of GST, Industry status to Logistics Industry, Growth in Retail, E-commerce, FMCG and similar sectors and Focus on cold storages will ensure sustained growth in this sector and is poised to grow 12-18% CAGR till 2025. However, infrastructure outside the metro cities is easy & cheaper access to funding, availability of skilled & trained manpower remain challenges faced by industry.
Q. Tell us about your automated solutions. What kind of demand are you seeing for your automated solutions for warehouses?
In India, Automation revolution is happening at not only warehouses but also manufacturing units, logistics, automobile industries, retail & e-commerce sector. Automobile & Pharma Industry mainly being the early adopter to this change.
No other intralogistics solutions provider offers such a comprehensive service portfolio from a single source. From manual industrial trucks to fully automated intralogistics systems. This requires the support of a system provider who understands the importance of effective interplay between man and machine in individual warehouse environments. Jungheinrich is your stable, reliable partner.
Jungheinrich has vast experience in solutions for automated operations like Automated Guided Vehicle, Automated Stacker Cranes & Mini Load, Conveyor and Peripheral Equipment’s. With the support of our group experience In India, we are ready to fulfill the automation requirements.
Q. Update us about your logistics software? According to you, what is the scope of these software in India?
Jungheinrich can offer standalone WMS which can manage small and medium sized warehouse more efficiently. Logistics interface along with warehouse navigation system for system truck helps to operate the warehouse in semi – automated way.
When using our warehouse NAVIGATION for partially automated operation in narrow-aisle warehouses, Overall efficiency can thus be raised by to 25 percent. With our fleet management product ISM online, your intralogistics processes become more efficient and safer than before.
Jungheinrich Fleet management is an information system for truck management and offers a comprehensive fleet management system, which allows you to manage your entire truck fleet, regardless the size or complexity of your truck fleet. Jungheinrich fleet management system allows a detailed analysis of your trucks – manufacturer-independent. Additionally, forklift fleet management enables you to manage your fleet internationally and more efficiently. Consequently, transparency and safety of your truck fleet in the warehouse will increase.
Q. What is your assessment of after sales services in the MHE industry?
Supplying a good MHE product suitable for particular application is important however, it has to be backed up by a good After Sales & service. A good product supported by good after service is crucial for meeting the high uptime & productivity requirements of a modern warehouse.
At Jungheinrich, we have 55% of our work force in Service and they are well equipped and trained to do commissioning services & AMC. We also supply spare parts from our warehouse near Mumbai where we stock critical spares parts for our range of products and deliver the same at the shortest time to our customers.
JUNGHEINRICH ensures that customer’s equipment’s remain highly available with a comprehensive network of Service Engineers.
Q. What is your future vision and growth plans for the company.
Jungheinrich India has experienced consistent growth in the past few years as we have seen an increased acceptance of our technology and products in India market. For the past few years, we have invested in adoption of global products and practices in MHE market by launching customized products for Indian market. We are now able to sell new MHE, Rent them as well as Sell used MHE. This is supported by a strong after sales team providing services/AMC & CMC to our customers across India. Based on this we have forecasted a growth more than 25% CAGR for next 3-5 years.
