Demand for concrete equipment has surged recently, driven by the growing infrastructure sector. This rise is further fueled by the ongoing green revolution, with manufacturers embracing technology and sustainability to meet modern construction needs. With more infrastructure and real estate projects in the pipeline, the market for concrete equipment is poised for substantial growth…
Concrete equipment plays a vital role in modern construction, serving as the backbone of efficient, high-quality, and sustainable building practices. From mixing and pouring to finishing and curing, specialised machinery ensures that concrete is prepared and handled to meet the precise demands of contemporary infrastructure projects. This equipment not only enhances productivity and reduces labour costs but also improves accuracy, durability, and safety on construction sites. As construction scales new heights with innovative designs and rapid urbanization, advanced concrete equipment has become indispensable for delivering projects on time and to the highest standards. The concrete equipment market is witnessing robust growth, fueled by the expansion of the concrete construction sector and a rising demand for precast concrete in non-residential projects. This surge can be attributed to the advantages precast concrete offers, including quicker construction timelines, enhanced durability, and a lower environmental footprint, thanks to the adoption of low-carbon concrete solutions. The market for concrete equipment has grown substantially in recent years, driven by the rapid expansion in infrastructure and real estate projects in India. In a media release by Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers' Association (ICEMA), during the April-June quarter of 2024-25, the sales of concrete equipment has increased by 11 percent compare to the same quarter last year. Concrete equipment sold during the quarter stood at 3,199 units.
According to TechSciReasearch, India Concrete Equipment Market has valued at USD 939.81 million in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 11.48 percent through 2029. Government initiatives like "Make in India," “Smart Cities," and "Bharatmala" are driving the need for high-quality and efficient concrete equipment to meet the construction requirements of these projects. This includes equipment such as concrete mixers, concrete pumps, and batching plants.
The concrete equipment market is experiencing a technological revolution, driven by the integration of advanced innovations like IoT, AI, and automation into construction workflows. These cutting-edge technologies are redefining the industry by boosting efficiency, improving quality, and reducing costs. At the heart of this transformation is the accelerating trend of digitalisation. “We are developing digitally enabled construction equipment and after-market solutions to help our customers get the most out of our equipment. Our smart solutions (for example, EOC on Putzmeister boom pumps) offer the highest fuel efficiency in the industry, says Kanjanabha Bhattacharyya, Managing Director, Putzmeister India. With the implementation of data-driven management systems and advanced analytics, modern concrete production is becoming more intelligent and efficient. These solutions enable real-time monitoring, optimize production processes, and ensure consistent quality while minimizing waste, establishing new standards for sustainability and precision in construction. “The concrete equipment industry is currently driven by several key trends, including digitalization, automation, and sustainability. The rise of smart technology and IoT integration in concrete equipment enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and overall operational efficiency. Additionally, sustainability has become a priority, leading to a focus on green concrete machinery that reduces emissions and energy consumption,” says V G Sakthikumar, Chairman & Managing Director, SCHWING Stetter India.
Evolution of concrete mixing equipment
Over time, concrete mixing has evolved from manual methods to advanced machinery, transforming efficiency and precision in construction. Today, various types of concrete mixers cater to diverse project needs, each offering unique advantages. Common types include batch mixers, drum mixers, pan mixers, tilting and non-tilting drum mixers, reversing drum mixers, self-loading mixers, and continuous mixers. Batch mixers are ideal for small to medium-sized projects, while drum mixers excel in handling large-scale construction. Tilting drum mixers, suitable for both small and large projects, are easy to operate, whereas non-tilting drum mixers are perfect for producing highly homogeneous concrete mixes. Reversing drum mixers, capable of mixing materials in both directions, and pan mixers, known for their versatility, are excellent for medium-sized projects. Self-loading mixers automate the production and transport of concrete directly on-site, enhancing productivity. Rotary mixers, though non-tilting, utilize drum rotation along the horizontal axis for efficient discharging. Forced mixers, designed for hard concrete, lightweight aggregates, and liquid concrete, are integral to batching plants, ensuring consistent and even blending of gravel and resin. These advancements in concrete equipment have streamlined construction processes, significantly improving speed, quality, and flexibility. “IoT and data analytics are revolutionizing the way concrete batching plants operate. IoT-enabled systems provide real-time data on plant performance, helping operators monitor key metrics, prevent breakdowns, and optimize efficiency,” says V G Sakthikumar.
Infrastructure thrust fueling growth
Government initiatives and schemes have played a crucial role in shaping the growth of the concrete equipment sector, providing a significant boost to manufacturers and suppliers. “The demand for concrete equipment is surging due to large-scale infrastructure projects like highways, metro systems, and urban development initiatives. Factors driving the adoption of advanced concrete machinery include the need for faster project completion, higher quality, and improved operational efficiency. Equipment that offers precision, speed, and sustainability is highly sought after, as these projects require reliable, high-performance machinery,” says V G Sakthikumar’. Government initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, aimed at improving multimodal connectivity and infrastructure across the country, have created immense demand for high-quality concrete equipment to support large-scale transportation projects such as highways, railways, and ports. Similarly, the Smart Cities Mission, which focuses on the development of sustainable and technologically advanced urban spaces, has driven the need for efficient concrete machinery to build smart infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and public amenities. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), an affordable housing initiative, has significantly increased the demand for concrete in residential construction, prompting the use of advanced mixers, batching plants, and other concrete equipment. Large-scale infrastructure initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana (for highway expansion) and Sagarmala (for port development) have further accelerated the need for concrete equipment capable of handling high volumes and maintaining strict quality standards. In addition to boosting demand, these government schemes also encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. The government's emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and promoting green technologies has led to incentives for the adoption of low-carbon concrete and eco-friendly equipment, creating an environment conducive to the development of advanced, energy-efficient concrete machinery. These schemes not only help manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market but also foster innovation, making concrete equipment more efficient, sustainable, and suited to modern construction needs. This supportive policy landscape has thus become a key driver of growth and technological advancement within the concrete equipment sector.
Manufacturers’ initiatives and launches
Putzmeister has introduced 30m and 40m class Sany Truck Mounted Boom Pump including SY37 Gold and SY43. Supported by the Putzmeister service network, these boom pumps offer customers higher performance and value. The company’s Transit Mixers P7 +, P8 PTO, P9 PTO and P10 PTO offer customers’ higher carrying capacity to help maximize fuel efficiency and their Batching Plants MT 1.5 and 2.0 are characterized by longer mixer life and higher productivity. “We are in the process of introducing iONTRON to customers in India. We are field testing a CNG-powered Mobile Line Pump for the Indian market,” says Kanjanabha Bhattacharyya. Schwing Stetter India has launched an all-women service centre in Chennai.Tthe service centre will be staffed by a team of 17 skilled women technicians, all aged between 20 and 25. Their expertise spans servicing and overhauling a diverse range of concrete pumps and mixers, encompassing everything from troubleshooting component malfunctions and carrying out preventive maintenance to providing comprehensive machine servicing. AJAX Engineering has launched Concrete GPT, an AI-driven platform designed specifically for India's construction and concreting industry which aims to serve constructions and concrete specialists by offering a vast repository of expert-validated technical information on market insights, innovations, and regulatory updates.
Hiccups & Challenges
The concrete equipment industry faces several challenges, with one of the primary concerns being the inadequate awareness and weak regulations surrounding the quality of concrete used in large infrastructure and housing projects. “Concrete machinery manufacturers are currently facing challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, stricter environmental regulations, and a shortage of skilled labour. To meet regulatory requirements, we are committed to sustainable practices, including the use of eco-friendly materials and technologies that reduce emissions. Our R&D efforts focus on cost-effective, environmentally compliant solutions that ensure high-quality products at competitive prices,” says V G Sakthikumar. For world-class construction, adherence to the highest quality standards is crucial - not only in the equipment and processes but also in the materials used, such as concrete. The lack of stringent quality control and oversight has led to incidents like bridge collapses and other structural failures, highlighting the risks associated with substandard materials. Increasing awareness through targeted education campaigns, along with implementing stricter regulations and quality checks, will be essential in preventing such disasters and ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure projects. “Increasing awareness through education and stricter regulations will help prevent disasters like the spate of bridge collapses that have recently made the news,” says Kanjanabha.
Another significant challenge is the lack of clear guidelines regarding the adoption of green energy and electric vehicles within the construction sector. As the global focus shifts towards sustainability, concrete equipment manufacturers are under pressure to align their operations with the government’s initiatives for carbon reduction and green construction. However, without a clearer direction from policymakers and regulatory bodies, companies struggle to develop solutions that meet both industry needs and sustainability goals. Establishing clear frameworks and incentives for green energy integration and electric vehicles in concrete equipment would not only streamline the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies but also position the industry as a key player in the nation’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Addressing these challenges through improved regulations and guidelines would pave the way for a safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced concrete equipment sector.
To the rescue
The availability of loans and financial schemes plays a crucial role in enabling the acquisition of concrete equipment, particularly for small and medium-scale contractors. Financial tie-ups are equally important for purchasers of concrete machinery, as they provide access to affordable financing options to acquire high-quality concrete machinery. Through strategic financial partnerships with banks, equipment leasing firms, or manufacturers offering financing plans, purchasers can secure the necessary funding to acquire the latest equipment without compromising cash flow. “SCHWING Stetter India provides flexible financial services through our partnerships with leading financial institutions, offering attractive leasing, rental, and financing options to make our products more accessible to a broader customer base. This commitment to after-sales service and financial flexibility has contributed significantly to our customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships” says V G Sakthikumar.
After-sales services play a critical role in customer retention and brand growth. Timely maintenance, technical support, and quality service ensure client satisfaction, fostering long-term relationships and strengthening the company’s reputation in a competitive market. “We offer comprehensive after-sales services, including preventive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and 24/7 customer support to ensure maximum uptime for our clients. Our extensive service network across India allows us to provide prompt assistance whenever and wherever needed,” says V G Sakthikumar. Putzmeister has opened new service centres in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and NCR. “We enhanced our parts availability, and support customers through 5 service centres, 45 service locations, and 23+ parts warehouses,” says Kanjanabha.
Embracing technology and sustainability
Concrete equipment has become indispensable for modern construction, offering solutions that blend efficiency with sustainability. As the industry evolves with cutting-edge technologies like IoT and AI, manufacturers are empowering contractors with tools to meet stringent project deadlines while promoting eco-friendly practices. As infrastructure projects continue to expand, the demand for concrete equipment is set to grow. To remain competitive, Indian concrete equipment manufacturers muse prioritise innovation by adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart sensors. These technologies can transform machinery by enabling real-time data collection, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational efficiency, helping manufacturers stay ahead in this competitive market.
