L&T's commitment to sustainability is embedded in its mission, values

Arvind K Garg, Senior Vice President and Head, L&T Construction and Mining Machinery, on innovation and sustainability strategies

- Arvind K Garg

Can you take us through the significant milestones in L&T's construction and mining equipment business over the years?

The journey of Larsen & Toubro in the Construction and Mining equipment industry spans nearly 80 years, beginning in 1945 when the company commenced the distribution of Construction Equipment in India. Recognising the importance of customer support, L&T soon set up a Service Centre in Mumbai, embodying its philosophy that "In Service Lies Success."

A landmark moment arrived in December 1972 during the Asia-72 Trade Fair at Delhi's Pragati Maidan, inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi. Poclain showcased a Hydraulic Excavator that could transform the Indian construction landscape. This event paved the way for a technology transfer arrangement between L&T and Poclain, SA, France, to establish a Hydraulic Excavator manufacturing facility, thus pioneering the introduction of Hydraulic Excavators in India. Over the years, L&T introduced a range of Excavators including Electrically operated Excavators, significantly changing the Construction and Mining Equipment industry.

As technology evolved, L&T matched the pace by bringing in state-of-the-art machines and strengthening its after-sales support network. Service centres were strategically established, complemented by training facilities for operators and mechanics to ensure optimal machine performance and reliable support. A milestone was achieved in 1988 when L&T celebrated the roll-out of its 1000th Hydraulic Excavator, marking a significant contribution to the construction sector.