What a year so far! The last few months have seen a continuous rise in Sales, matched by our new production facility and host of new products successfully launched to help fuel the rapid growth of the infrastructure development here in India. We have always had a good sense of the future. As the domestic construction market is experiencing significant reform, JCB's investments during the slowdown started to pay off last year. Many records have been broken in 2011.

Focused development of India centric products and, expansion of dealer outlets culminated in the record sales of over 21,000 machines last year, a new benchmark.

Our market shares improved significantly in both Heavyline and Liftall segments, whilst the JCB Backhoe Loader remains the most sold machine in its segment in India.

We have positioned ourselves to take advantage of the ever growing demand for construction equipment in India. Record sales in January and February have given us a fantastic start to the year. With the introduction of a variety of new products later in the year, we endeavour to enrich the customer experience with economic and socially responsible options.

The introduction of the JCB Engine ecoMAX in the Indian market is one of our biggest initiatives this year. The purpose built engine, powering most of our machines by the end of the year, is the most technically advanced engine in the market, capable of delivering unrivalled reliability, performance and fuel economy. The introduction of this engine gives us a truly global product which can reach out to territories beyond the borders of India.

Our parts business witnessed strong growth last year. The machine utilization considerably improved which helped JCB India to clock a 27% growth over 2009. The same trend was seen in the attachment business, especially with the JCB Rock Breaker.

We are taking a proactive approach towards safer workplaces. Promotional awareness campaigns are aimed at providing safer working conditions in our dealers facilities and at our customer's worksites. The recently launched JCB Safety Shoes are now in stores and complements the range of JCB's personal protecting wear.

It was great to witness how highly motivated and hungry for business our dealers were at the Annual Dealer Conference. The second generation is now entering many of our dealerships in order to take over from their parents. JCB is working with these future leaders to prepare them to face the upcoming challenges with a structured succession planning programme. This will ensure continuity for our customers in the decades to follow.

We are the leader in the field of earthmoving and construction equipment, producing a comprehensive range of products with our own technological know-how. The desire to be different, the dedication to push ourselves to do better and never being content, drives us toward our mission to lead the future of construction equipment market in India.

Vipin Sondhi
MD & CEO, JCB India Limited