Our country’s infrastructure growth is fuelling rapid expansion in the construction equipment (CE) sector. But with this growth comes the pressure to innovate responsibly. Action Construction Equipment (ACE) is a market leader in cranes and lifting solutions. The company is responding by embedding sustainability, advanced technology and strong localisation across its product strategy.
Manish Mathur, CEO of Cranes at ACE, shed some light on the company’s transition towards cleaner engines, smart diagnostic tools, and defence-grade machinery.
Green Machinery Is No Longer Optional
India’s construction equipment industry is being reshaped by the dual pressure of accelerated infrastructure growth and tightening environmental regulations. Mathur believes this moment marks a decisive shift. “Aligning with sustainability isn’t a choice anymore,” he says. ACE’s response is already underway. From electric forklifts to CEV-V compliant cranes and backhoe loaders, the company is prioritising both performance and reduced environmental footprint.
The AX 124 Backhoe Loader is a good example, featuring a TATA-sourced 74hp engine delivering up to 15% higher fuel efficiency than its BS-IV predecessor. It also integrates a Carraro axle and transmission system for smooth torque delivery even across rugged terrain. ACE’s growing green fleet isn’t just about emissions compliance; it’s about designing solutions that add tangible value for the customer while supporting long-term environmental goals.
Defence-Grade Engineering
ACE’s indigenous strength lies in custom-built, rugged machines adapted for India’s diverse terrains and the company is now translating that advantage into its defence product lines. “Our Rough Terrain Forklifts are battle-tested in deserts and high altitudes,” Mathur says. Designed with four-wheel drive, steering, and modular attachments, ACE’s RTFLTs meet exacting Army standards, validated through field trials from Leh to Rajasthan.
In collaboration with the Army, ACE has developed a 1–2 tonne RTFLT from the ground up, securing the single-largest defence order in its history. The machines are built to serve key functions in missile systems, heavy recovery vehicles (in partnership with Ashok Leyland), and military logistics operations. ACE’s cost-effective localisation strategy is positioning it not just as a supplier but as a strategic partner to India’s defence establishment.
Role Of Advanced Tech
While most legacy construction equipment companies are still warming up to Industry 4.0 concepts, ACE is already embedding telematics, IoT and real-time diagnostics across its machines. “Operator safety and uptime are now tech-enabled,” explains Mathur. The company offers remote monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts, and intelligent load management on many of its cranes and high-performance products.
Remote-control operations, collision avoidance sensors, and real-time data tracking are now standard on several ACE machines. A more ambitious task is the ongoing development of digital twin technology, which will allow users to simulate real-world operations virtually, saving time, costs, and improving safety. With these advancements, ACE is changing how machines are understood, used and maintained.
Balancing Scale At Faridabad Facility
The company produces over 12,000 construction equipment units and 9,000 tractors annually, but environmental responsibility remains central to its manufacturing. ACE has installed a 1.8 MW solar power plant, operationalised rainwater harvesting and allocated 40 acres to green spaces within its Faridabad facility. “We treat and reuse water for irrigation,” says Mathur, “and focus on energy efficiency at every level.”
Beyond energy and water, ACE’s shift to CEV-V compliant engines across its portfolio has resulted in measurable reductions in pollutants like NOx. Upgraded cabins, certified to ROPS and FOPS standards, also enhance operator safety and are a crucial part of the company’s ESG commitments. These steps not only help ACE meet tightening compliance norms in India but also boost its competitiveness in emission-conscious international markets.
Design For The World
Mathur is emphatic, stating that “We already design for the world.” At a time when India is becoming the third-largest construction equipment market globally, ACE is creating globally competitive solutions from scratch. All of its cranes, forklifts, and loaders are developed in-house, with a growing focus on adaptability, fuel efficiency and lifecycle value.
With growing foreign demand, especially from Asia, Africa and Latin America, ACE is preparing to scale further through skill development and dealer training. Its training centre in Faridabad is shaping technicians, operators and dealers alike with exposure to live equipment and digital tools. Also, collaborations with institutions like Shri Vishwakarma Skill University further reinforce its mission to create a future-ready talent pool.
ACE’s shift from being a volume-driven equipment supplier to a sustainability-driven engineering innovator reflects the evolving maturity of the domestic construction equipment sector. While it continues to dominate the domestic crane and RTFLT market, the company is now investing in emission compliance, digitalisation and defence-grade reliability to build a global brand.