Action Construction Equipment (ACE) has announced a strategic joint venture with Japan-based KATO Works Co., Ltd. to manufacture advanced mobile cranes in India, with the partners planning to invest around ₹200 crore over the next few years. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities while catering to the growing demand for high-capacity cranes across infrastructure, construction, ports, and industrial sectors.
The joint venture will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in India to produce a range of truck-mounted and all-terrain cranes using KATO’s globally recognised technology and engineering expertise. The project aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and is expected to reduce dependence on imported heavy lifting equipment while enhancing local value addition.
The planned investment will be made in phases and will support plant development, technology transfer, product localisation, research and development, and capacity expansion. The partners also intend to develop an indigenous supply chain for critical components, improving cost competitiveness and creating new opportunities for Indian component manufacturers.
According to ACE, the collaboration will combine its extensive manufacturing footprint, market presence, and service network in India with KATO’s decades of expertise in crane technology. The joint venture aims to introduce globally benchmarked lifting solutions tailored to Indian operating conditions while also exploring export opportunities to international markets.
The new manufacturing initiative comes amid rising investments in highways, metro rail, renewable energy, ports, mining, and urban infrastructure, which are driving demand for advanced lifting equipment. The partnership is expected to support India’s growing construction equipment industry by expanding domestic production, generating skilled employment, and strengthening the country’s position as a manufacturing hub for heavy construction machinery.
