A manufacturer of construction and concreting equipment, Schwing Stetter India has launched an all-women service center in Chennai, a pioneering initiative in the industry. The center was inaugurated by Michaela Küchler, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to India.
Located in Poonamallee, Chennai, the service center staffs a team of 17 skilled women technicians aged between 20 to 25. Their expertise includes servicing and overhauling various ranges of concrete pumps and mixers, including tasks such as troubleshooting component issues, performing preventive maintenance, and providing comprehensive machine servicing.
One of the technicians, Twenty-two-year-old P. Visalakshmi, shared, “I come from Thoothukudi. Though I’m a commerce graduate, I quickly grasped the details of this job. I have learned what is gear oil, hydraulic oil, and also about various tools and spanners.”
N. Aarthi, Another technician, mentioned that she independently services concrete machinery: “I have dismantled, cleaned, checked, and changed parts, and then re-assembled it again. And all this is done in 3-4 days,”
V.G. Sakthikumar, chairman and managing director of Schwing Stetter India, stated, “The all-women service center is a testament to our belief in the immense potential and capabilities of women in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. We are proud not just to be breaking stereotypes but also to be harnessing untapped talent and creating a more equitable workforce. We envision having 50 percent women in our workforce across divisions. Inspiring the next generation of female engineers and technicians is pivotal to shaping India’s infrastructure landscape, and we will continue to lead the way.”
The service center promotes safe work practices and equipped with necessary safety gear and tools in a secure premises. The company is providing transportation and support services, including on-site medical assistance. Schwing Stetter India plans to open similar facilities across India.
