In a groundbreaking move towards fostering innovation and collaboration between academia and industry, CASE Construction Equipment, a prominent brand of CNH Industrial, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology – Indore (IIT Indore). The agreement solidifies the establishment of a cutting-edge CASE Centre of Excellence within the IIT Indore campus, showcasing a commitment to knowledge exchange, idea incubation, and pioneering research.
The MOU signing ceremony featured Satendra Tiwari, Head of Manufacturing – Pithampur, CASE Construction Equipment, and Professor Suhas S Joshi, Director, IIT Indore, with the esteemed presence of Dr Partha Pratim Chattaraj, Sr Vice President, Alumni & Corporate Relation, IIT Indore. The slated completion of the CASE Centre of Excellence by March 2024 will see the integration of a range of laboratory equipment for technical assessment, generously contributed by CASE.
Kavita Sah, India CSR Head, CNH Industrial, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Indore marks a pivotal step toward innovation and collaboration between industry and academia. As a legacy brand, CASE has been committed to skill development in India at all levels of the industry. With this initiative, we are enthusiastic about equipping the new generation, academia, and industries with hands-on learning and the necessary skills and knowledge.”
Under the MOU, IIT Indore will provide a purpose-built space equipped with all necessary infrastructure, ensuring optimal utilization for testing and research activities. IIT faculty and students will spearhead these initiatives, propelling the institution into a hub of cutting-edge research and development. The facility will be open for external industries and organizations, fostering a culture of research and knowledge sharing.
Suhas S Joshi, Director, IIT Indore, expressed his anticipation, stating, “The upcoming, state-of-the-art CASE Centre of Excellence will strategically contribute to the institute’s growth, and this collaboration is poised to redefine research and development at our institute significantly.”
Having been a global leader in Construction Equipment since 1842, CASE has maintained a strong presence in India since 1989. The brand has consistently held a market leadership position in the Vibratory Compactor segment and emerged as a key player in the backhoe loader segment. Operating from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, CASE produces Made-in-India machines for both domestic and over 105 export markets.
As part of their unwavering commitment to skill development, CASE has established a comprehensive training center at the Pithampur plant premises. Covering nearly 900 sq m, the center comprises three classrooms and a practical workshop area, capable of training up to 72 individuals simultaneously. Additionally, the brand has established a 1,200 sqft Skill Development Centre in Sonvai, Rau near Pithampur, as part of their Hunar initiative, contributing to the training of 240 professionals annually. This collaboration between CASE and IIT Indore is poised to propel the industry and academia into a new era of innovation and mutual growth.