Machinery Manufacturer Comparison Tool
Select the metrics you want to compare between the top 3 machinery manufacturers in India and see which company excels in each category.
Comparison Results
Company | Revenue (₹ bn) | Product Lines | Global Presence | Workforce (k) | CRISIL Ratings | After-Sales Service | Export Strength |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Larsen & Toubro | 1,720 | Power equipment, construction gear, aerospace parts | 30+ countries | 110 | AAA | 24-hour on-site support | 25% global share |
Mahindra & Mahindra | 980 | Tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, off-highway loaders | 50+ export markets | 85 | AA | Strong rural service network | 30% YoY EU growth |
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited | 1,310 | Steam turbines, generators, industrial boilers | India-centric with growing Asian footprint | 95 | AA+ | 48-hour response for critical failures | 40% renewable energy share |
When you ask yourself which Indian firms dominate the machinery scene, three names keep popping up in industry reports, export data and investor briefings. This article breaks down why these giants matter, what they actually make, and how they stack up against each other.
Why the Indian machinery sector matters in 2025
India’s machinery output crossed ₹2.8 trillion in FY 2024‑25, driven by infrastructure pushes, renewable‑energy installations and a surge in agritech equipment. The Ministry of Heavy Industries sets policy, subsidies and export targets for the sector, aiming for a 12% annual growth rate through 2030. That growth translates into larger contracts for the country's biggest players, and they often become the go‑to suppliers for both domestic projects and overseas contracts.
1. Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Larsen & Toubro is a diversified engineering conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai that designs, builds and commissions heavy‑industry equipment ranging from power‑plant turbines to construction machinery. In FY 2024 the company reported revenue of ₹1.7 trillion, with its Machinery & Industrial Products division contributing 38% of total sales.
- Core products: hydro‑electric turbines, cement plants, earth‑moving equipment, aerospace components.
- Global footprint: operations in 30+ countries, with major fabrication plants in Pune, Chennai and Dubai.
- Key clients: Indian Railways, NTPC, Siemens (joint ventures), and several Middle‑East oil‑&‑gas firms.
What sets L&T apart is its in‑house R&D centre, staffed by over 1,200 engineers, and a robust after‑sales service network that promises 24‑hour on‑site support for critical installations.
2. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M)
Mahindra & Mahindra started as a tractor maker in Pune and has evolved into a full‑spectrum agricultural‑machinery and construction‑equipment manufacturer. Its Farm Equipment Sector alone posted ₹450 billion in revenue last fiscal, making it the largest tractor exporter in the world.
- Core products: tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, and off‑highway construction equipment.
- Export strength: ships to more than 50 countries, with a 30% YoY increase in EU shipments after the 2024 "Clean Agriculture" incentive.
- Innovation focus: the company’s "Smart Tractor" platform integrates IoT sensors, GPS guidance and AI‑driven yield analytics.
Mahindra’s aggressive pricing and localized component sourcing have helped it win large government tenders for rural electrification and water‑resource projects.

3. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited is a state‑owned powerhouse that manufactures heavy electrical equipment, boilers, and large‑scale industrial machinery from its Jamshedpur, Hyderabad and Bhopal plants. In FY 2024 BHEL’s turnover reached ₹1.3 trillion, with a strong bias toward power‑generation hardware.
- Core products: steam turbines, generators, industrial boilers, and solar‑plant EPC solutions.
- Strategic role: supplies over 55% of India’s power‑plant equipment, and is a key partner in the government's 100 GW renewable‑energy rollout.
- Recent wins: 4×500 MW turbine contract for a Rajasthan solar‑thermal project valued at ₹22 billion.
BHEL’s advantage lies in its deep engineering legacy and a vast domestic service network that can mobilize teams within 48 hours for critical outages.
How the three leaders compare
Company | Revenue (₹ bn) | Main Product Lines | Global Presence | Workforce (k) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Larsen & Toubro | 1,720 | Power equipment, construction gear, aerospace parts | 30+ countries | 110 |
Mahindra & Mahindra | 980 | Tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, off‑highway loaders | 50+ export markets | 85 |
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited | 1,310 | Steam turbines, generators, industrial boilers | India‑centric with growing Asian footprint | 95 |

Choosing the right partner for your project
- Define the equipment class. If you need heavy‑duty power‑plant hardware, BHEL’s track record with large turbines is unmatched. For construction‑site loaders or earth‑moving gear, L&T offers a broader catalogue and faster offshore delivery.
- Check after‑sales service coverage. L&T and BHEL both guarantee 24‑hour on‑site support; Mahindra’s network is strongest in rural and agricultural zones.
- Assess financial health. Look at the latest CRISIL ratings, which currently place L&T at AAA, BHEL at AA+, and Mahindra at AA. Higher ratings generally mean better credit terms for large contracts.
- Consider localisation. If your project is tied to the "Make in India" initiative, Mahindra’s locally‑sourced components can shave up to 12% off total cost.
Future outlook: What’s next for India’s machinery makers?
Three trends will shape the sector through 2030:
- Green retrofits. Both L&T and BHEL are rolling out hybrid turbine‑generator sets that can run on solar‑plus‑gas blends.
- Digital twins. Mahindra’s new "Farm‑Twin" platform lets farmers simulate field operations before buying a tractor, boosting up‑sell potential.
- Export‑focused diversification. The Indian government’s revised export‑incentive scheme (2025) reduces duty on machinery shipped to ASEAN, encouraging the three giants to deepen overseas joint ventures.
Overall, the top three firms are well‑positioned to capture the next wave of infrastructure spend, especially as the country pushes for renewable‑energy capacity and modernised agritech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Indian machinery company has the largest export volume?
Mahindra & Mahindra leads in export volume, shipping tractors and harvesters to over 50 countries, with the EU and Africa being its biggest markets.
Are there any government incentives for buying Indian‑made machinery?
Yes. The "Make in India" scheme offers a 15% cash rebate on capital equipment purchased from approved domestic manufacturers, plus easier financing through state banks.
How does BHEL’s service response time compare to private rivals?
BHEL guarantees a 48‑hour on‑site response for critical power‑plant failures, while L&T promises 24‑hour service for most heavy equipment. Private firms often charge premium rates for faster dispatch.
Which company is investing most in renewable‑energy equipment?
Larsen & Toubro has announced a ₹250 billion investment in solar‑thermal and wind‑turbine manufacturing plants, making it the biggest private spender in clean‑energy gear.
What financial ratings should I look for when evaluating a supplier?
CRISIL and ICRA are the two main rating agencies in India. Look for AAA or AA+ for the strongest balance sheets, especially if you need extended credit terms.