TR Badarinarayan has been promoted and named as President of the new Potain India. He was previously chief executive of Shirke Construction Equipments Pvt. Ltd., which was acquired by The Manitowoc Company, Inc. The new business will operate under the name Potain India Pvt. Ltd. in the future.

Shirke was a Potain dealer for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan and also manufactured cranes under license. Potain India will continue to build Potain tower cranes and sell them throughout the region.

Badarinarayan joined Shirke in 1988 and served in a variety of roles and eventually was promoted to the chief executive officer position. During his 19-year association with Manitowoc Crane Group and the Potain brand, he attended numerous training and orientation courses at company facilities in China, France, Germany and Italy. He also regularly represented MCG at trade shows, conferences and other industry events.

Eric Etchart, president of Manitowoc Crane Group, said continuity of quality would be crucial to the company’s future success.

“The success of Potain India relies on maintaining the strong relationship Shirke has developed with the market,” he said. “So we are delighted that Badarinarayan will be heading up our efforts. He is one of the most experienced and well-respected figures in the Indian crane market and the ideal leader to move us forward. Developing our infrastructure in India and retaining a highly qualified team of people shows our customers our commitment to the region.”

Badarinarayan has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as diplomas in Computer Science, ISO Assessment and Personnel Productivity. He is a Life Member of both the Indian Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Computer Society of India.

About The Manitowoc Company

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry. 

Badarinarayan joined Shirke in 1988 and served in a variety of roles and eventually was promoted to the chief executive officer position.