India had a significant presence at TIMTOS 2025, with Fagor Control Systems emphasising the growing collaboration between Taiwan’s OEMs and Indian customers.

In an exclusive conversation, Rakesh C. Patel, CEO & Director of Fagor Control Systems, shared insights on the strong synergy between the two markets and the increasing technology transfer between India and Taiwan.

Fagor, a global leader in CNC controllers and feedback systems, operates through 15 subsidiaries worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and precision across industries.

ZEISS has opened its first Quality Excellence Center (QEC) in Gujarat, marking its sixth QEC in India. The center, equipped with ZEISS’s latest coordinate measuring machines, optical 3D scanners, and surface measurement systems, will offer comprehensive services to help manufacturers optimize their inspection workflows and maintain high quality standards.

ZEISS, a measurement solutions provider, inaugurated its first Quality Excellence Center (QEC) in Gujarat, making it the sixth QEC in India. This strategic expansion underscores ZEISS’s commitment to India’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector by providing cutting-edge quality assurance solutions and technical expertise closer to key industrial hubs.

Aveen Padmaprabha, Head – Industrial Quality Solutions at ZEISS India Pvt. Ltd., said,  “Every measurement and analysis conducted here will have a far-reaching impact across industries such as Automotive, Medical, Electronics, and Electric Vehicles (EV). We aim to pursue excellence at every level for our customers, from the smallest detail to their most ambitious goal.” 

The center has ZEISS’s latest coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical 3D scanners, and surface measurement systems. It will provide comprehensive services, including product demonstrations, training sessions, application support, and consultation to help manufacturers optimize their inspection workflows and maintain the highest quality standards.

The Quality Excellence Center is part of ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions’ broader strategy to further expand its services across India, ensuring customers have easier access to state-of-the-art metrology technology and expertise. This expansion follows the successful establishment of similar centers in other key industrial locations, reinforcing ZEISS’s position as a trusted partner in industrial quality assurance.

With this move, ZEISS India’s Industrial Quality Solutions division will continue to empower manufacturers in Gujarat and across India with precision measurement solutions that drive innovation, reliability, and efficiency in mass production.

Technology and Services available at the latest Quality Excellence Center include:  

• Dimensional measurement and inspection
• Surface and form measurement
• Material analysis
• Reverse engineering
• Training and support

Grind Master celebrated its 40th anniversary of innovation, excellence, and sustainability in manufacturing at an event on 29th March 2025. The event featured a guided tour of the River Rejuvenation project, which showcased the latest developments in metal finishing.

Grind Master, the global leader in metal finishing technology, celebrated 40 years of relentless innovation, excellence, and sustainability in manufacturing at an event held on 29th March 2025, jointly with Ecosattva, a force for sustainability and civic transformation. Grind Master has been more than just an innovator in engineering—it has also been an incubator for Ecosattva, providing support, resources, and infrastructure to help drive its mission. With organisations working out of the same premises and supporting many pilot projects.

Grind Master launched an autobiography, ‘Garage to Global’, written by CEO Sameer Kelkar. “Garage to Global” delves deep into the remarkable history of Grind Master, founded in 1984 in a small garage by Milind and Mohini Kelkar. The book captures the vision, innovation, and relentless determination that propelled Grind Master.

“In our small way, we have tried to develop things that were not developed earlier. We began without a pedigree in machine building. Later we went on to build microfinishers that compete with the best in the world. Though the company is not large in turnover and size, its achievements in selling sophisticated machines internationally to developed countries are of interest. The thought process behind going global with innovative products required a giant lot of confidence, creative thinking, perseverance, and sweat. Writing ‘Garage to Global’ was a journey in itself, uncovering the layers of innovation and resilience that define Grind Master. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who values perseverance and ingenuity,” said Sameer Kelkar.

Celebrating engineering excellence and innovation in sustainability

Ecosattva began as a small civic transformation project focused on solid waste management, river restoration, and afforestation efforts and has now grown into an internationally recognised movement, winning prestigious global awards.

The Kham River project won two major international awards—

1. WRI ROSS Foundation Prize for Cities – in New York, September 2024

2. St Andrews Prize for Nature – in Scotland, October 2024

The project was also the subject of a TED Talk delivered at MIT Boston.

This incredible project thrives on collaboration—with contributions from the Municipal Corporation, Varroc, Cantonment Board, and Ecosattva.

The celebration took place in the form of open house events at Grind Master and at Kham Eco Park and a celebration evening at the Taj Vivanta. The programs were attended by industry stalwarts, key stakeholders, global experts, government officials and media representatives.

The Open House at Grind Master showcased the latest developments in the field of metal finishing. Satish Netalkar and Soniya Netalkar inaugurated the event that featured the IMTMA Design Award Winning Bearing Raceway Superfinishing Machine and R&D Facilities for Key Process Research in manufacturing. Grind Master partners with IIT Madras and is supported by MHI in some of its endeavours for MAKE IN INDIA – MAKE for WORLD.

The Open House at Kham Eco Park exposed visitors to the River Rejuvenation project with a guided tour explaining the river, its significance to the city, and how the restoration efforts are being done collaboratively following ecological principles. Ecosattva has used its expertise gained over the years in planning, solid waste management, afforestation and wastewater management to achieve significant milestones in this project. Further partnerships with organisations in the city will only take the project forward.

Garage to global – Launched at IMTEX 2025

The Celebration evening featured a free wheeling discussion about the journey of Grind Master. 

Baba Kalyani, CMD of Bharat Forge, writes in the foreward of the book ‘Garage to Global’ – One of the most intriguing aspects of their approach is their quality philosophy: 100-1 = ZERO. This relentless pursuit of perfection reveals itself through the book. I also found the last chapter, which delves into Grind Master’s ‘Subhashita’, particularly interesting. The saying, “sweat in Grind Master rather than bleed at the customer’s end,” reflects a principle that not only applies to them but is a guiding philosophy for any business striving for excellence. Rajesh Mandlik, Mukund Bhogale and Kultar Singh each of whom have been involved in the journey as friend, partner, motivator gave their insights into various aspects of the journey – including partnerships, audacity, succession planning and more.

Yatin Shah, Chief Guest, said, “Capital goods, in particular machine tools, are a real measure of a nation’s technological prowess. In building a specialised equipment business from scratch, the Grind Master story demonstrates the strength of MAKE IN INDIA. The manufacturing industry needs to more proactively partner with the machine tool industry to develop self-reliance.”

Natasha and Gauri, founders of Ecosattva, reflected on their journey in the past 10 years, highlighting the partnerships with government for creating on-the-ground impact. The success of the Kham Project reflects a truly collaborative approach for transforming the city. The Ecosattva team has engaged with multiple partners, including the Municipal Corporation, Varroc, and the Cantonment Board. The project has the momentum to move forward along the length of the Kham River and also expand to other wetlands in the district.

The Smart Factory + Automation World 2025 (AW 2025) exhibition in Asia concluded with a record-breaking scale, attracting around 70,000 visitors. The exhibition aimed to highlight cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and the imminent arrival of AI-driven manufacturing.

The ‘Smart Factory + Automation World 2025 (AW 2025), Asia’s leading smart factory and automation industry trade show, successfully concluded on March 14 with a record-breaking scale. The exhibition featured 500 companies from 22 countries, showcasing innovations across 2,200 booths, attracting approximately 70,000 visitors—an increase of 10% in exhibitors and 15% in visitors compared to the previous year.

Co-hosted by COEX (President Lee Dong-ki), Korea Industry Intelligentization Association (Chairman Kim Do-hoon), Smart Factory Business Management System (Director Ahn Kwang-hyun), Korea Machine Vision Industrial Association (Chairman Baek Hong-gi), Chomdan (CEO Lee Joon-won), and the Korea International Trade Association (Chairman Yoon Jin-sik), the exhibition was held across the entire COEX venue from March 12 to 14. Under the theme ‘Automation to Autonomy’, the exhibition featured AI, smart factory solutions, big data, cloud computing, logistics robots, and industrial robots, highlighting cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and emphasising the imminent arrival of AI-driven manufacturing.

One of the exhibition’s highlights was the first-ever showcase in Asia of ‘Stretch’, a logistics robot from Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of Hyundai Glovis. Capable of handling boxes up to 23kg, Stretch demonstrated real-time ‘depalletising’ tasks at the event, garnering enthusiastic responses from attendees. 

Hyundai AutoEver unveiled its AI-driven Software-Defined Factory (SDF) solution, ‘NeoFactory’, for the first time. The ‘Factory Demonstration Zone’ provided an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness collaborative robots, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and AI-driven exterior inspection vision systems in action, demonstrating real-world applications of advanced production technologies.

Schneider Electric, recognised as the world’s leading sustainable enterprise, celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Korea branch with the theme ‘50 Years of Innovation: A Sustainable IMPACT for Smart Factory’. The company introduced next-generation smart manufacturing solutions tailored to the rising demand for high-mix, high-volume production systems, emphasising automation and autonomy.

U.S.-based Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation, introduced ‘OTTO 100’, a compact yet powerful autonomous mobile robot (AMR) designed to optimise factory logistics, drawing significant attention from industry professionals.

Expanding Business Opportunities: Overseas buyer meetings and innovation rounds. This year’s exhibition significantly expanded its business programs. The Overseas Buyer Export Consultation Meetings, organised by the Korea International Trade Association, attracted 23 buyers from nine countries, facilitating 317 business meetings with 134 domestic companies. Notable participants included major buyers such as Indonesia’s largest telecommunications company, Telkomsel, and Panasonic Indonesia. The consultations led to an estimated USD 106 million in export agreements for automation-related technologies.

The newly launched ‘AW Open Innovation Round’ was another key highlight, providing a platform for startups to connect with large and midsized enterprises for business collaboration and investment opportunities. The top six selected startups—Movic Lab, MyLink, RTM, EdgeCross, OnePredict, and PowerAuto Robotics—received positive responses from industry leaders.

Lee Won-geun, CEO of Movic Lab, one of the top six innovative startups, stated, “During the exhibition, over 30 major corporations, including Samsung Electronics, LG Energy Solution, Hyundai Motor, and Samsung SDI, requested technology validation. Additionally, eight investment firms visited our booth, with two expressing interest in potential investment, yielding results beyond our expectations.”

Lee Dong-ki, President of COEX, remarked, “This exhibition has clearly demonstrated the direction of the manufacturing paradigm. The realisation of highly autonomous factories driven by AI and robotics is just around the corner.”

Real-time quality control systems drive high efficiency through digital transformation, allowing for the detailed 3D measurements of a part within moments and making precise data accessible to the entire team, regardless of location. Uday DIXIT, General Manager of PolyWorks India, discusses the latest advancements in inline metrology and real-time quality control systems.

Manufacturing and engineering environments require consistent product quality. The latest advancements in real-time quality control systems drive high efficiency through digital transformation. Imagine capturing detailed 3D measurements of a part and, within moments, making that precise data accessible to your entire team, regardless of location. This capability is revolutionising how companies approach quality control and real-time decision-making.

Digital Twin Technology

Digital twin technology, combined with an innovative data management system like the PolyWorks|DataLoop™ system, can handle vast amounts of measurement data. These measurement projects are processed and managed with essential metadata, which serves as the system’s backbone so that every data point is easily traceable and provides a comprehensive view of each measured part.

PolyWorks|DataLoop™ allows users to search extensive datasets and instantly access any measured part using various criteria, such as part number, description, measurement date, operator, or measuring system used. With metadata-driven search capabilities, users can quickly locate and review specific dimensional measurements. Best of all, this information is accessible via a standard web browser, ensuring availability to authorised users anytime, anywhere.

Streamlining collaboration and decision-making

Once 3D measurement results are reviewed, collaboration becomes seamless. Team members can be tagged directly within the project’s discussion thread, enabling them to provide instructions, approvals, or rejections without relying on separate communication channels like email. This integrated approach simplifies collaboration while keeping all project-related communication and data secure and centralised.

The result is a streamlined workflow where decisions are made faster, with greater accuracy, and with all project information readily accessible. This digital transformation in real-time quality control isn’t just about improving accuracy and speed—it’s about fostering a connected, efficient, and collaborative environment that drives continuous improvement and success.

Metrology’s role in reducing waste

A robust Inspection Data Management system, like the PolyWorks|DataLoop™ system, helps inspection data transform from a historical record into a powerful tool for proactive decision-making. It provides a comprehensive view of manufacturing trends, enabling manufacturers to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. By analysing inspection data patterns, the system detects deviations in critical parameters and delivers early warnings of impending tolerance breaches. This data-driven approach helps manufacturers make informed real-time adjustments for consistent quality and prevent the production of non-compliant parts. This minimises the waste and reduces lead times.

Data is a powerful tool for manufacturers striving to achieve operational excellence. This breakthrough dramatically accelerates quality control processes, and manufacturers can make informed decisions faster than ever.

Insights with advanced analytics

The flexibility of the PolyWorks|DataLoop™ system further enhances its value. Users can create unlimited customisable widgets within a dashboard to monitor various parameters. Additionally, 3D measurement results can be fed directly into popular data analysis platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or Excel, unlocking deeper insights and detailed reporting. Manufacturers can uncover trends and drive continuous improvement and innovation on the shop floor by integrating inspection data with advanced analytics.

CLOOS is keeping pace with industry trends and identifying challenges in welding technology that can be addressed with its innovative solutions.

Trend 1: Growing Automation

The rise of automation continues to reshape welding processes, enhancing efficiency and precision. CLOOS uses advanced technologies to integrate robotic welding solutions seamlessly. Their all-in-one approach ensures easy integration and no gaps between processes, keeping the welding operations of users up with the demands of the modern era.

Trend 2: Sustainable Welding Practices

he welding industry will switch to sustainable methods in 2025. CLOOS offers environmentally friendly solutions such as welding fume extraction to minimise environmental impact, protect employees, and optimise energy consumption. The aim is to create a sustainable future through responsible welding.

Trend 3: Skilled Workforce Shortage

The shortage of qualified welders remains challenging, but CLOOS is closing the gap. QINEO ArcBoT and compact robot cells by CLOOS make welding accessible to a range of operators. This ensures that welding is preserved while a new generation of welders can be trained.

Trend 4: Digitalised Production

The digital revolution is in full swing, and welding is no exception. Monitoring and controlling production in real time is of paramount importance. With CLOOS C Gate, all digital solutions are in one place so that users can check production data effortlessly.

How CLOOS can help:

Interlinked robot welding solutions: Increase your productivity with precision and speed.

• Sustainable technologies: Harmonise your welding processes with environmental goals.

• Human-robot collaboration: Encourage a versatile workforce and eliminate the shortage of skilled labour.

• Digitalised production: Real-time monitoring and control on an integrated platform.

Trend 5:

Optimised welding preparation is possible with the CLOOS Arc Sensor Simultaneously measuring and welding to ensure sustainability and quality. Without a laser, the CLOOS arc sensor enables measurement and welding to occur simultaneously with minimal loss in time. The welding torch oscillates along the edges of the weld seam, measuring for differing values on Stay ahead with welding trends by CLOOS CLOOS is keeping pace with industry trends and identifying challenges in welding technology that can be addressed with its innovative solutions. CLOOS Fume extraction torch for manual, Cobot and Robotic welding CLOOS Welding helmet with fume CLOOS Compact cell with Fume extraction Sumon Mitra COO, Cloos India Welding Technology Pvt. Ltd. ADVERTORIAL April 2025 n 49 either side. The computer-based robot controller then adjusts the welding head position to place the seam in the centre of the joint and corrects the distance of the welding torch to the workpiece if the measured values are not the same on both sides. At the same time, workpiece distortions are corrected without the need for additional parts.

Trend 6:- Reduce cost by energy savings and less post-weld work by innovative welding process

Since 1919, Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH has been one of the leading companies in welding technology. CLOOS developed more than 15 types of welding technology. Out of those, two innovative welding processes (Rapid Weld and Speed Weld) significantly reduce the use of filler material and shield gas due to small opening angles with high welding speeds because of the powerful arc. Users benefit from the excellent weld quality due to the deep penetration. They can avoid extensive reworks as spatters and undercuts are reduced. Users can also reduce the welding time as considerably fewer welding layers are necessary.

CLOOS ROBOPLAN- Offline programming during production: Increase the degree of system utilisation

While the system is in production, a new program can be simultaneously produced in RoboPlan. The welding, search and travel paths and tools can be determined using 3D models, and the welding parameters and other functions required for running the program can then be defined. The program is developed this way before being transferred to the robot controller for optimisation in the workplace. This process is less time-consuming than producing a whole new programme in the system.

Cloos India Welding Technology Private Limited
Plot No. A 39, H – Block, M I D C Pimpri,
Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, Maharashtra – 411018
Website:- www.cloos.de
Email :- contact@cloos.in ,
Mobile:-7003545907 / 9168383939

Sandvik Coromant is expanding its parting and grooving concept, CoroCut®. The new parting and grooving geometry, GL, and updated parting-off geometry, CR, offer benefits such as increased chip control in long-chip material and a strong edge for high-feed parting-off.

Sandvik Coromant, a global leader in metal cutting tools and solutions, is expanding its versatile parting and grooving concept, CoroCut®. The expansion includes the introduction of the new parting and grooving geometry – GL – and the updated parting-off geometry – CR, offering benefits such as increased chip control in long-chip material and a strong edge for high-feed parting-off.

Sandvik Coromant continues to develop its long-established parting and grooving concept CoroCut® 1-2, known for its high performance and security across versatile applications. By increasing productivity and overall efficiency, CoroCut® 2 maximises output while minimising energy consumption and waste. While modest in scale, this update will make a difference to workshops machining in hard-to-chip steels and parting-off operations where a strong edge is needed. 

Featuring the most aggressive chip breaker in the CoroCut® 2 concept, the new -GL geometry is a welcome addition for workshops requiring better chip control in demanding ISO P components, specifically in low-carbon steel, clean steels and cold-forged automotive components. “It’s no secret that good chip control will help you boost efficiency and avoid costly machine stops, but not just any insert will master this kind of material,” says Jenny Claus, Product Manager Parting and Grooving at Sandvik Coromant. “This geometry has been developed to solve that problem.”

The -GL geometry provides security that paves the way for increased automation. Jenny Claus continues, “Shorter chips lead to less tangling and fewer stops, minimising the need for manual handling and enabling more automated processes.”

Fredrik Selin, Product Application Specialist at Sandvik Coromant, said, “The -CR geometry is the first choice for parting-off operations at higher feeds or during intermittent cutting, suitable for a wide range of materials. With its strong edge and wiper design, it increases productivity and ensures excellent component quality. All our parting geometries feature this wiper design. It allows you to machine components at high feed rates without sacrificing surface finish and chip-breaking capabilities. A general guideline is twice the feed rate, same surface finish. Same feed rate, twice as good a surface finish.”

When it comes to parting and grooving operations, stability is key. The main challenge is to secure the insert to minimise any movement. Both the -GL and -CR geometries feature the well-established rail interface, ensuring a more precise insert position and reducing movement for enhanced stability, especially when side forces are applied. Additionally, geometries are produced with patented FlashLight technology, generating higher quality and a more consistent edge line, resulting in superior and predictable tool life.

Learn more about the CoroCut® 2 range on the Sandvik Coromant website.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025 showcased India’s deep-tech and strategic innovation, with the Defence, Space & B2B, and Precision Manufacturing Pavilion being a key focus. The event aimed to foster collaborations between startups, government bodies, industry leaders, and investors to drive India’s defence ecosystem.

The second day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 continued to build strong momentum with the spotlight on the Defence, Space & B2B, and Precision Manufacturing Pavilion — a dynamic showcase of India’s deep-tech and strategic innovation. As the global community increasingly looks toward India for next-generation solutions in aerospace, defence technologies, B2B, and precision manufacturing, this pavilion emerged as a catalyst for critical collaborations between startups, government bodies, industry leaders, and investors.

During the keynote at B2B Precision Manufacturing, Defence and Spacetech pavilion at Startup Mahakumbh, Amit Satija, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, said, “The iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) is pioneering initiatives to drive India’s defence ecosystem initiated by the Ministry of Defence. It aims to nurture innovation and technology development in aerospace and defence through collaboration with startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, and academia. So far, iDEX has collaborated with around thousands of startups or more than 450 projects. Also, under the initiative of iDEX investor hubs, INR 445 crore has been invested in iDEX winners, reflecting the confidence of investors in iDEX-based innovations. The startups will drive Viksit Bharat, a tech-savvy, self-reliant, and globally innovative India, and strengthening deep tech entrepreneurship, R&D, and indigenous solutions will transform our defence industry into one of the top global exporters. I am happy to say that we have again crossed the boundary; last year’s defence export was INR 21,000 crore. Now this year we have reached around INR 23,600 crore. With your help, this boundary is getting crossed every year, and we wish to export INR 50,000 crore by 2028/29. So let this Startup Mahakumbh be the birthplace of game-changing ideas that shape a nation’s security and prosperity.”

In a development that aims to facilitate technical knowledge sharing, expert support, and overall facilitation to advance space activities in India, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) announced the signing of the MoU with the Defence Technology Development Fund (DTDF) and the Directorate of Research and Development (DROD) to support Startups and MSMEs under the Dare to Dream contest and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme for Defence Space Technologies.

Further, a dedicated panel themed “Innovations in precision manufacturing” on trade and policy addressed the barriers and opportunities in India’s space sector, anchored by Jagathi Priya, Deputy Director, Program Management and Authorisation at IN-SPACe, the panel included industry leaders including Ashok G.V. (Partner, Factum Law & Allied Law Practices), Bhuvnesh Pratap Singh, IAS (Deputy Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India), Dr. Kumar Abhijeet (Legal Officer, Ministry of External Affairs), and Girindra Pratap Singh, IRS (Glomo), outlined India’s commitment to international space treaties while aiming for agile regulation to support startup growth. With 100% FDI now allowed in several sectors and India targeting a $44 billion space economy within a decade, the momentum is strong. Speakers emphasised the importance of export control awareness, faster government approvals, and robust internal compliance systems within startups.

Additionally, the panel around innovations in precision manufacturing, moderated by Abhishek Chandra (Partner, Evolvence India Fund), brought together eminent voices from India’s deep-tech and manufacturing startup ecosystem. The panel featured Gurushankara K C (Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Dheya Technologies), Rajanikanth Balaraman (Co-founder, Chief Technology and Growth Officer, Unimech Aerospace), and Smriti Sakhamuri (Executive Director, Hind High Vacuum (HHV) Advanced Technologies). The discussion focused on advancements in deep-tech, the role of innovation in scaling startups, and the challenges in building sustainable technology ventures. Panellists emphasized the need for strong industry collaboration, long-term investment, and policy support to drive growth in India’s evolving startup ecosystem.

Lastly, the panel on Bridging the Innovation Gap: Strengthening Collaboration with Startup – Industry – Academia for Development of Critical and Deep Tech Technology – was moderated by Manish Kumar Jha (Host, Sansad TV), and the session was chaired by Dr. Subrata Rakshit (Retd.) (Distinguished Scientist and Director General, Technology Management (TM), DRDO) along with fellow panellists, including Brig. Adarsh Bhardwaj (Executive Director, Azista BST Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.), Col. Krishna Deepak (HQ IDS (FT)), G S Narayan (Tejase Aerosense), Nidhi Bansal (Director, Technology Development Fund), and Tanveer Ahmed (Co-founder and CTO, Digantara). The session highlighted the government’s role in accelerating startup growth, the critical shift towards deep-tech ventures, and the necessity of a strong academic ecosystem. Moreover, it emphasized policy support, financial backing, and fostering young entrepreneurs without financial burdens as key drivers of growth. Unlike consumer startups, defence and space ventures demand specialised knowledge and sustained investment. The discussion reinforced the strategic importance of deep-tech startups in strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence and aerospace.From the keynote addresses to deep-dive panel discussions and tech showcases, Day 2 of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming a powerhouse in deep-tech, defence, and strategic enterprise manufacturing. With bold vision and collaborative action, the event paved the way for startups to not only solve national challenges but also emerge as global champions of innovation

New 300 TPD unit strengthens DCM Shriram’s market leadership and sustainability drive in chemical manufacturing.

DCM Shriram Ltd. has commissioned a new caustic soda flakes plant with a capacity of 300 tonnes per day (TPD) at its chemicals complex in Jhagadia, Bharuch district, Gujarat. With the addition of this new facility, the total caustic soda flakes production capacity at the Jhagadia unit now stands at 900 TPD, making it one of the largest single-location caustic soda flakes manufacturing sites in India.

As the second-largest caustic soda producer in India, DCM Shriram boasts an installed capacity of one million tonnes per annum. The latest capacity enhancement highlights the company’s commitment to meeting domestic and international demand while reinforcing its position as a key player in the chemical industry.

Speakingabout the commissioning of a new plant, management stated, “This commission will strengthen our market leadership and enhance our ability to serve diverse industries with high-quality chemical solutions. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence remains at the core of our growth strategy.”

The newly commissioned plant is an identical twin of the unit that was inaugurated in October 2024. Both plants are equipped with flexi-fuel technology, allowing for multiple fuel options to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. This strategic approach aligns with the company’s focus on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

DCM Shriram Ltd.

DCM Shriram Ltd. is a business conglomerate with a diverse portfolio spanning multiple sectors. Its Agri-Rural Business includes Urea, Sugar, Ethanol, and a comprehensive range of Farm Solutions, featuring input products and R&D-based Hybrid Seeds. The company’s Chlor-Vinyl Business comprises Caustic Soda, Chlorine, Aluminium Chloride, Calcium Carbide, PVC resins, PVC Compounds, Power, and Cement. Additionally, DCM Shriram operates in the value-added segment through Fenesta Building Systems, which specializes in UPVC and Aluminium Windows & Doors.

ebm-papst plans to invest ₹340 crore in a new plant in Chennai to increase its production capacity in India. The plant will employ around 700 workers and will be built on 14.2 acres of land near Chennai. The first phase of the construction project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

ebm-papst, a fan and motor maker, plans to invest ₹340 crore in a new plant in Chennai to increase its production capacity in India. The ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the new plant is slated for Friday, April 4, 2025, and will include company executives. ebm-papst has acquired 14.2 acres (57,600 m²) of land near Chennai to expand production. The first phase of the construction project, totalling 23,000 m², is set to be finished by the end of 2026. Once fully operating, the factory will employ approximately 700 workers.

Klaus Geissdoerfer, Chief Executive Officer, ebm-papst Group, said, “For the fiscal year 2023-2024 the group’s sales stood at 2,408 million euros. The company has invested around 140.2 million euros in research and development, and 9.5 million euros went into sustainability investments. We are leveraging our glocalisation strategy ‘local for local’ to serve the APAC & MEA region with tailored solutions.”

Thomas Nuernberger, Chief Sales Officer, ebm-papst Group and Chief Executive Officer Air Technology APAC & MEA, said, “By localising production and strengthening supply chains, we are ensuring that we can respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our Indian customers.”

In along with growing its production capacity, ebm-papst will open a new Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai in 2023. The 2,800 m² facility will house 300 specialists who will create digital solutions for IBM-Papst’s intelligent fan technologies and global operations, enabling the company’s digital transformation in the next years.

Atul Tripathi, Managing Director, ebm-papst India, said, “Our GCC started two years ago, but we have scaled up very fast. We already have plans for phase II expansion in the future.”