The highly anticipated Die & Mould India Exhibition commenced on February 14, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai. Hosted by the Tool and Gauge Manufacturers Association of India (TAGMA), a premier platform for the die and mould industry, the four-day event showcases various technological developments for the booming die and mould industry.
It highlights the opportunities and challenges and provides a platform for toolmakers to learn from the user industry. The exhibition's inauguration ceremony was graced by: Guest of Honour, Sachin Kulkarni, Executive Director, Corporate Procurement and Member of Board, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.; Jim Walsh, Vice President, Tooling, Tata Electronics; D. M. Sheregar, President, TAGMA India; and D. Shanmugasundaram, Vice President, TAGMA India, alongside other dignitaries.
Sheregar said, "Over the past two years, the Indian toolmaking sector has witnessed remarkable growth and achievements. According to the recently released Indian tooling report, the estimated market size of the Indian tooling industry stands at approximately Rs 23,600 crore, underscoring the immense potential of our industry. However, there is still considerable room for improvement, particularly when considering that around 34 per cent of the tooling demand is currently met through imports."
Sheregar also acknowledged the crucial role that initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous manufacturing and fostering innovation will play in driving the growth and competitiveness of the industry. He called upon OEMs to collaborate with TAGMA in building a more robust and competitive tooling ecosystem in India.
Kulkarni highlighted India's remarkable economic growth, crediting the government's significant progress towards sustainable development. Emphasising the need for sustainable self-reliance, he underscored the Indian auto industry's substantial 7 per cent contribution to the nation's GDP. He attributed this success to the expanding middle class and easy access to finance, propelling the Indian auto industry to become the third largest globally. He also expressed "the need for continued support from the tooling fraternity, acknowledging their pivotal role in sustaining and advancing India's automotive growth story."
Walsh shed light on India's mature automotive sector and the burgeoning electronic sector, emphasising the need for a focused approach. He said, "I urge Indian toolmakers to rise to the occasion and focus on skill development for their employees, enhance the capacity of their shop floor, focus on manufacturing accuracy, and meet delivery timelines, among other aspects. India needs to seize the opportunity and bridge the existing gap."
The 2024 edition of the Die & Mould India exhibition featured over 300 exhibitors spanning 25,000 square metres and representing 12+ countries. Each exhibitor showcased the latest advancements in the tooling industry. With expectations of attracting over 35,000 visitors throughout the four-day event, Die Mould India 2024 promises to be a significant gathering for industry professionals.
