Sharing his views, Kakkar said, "At present, the Indian automotive industry contributes 7.5% to the Indian GDP and 49% in Indian manufacturing industry's GDP. It is set to grow further thanks to the rising income, increasing population and better infrastructure. We all, everyone related to eco-system, need to work together and contribute towards this growth. To be competent, localisation is the key. Today, 75% of our tools are sourced from domestic suppliers and we want to increase this even further. We expect you to supply world-class tools and help us in saving cost and time."
Laxman addressed the gathering on behalf of Vetter and delivered his message. She highlighted the changing dynamics of the automotive industry and how the usage of new materials in the future automobiles will pose challenges to tool makers.
It was followed by a speech from Kumar who spoke about the current happenings in the Indian defence sector, activities of the ordnance factory and opportunities for tool makers. "We need a large number of tools for cold rolling, forging, plastic moulds, sheet metal, and fixtures solutions, among others. I invite you all to visit our factories and understand about our requirement" he said.
The inauguration speeches were followed by felicitation of N Reghuraj. He was presented the life time achievement award by TAGMA India.
Further, Ashim Sharma, Partner & Group Head, Business Performance Improvement Consulting (Auto, Engineering & Logistics), Nomura Research Institute India Pvt. Ltd. presented an overview of the tooling industry.
Topics like ‘OEMs and Tooling Suppliers - Collaborative Approach', ‘Subtractive & Additive Technologies - How Will The Coexistence Emerge In Future?' ‘Emerging Sectors for Indian Tool Makers' and ‘Changing Dynamics in Auto Sector - Impact on Indian Tooling Industry' were part of the panel discussions.
Technical sessions like ‘Overview on global toolmakers in Asia, Europe and US/Canada and how Indian toolmakers can reach to their standards' by Dirk Soltau, Head of Chemi- Kaufteilemanagement - Beschaffung, Volkswagen; ‘Future Of Making' by Pankaj Gauba, Head Digital Manufacturing Group, India & Middle East, Autodesk; ‘Today's Solution for Tomorrow's Challenges' by T.S. Gopalakrishnan, Director, Multiple Special Steel Pvt Ltd; ‘A look into the 2K Mould Technology' by Alan Cecco, Design Director, Silver Basis Group; ‘Smart Manufacturing in Tool Rooms for Improved Productivity, Quality and Delivery' by Prof. Asim Tewari, Chair Professor in the Dept. of Mechanical Engg and Head of the NCAIR at, IIT, Bombay; and ‘Critical aspects in Skin Panel Dies' by Martin Heckmann, Development Engineer, LÄPPLE Automotive among others were also held during the event.
During these two days, various companies showcased their state-of-the-art technology through technical sessions and stalls at the event that targets companies and professionals associated with die mould industry.
END
