Manufacturing is not just about machines and production lines—it's about people, ideas, and an unwavering commitment to progress. The 3rd edition of the Festival of Manufacturing, also known as Udyog Utsav, brought together industry pioneers to celebrate India's growing influence in global manufacturing. Organised by Worldwide Media and The Times Group at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai, this event was a testament to the power of skill, scale, and sustainability in shaping the future of the industry.
This year's theme, "Empowering India's Manufacturing Ecosystem: Driving Skill, Scale, and Sustainability," was not just a talking point but a movement. Over the past year, The Times Group had gone beyond the boardroom to witness manufacturing in its truest form—from vibrant factory floors to groundbreaking innovations.
As the event commenced, a sense of pride and anticipation filled the room. The ceremonial lamp lighting was led by industry leaders, including T.K. Ramesh, Managing Director of Ace Designers Limited, Kamal Bali, CEO of Volvo Group, F R Singhvi, President, ASDC, Rujuta Prakash Jagtap, Executive Director, SAJ Test Plant and Rishi Sutrave, Business Head, Worldwide Media. This symbolic gesture marked the beginning of a day filled with recognition, inspiration, and industry-defining conversations.
The event began on a positive note with Ganesh Vandana, a heartfelt tribute to Lord Ganesha, who is believed to remove obstacles and bring wisdom and success. A tradition deeply rooted in Indian culture, it set the perfect tone for the Festival of Manufacturing, symbolising a fresh start, progress, and the collective energy of the industry.
T.K. Ramesh, Managing Director of Ace Designers Limited, then opened the event with an insightful address, setting the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking session. Reflecting on the journey of the Festival of Manufacturing, he expressed his pride in being part of it, highlighting the extensive efforts, deliberations, and collaborations with industry leaders that have shaped its growth over the years.
Recognising Excellence: ET Now Polymers Best Brands 2025
As part of the event, ET Now Polymers presented the Best Plastics & Polymers Brands 2025, recognising industry leaders who have set new benchmarks in innovation and quality. The 8th edition of these awards, powered by Breakthrough Management Group International, celebrated companies that have redefined the industry. Sudhanshu Mani, Founder of Vande Bharat Express and Naresh Raisinghani CEO and Executive Director from BMGI honoured the best brands.
Among the honourees were:
- Apar Industries Limited – A leader in polymer solutions catering to diverse sectors.
- DPL Group of Companies – Evolving from pigments to a diverse portfolio of polymers, fillers, and elastomers and chemicals.
- Electronica Plastic Machines Limited – Renowned for precision injection molding technology.
- HASCO India Pvt. Ltd. – A pioneer in modular mould components.
- igus India Pvt. Ltd. – Specialists in high-performance polymer solutions for industrial applications.
- ITIB Machinery India Pvt. Ltd. – Manufacturers of high performance Extrusion Line for single wall and double wall corrugated plastic pipes used for cable ducting,sewerage and many more applications.
- JJ Plastalloy Pvt. Ltd. – Manufacturer and exporters of various masterbatches and polymers compounds.
- Kuloday Techno Park Pvt. Ltd. – Innovators in sustainable plastic solutions.
- Mamata Machinery Limited – Shaping the future of flexible packaging.
- Milacron India Pvt. Ltd. – Providers of cutting-edge plastic processing solutions.
- Robato-Helios Automation specialises in peripheral automation equipment for injection moulding machines
- Yudo Hot Runner India Pvt. Ltd. – Experts in hot runner systems.
The awards were not about ranking but recognising brands that are shaping the future of the polymer and plastics industry.
The first panel of the day brought together industry pioneers who have not only built in India but are also making a mark on the global stage. Over the years, Indian manufacturers have evolved from being just production hubs to becoming key players in innovation and design, setting new benchmarks worldwide. The discussion explored what it takes to compete globally, the challenges of balancing scale with innovation, and how Indian businesses can create a lasting impact.
Sharing their insights were T.K. Ramesh, Managing Director, Ace Designers limited, Pramoud Rao, Founder of Zicom Electronics, Shailendra Shukla, MD Vehicle Group, Eaton Industrial Systems Pvt. Ltd and Anant Singhania, CEO of JK Enterprises, with Amit Shanbaug, editor of ET Now Machinist moderating the conversation.
The second panel discussion of the event took a deep dive into the future of India's automotive industry—one that is rapidly evolving with electric mobility, smart manufacturing, and sustainable solutions. While the sector is brimming with opportunities, challenges like infrastructure gaps, shifting policies, and supply chain disruptions remain critical roadblocks.
Bringing together some of the most influential voices in the industry, the panel featured F.R. Singhvi, President, ASDC; Kamal Bali, CEO, Volvo Group; Prashanth Doreswamy, President & CEO, Continental India; Diego Graffi, MD & CEO, Piaggio; and Mahendra Waghule, Head of Projects and Development, Horizon Industrial Parks. Guiding the conversation was Prashant Joglekar, Principal Consultant, BMGI, who led an engaging discussion on how India can fast-track its journey to becoming a global leader in mobility.
The post-lunch session saw a mesmerising performance of the Koli dance, a lively and colourful folk tradition of Maharashtra's fishing community. With rhythmic steps and energetic movements, the dancers beautifully captured the essence of the seafaring life. Their infectious enthusiasm and vibrant attire brought the stage to life, leaving the audience enthralled and completely immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the Koli community.
After the energetic cultural performance, the audience was in for another treat—an insightful address by Sudhanshu Mani, the driving force behind the Vande Bharat Express. With a wealth of experience in Indian Railways, he has played an important role in shaping the future of rail innovation in India. His deep insights and passion for indigenous manufacturing made for a truly engaging and inspiring session.
Following Sudhanshu Mani's special address, the evening turned to a moment of celebration—the felicitation of Champions of Manufacturing and Promising Plants. Presented by ET NOW Machinist, a publication of the Times Group, these honours recognised organisations and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Manoj Sundaram, Head of Business Development, Carl Zeiss India was called on the stage for felicitating the promising plants.
The ceremony began with the recognition of Promising Plants 2025, where Yudo Hot Runner India and Zavenir Daubert India were felicitated for their commitment to advancing manufacturing standards.
A special highlight of this year's event was ET NOW Machinist's skilling initiative, which included an exclusive facility tour for students at the College of Engineering Pune (COEP). This hands-on learning experience highlighted the industry's role in nurturing future talent. To honour those who made this initiative possible, DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited and Omega Seiki Mobility were recognised for their exceptional contributions to student training. The College of Engineering Pune also received a special recognition for its role in fostering industry-academia collaboration.
Recognising the Champions of Manufacturing
The awards then turned to celebrating the Champions of Manufacturing—individuals who have gone beyond the shop floor to shape the industry's future.
Women Changemakers in Manufacturing
Ravi Bhintade and Amit Goel, Zonal Head, Ace Micromatic Group felicitated the Women Champions of Manufacturing.
The ceremony honoured trailblazing women who have significantly influenced manufacturing operations, gender diversity, and technological advancements. Aishwarya S (JBI Aerospace) was recognised for her contributions to operational excellence, while Ankita Khanwelkar (Eaton Industrial Systems) was celebrated for promoting gender diversity by deploying women employees across all shifts.
From expanding business verticals to driving sustainability, women like Bhagyashree Virdi (Paras Defence & Space Technologies), Bhavika Chhablani (TrumpF India), Kanupriya Khandwal (JSW MG Motors), Nikita Srivastava (DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations), Nikita Sharma (Marposs), and Pooja Bansal (Piaggio Vehicles) have led transformative initiatives in their organisations. Priyanjali Srivastava (Omega Seiki), Ragini Pasumarthi (Tata Autocomp Systems), Shweta Bahirat (Eaton Industrial Systems) were some of the champions whose leadership has set new benchmarks in efficiency, inclusion, and workforce development.
Sneha Dandekar (Godrej Security Solutions) for improving supplier performance, reducing risks, and driving product development. Shehzadi Bhujbal (Laser Technologies) was felicitated for driving sales and contributing to the company's success.
Men Changemakers in Manufacturing
Pritam Shah, Sales Manager, e-chain systems and Sandesh Solanki, Sales Manager-dry-tech bearings, igus (India) and G.Venu, Convenor – ACMEE,2025 felicitated the male changemakers in manufacturing.
Recognising leaders who have redefined processes and driven innovation, the ceremony honoured Dennis Rodrigues (J K Entreprises) for his expertise in handling team and multiple locations. Amit Takte (DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations) for his contributions to the Indian aerospace and UAV industry. Basawraj Mandade (Eaton Industrial Systems) was lauded for improving operational efficiency, while Jagdish Gandhe (Piaggio India) was celebrated for expanding production capacity over two decades.
Kamlesh Chhatrala (GK Industrial Components), Kiran Ghorpade (Eaton Industrial Systems), Mangesh Sarwade (Eaton Industrial Systems), Manoj Thakur (Omega Seiki), Mohsin Sulemani, (GK Industrial Components), Pratham Kale (Aethrone Aerospace) and Ranjit Dalwai of Aethrone Aerospace for their dedication and efforts for bringing more efficiency in the system.
Other honourees included Dr Janardhan Shetty (JBI Aerospace), Dr. Suresh Kapiti (Kapiti Overseas Private Limited) for pioneering sustainable battery metal recycling and Rahul Desale (Renishaw Metrology Systems Ltd.) for revolutionising process control solutions through digital innovation. Neeraj Chauhan (Sanko Svance JRG Tooling India) for his expertise in strategic planning, engineering, budgeting, and cost control. Shyam Anand (Epsilon Eye Care) for delivering world class innovations in eye care at affordable costs.
Rajesh Kumar (Agrasen Engineering), Rishi Joshi (Paras Defence & Space Technologies), Shivpratap Shetty (JSW MG Motors), Sudipta Marjit (Tata Autocomp Systems), Suhas (TrumpF) and Vijay Anant Pawar (Godrej Security Solutions) for their exceptional efforts within the organisation.
As the night unfolded, each awardee's contribution stood as a proof to the resilience, ingenuity, and dedication that continue to propel the manufacturing industry forward.
Honouring Legends: Lifetime Achievement Award for Baba Kalyani
Shri Babasaheb Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his transformative impact on India's manufacturing sector. A pioneer in innovation and self-reliance, Kalyani has not only shaped the auto component industry but also mentored generations, driving India's global manufacturing leadership. Though unable to attend in person, due to a last-minute emergency, a senior representative of Bharat Forge Limited accepted the award on his behalf, marking a proud moment for the entire sector.
With the felicitation done, it was time to shift gears to something that keeps businesses running and economies thriving—supply chains and logistics.
The panel discussion on "Building a Resilient Supply Chain: India's Journey to Logistics Dominance" brought together industry leaders who are driving this transformation. Aditya Shah, Executive Director & CEO of V-Trans and V-Express, Jitendra Srivastava, CEO of Triton Logistics & Maritime Pvt Ltd, and Chaitaly Mehta, Director of EKF Global Logistics shared their experiences and perspectives on what it takes to build a future-ready supply chain. The conversation, expertly moderated by Kiran Kambhampati, Associate Principal Consultant at BMGI, touched on the evolving challenges, emerging opportunities, and the road ahead for India's logistics sector.
As the day progressed, the conversation shifted to a topic that truly defines the future of Indian manufacturing—not just producing more, but producing smarter, greener, and with a highly skilled workforce ready to take on the world.
The panel discussion on "Crafting India's Future: Advancing Innovation, Skill, and Sustainability in Manufacturing" brought together some of the brightest minds driving this transformation. Pushkar Gokhale (EVP & Business Head, Security Solutions, Godrej & Boyce), Bill Shukla (Managing Director, Milacron India), Neelam Pathak (CEO & Co-Founder, Rozgar Dhaba), Vikas Kapur (Chief Business Officer, Zavenir Daubert India Pvt Ltd), Sanjay Sangam (Head of Sales & Marketing, Renishaw), and Rengaraj Sankarappan (Head of Quality & HSE, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited) shared their perspectives on what it takes to make Indian manufacturing truly future-ready.
With Vaibhav Dange, Former Advisor of NHAI, leading the discussion, the panel explored how innovation, skill development, and sustainability are not just buzzwords but the very foundation of the sector's growth. They spoke about the need to build resilience, invest in people, and adopt eco-friendly practices to ensure India remains a strong force in global manufacturing.
The panel on "Strategic Defence Manufacturing: A Vision for India" brought together industry leaders who are at the forefront of this transformation. Amit Mahajan (Director, Paras Defence & Space Technologies Ltd), Amit Takte (CTO, DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Ltd), and Mahavir Kanwade (COO, Aethrone Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.) shared their insights on what it takes to build a world-class defence manufacturing ecosystem right here in India.
With Nisha Shukla, Senior Assistant Editor – ET NOW Machinist & ET NOW Polymers, moderating the conversation, the panel explored India's progress, the challenges ahead, and the strategies needed to position the country as a global leader in this critical sector.
From cutting-edge drones to advanced defence technologies, the discussion highlighted how homegrown innovation is reshaping India's defence capabilities.
The last panel discussion on "Financing and Modernisation of SMEs" brought together industry leaders who have been deeply involved in empowering and transforming the SME space. Probir Roy (Senior Advisor, WASME & Co-Founder, PayMate), Smriti Ram (CEO, Sanmour), Rujuta Prakash Jagtap (Executive Director, SAJ Test Plant), Pankti Agarwal (Executive Director, Laser Technologies), and Pugal T (Sr.Consultant, Tally Solutions) shared their experiences and insights on navigating funding challenges, leveraging technology, and preparing SMEs for the future.
From securing investments to adopting automation and digital tools, the discussion highlighted real-world strategies that can help SMEs thrive.
Closing on a High Note
The final session of the day was nothing short of inspiring—a masterclass by Umesh Rathod, a name synonymous with mentorship and innovation in India's startup ecosystem. With over a decade of experience, he has mentored 4.5 lakh+ students, shaping future entrepreneurs.
His books, including "Startup Chanakya" and "The Fun of Being in a Startup," offer invaluable insights, while his latest, "Startup Theories, Examples & Activities," launched at IIT Bombay's E-Summit 2024, cements his thought leadership.
With deep insights, real-world examples, and a passion for entrepreneurship, Rathod's session was the perfect way to wrap up the day—leaving the audience with valuable lessons and a renewed drive to build, innovate, and grow.
As Udyog Utsav 2025 concluded, one thing was clear—India's manufacturing industry is not just growing; it is transforming. The festival reinforced that manufacturing is not merely about production—it is about innovation, resilience, and a shared vision for a sustainable future.
With industry stalwarts leading the way and a new generation of manufacturers stepping up, the future of Indian manufacturing looks stronger than ever.