Mechanical weighing industry dying a slow death in Guj

With the increasing penetration of electronic weighing machine in the market and lack of government support, the mechanical weighing machine industry in Gujarat is dying a slow death.

The 100-year old industry began manufacturing mechanical weighing machines from around 1905. By the end of 20th century and early 21st century, it became the only industry supplying mechanical weighing scales in the country.

However, with the advent of electronic weighing machines, the Savarkundala-based industry has lost its monopoly.

"Earlier Savarkundala was the only producer of all kinds of mechanical weighing machines. It has, however, now lost its monopoly after electronic weighing machine saw an increase in its penetration," said Jentibhai Makavana, president of Savarkundala Weighing Machine Manufacturers Association. Around five years ago, there were about 300-350 small production units of mechanical weighing machine but now there are only 100-125 active units. Other units have closed down with manufacturers shifting to agriculture parts and other other businesses.

Some of them also moved on to produce electronic weighing machine. Mechanical weighing machine industry has more than 10,000 employees and has annual turnover of Rs 150-175 crore as against about Rs 600-700 crore five years ago.

"Recession has not affected the industry much as we cater to the domestic market. We need considerable government support, especially in terms of low cost power and other incentives to survive," said Bhupeshbhai Mehta, former secretary of Savarkundala Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI).

Bakulbhai Chudasama, owner of Akuri Udhyog said, "Savarkundala can give its best even in electronic weighing machine as we are established in the weighing machine industry. But the problem is that it is no more a monopolistic business. As far as mechanical weighing machine is concerned, the industry may not be able to survive for a long time."