Rajkot machine tools industry fears slowdown

With orders dropping by almost 30 per cent, the Rajkot-based machine tools industry seems to be staring down at slowdown again. While currently the businesses are stable despite lower orders, industry players are apprehensive of slowdown in the region in near future.

"So far we are quite safe and are witnessing stable businesses. But we have fear that slow down may soon affect the Rajkot machine tools industry. This is because compared to last year, we are getting almost 30 per cent less orders," said Sailesh Kava, president, Machine Tools Manufacturers Association of Rajkot (MTMA).

For Kava, the global slowdown affected the auto and infrastructure industry of India and since machine tools industry is directly connected with the former both it may not remain further insulated.

At 450 units, the Rajkot machine tools industry stands at number position in the country as a cluster. While last year it pegged a turnover of Rs 800 crore, this year the industry had expected to do over Rs 1000 crore. "But the way the frequency of orders is dipping, we may not cross the previous year's mark, leave alone achieving this year's target. However, there is lot to be done in infrastructure and if the government puts some more focus on it, the same may benefit us in near future," said Kava.

In a bid to upgrade and get some more orders from national and international markets, MTMA has been participating in various trade exhibitions for marketing. For instance, MTMA is now planning to go Korea to participate international machine tools exhibition. These kind of trade exhibitions, according to Kava, will help the industry to market our products. "Moreover we will aware of other countries technologies also," he added.

On its part, the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA) is also going to organise such trade exhibition called 'IMTEX FORMING 2012 and Tooltech 2012' in India this month. Apparently, high-level business delegations from China Machine Tool and Tool Builders Association, ISRO, Automotive Component Manufactures (ACMA), Bangalore Chambers of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), COFMOW and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) will be a part of the exhibition.

"Over a period of time India has emerged as a global hub for manufacturing technologies. In 2012-2013, with the commencement of the 12th Five year Plan, Indian manufacturing is expected to witness a phenomenal transformation generating millions of job opportunities leading to the increment of share percentages in the sector which is estimated to increase from current 16 per cent to 25 per cent by the year 2025," said Vikram Sirur, President, IMTMA.

Meanwhile, according to Shailesh Sheth, Media Chairman, IMTMA IMTEX Forming 2012 is expected to be one of the largest specialised trade fair that will attract buyers and manufacturing professionals and will enhance technology efficiency across sectors of Aerospace, Healthcare, Energy and Railways.