Machine tool ind to focus on training

The Indian machine tool industry, which is facing several challenges like high imports and lack of trained manpower to handle the machines among others, has been advised to adopt the six-decade-old productivity enhancement method "" TWI or training within industry "" by an American expert in the field.

The captains of the machine tool industry were told to adopt the TWI method which deals with increasing the productivity of the employees by giving them job instruction training, job methods training, job relations training and programme development by Donald Dinero, CEO, Round Pond Consulting, USA.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the three-day productivity summit "" 'Unleashing the Power of Productivity in Metalworking', organised by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA), here today, he said the principles of TWI method were adopted by 16,000 companies between 1940-1945 in the US and 83 per cent of them could increase their productivity by 25 per cent. The method was also adopted by Toyota Motor Company in 1950 to enhance the productivity of its employees.

He said the programmes were as effective today as they were 60 years ago and will be effective even after 60 years from now. It ensures that fundamental skills are imparted to every employee in any organisation and help reduce waste and the continual improvement in their productivity.

NK Dhand, president, IMTMA, said, "The objective of Productivity Summit is to create a multiplier effect in productivity enhancement in the Indian manufacturing industry. It will bring together productivity 'gurus', champions and aspiring leaders on a common platform to share experiences, ideas and thoughts on new challenges facing productivity in metalworking manufacturing industries."

Over 500 delegates from across the country including CEOs, senior executives, engineers, R&D specialists are participating. The highlight will be the 'IMTMA "" Siemens Productivity Championship Awards 2007', which will recognise and acknowledge the creativity and innovativeness of Indian manufacturers.