FOCUS ON TECH, R&D, SKILLS, SUSTAINABILITY: INDUSTRY’S FORMULA FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING

Chandigarh, July 28, 2023: Amidst the relentless march of disruptive technologies, the CII Northern Region Conference on Achieving Excellence in Manufacturing unveiled its 6th edition, with the theme of ‘Powering the Disruptive Technologies.’ The conference featured esteemed industry leaders, each sharing their valuable perspectives on the pivotal role of sustainability and collaboration in achieving manufacturing excellence.

Dr P J Singh, Chairman, CII Punjab & CMD, Tynor Orthotics Pvt Ltd, emphasized the need for businesses to adopt Green & Sustainable Manufacturing practices, stating, "Adopting Green & Sustainable Manufacturing not only align operations with environmental goals but also brings long-term profitability. Setting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals creates a sustainable framework for the industry, ensuring economic progress without compromising the environment."

Mr Sriram Kannan, Managing Director, CLAAS India Ltd, further highlighted the role of sustainability in manufacturing excellence, stating, "Sustainability must be the core of our strategy. Using carbon footprint resilience through supply chain optimisation, implementing risk mitigation plans, and fostering straggled partnerships, are some initiatives through which we can ensure continuity through growth. Moreover, by scaling impact through CSR into our business model we can uplift the lives of our stakeholders and enhance the overall impact of manufacturing excellence.”

Mr Madhavkrishna Singhania, Deputy Chairman, CII Northern Region & Deputy Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement Ltd, emphasized the need for prioritizing supply chain efficiency, innovation, and technological advancements, stating, " As an industry, we must prioritize supply chain efficiency, cost-effectiveness, design-led approaches, and technological advancements to seize emerging opportunities. Innovation, fuelled by research and development, skill development, and design-led manufacturing, are crucial drivers of progress. By embracing advanced technologies and nurturing skills, India can become a manufacturing superpower, shaping the future of global manufacturing."

Mr Kamal Bali, Chairman, CII Southern Region & President & Managing Director, Volvo Group, highlighted critical shifts in the manufacturing landscape, saying, "The era of partnerships and collaborations is upon us, as we witness the increasing demand for holistic sustainability and the emergence of technologies shaping every sector."

Mr Bali shared a detailed presentation wherein he emphasised these critical shifts for achieving excellence in manufacturing. First is uncertainty as the new reality. For this, he suggested being adaptable and flexible. The second shift, according to him is the increasing demand for holistic sustainability, where the focus must be on being environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and morally ethical. The third shift, he said, is the emergence of technologies that are shaping everything, irrespective of the industry - whether it's pharma, textiles, or any other sector – which is driven by innovation.

Dr Buta Singh Sidhu, Vice-Chancellor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh State Technical University, emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaborations, stating, "Encouraging institutions and enabling frameworks will bridge the skill gap, strengthening industrial excellence."

Besides focused sessions, a Vendor Development & Registration Meet with Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, Mahindra Swaraj & International Tractors Limited was also organized wherein Procurement & Sourcing Teams from these companies interacted with existing & prospective suppliers & vendors and shared the requirements and processes required to be an OEM to these companies. Over 130 delegates from Industry across the Region attended the Conference & also the Vendor Development Program.