Technological Breakthroughs to Propel India's Manufacturing Sector to Global Dominance

Chandigarh, May 23, 2024: In a landmark event set to revolutionize India's manufacturing landscape, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chandigarh today hosted the ‘Next-Gen Manufacturing Forum 2024.’ The event, held at the CII NR Headquarters in Chandigarh, centred around the theme ‘Unleashing Manufacturing Potential through Technological Breakthroughs,’ and highlighted the crucial role of Industry 4.0 technologies in transforming India's manufacturing sector into a global leader.

 
The forum brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to explore and discuss the transformative potential of technological advancements in the manufacturing sector. Keynote speakers and panellists shared valuable insights and experiences on how emerging technologies can drive growth, efficiency, and competitiveness in manufacturing.
 

Anurag Gupta, Chairman, CII Chandigarh UT & Managing Director, Usha Yarns Ltd, welcomed the participants, stating, “CII plays a pivotal role in fostering the development and growth of industries across India. By providing a robust platform for networking, CII connects businesses with key stakeholders, including government bodies, international partners, and industry leaders. This initiative is a part of the greater development and betterment of the industries in an around Chandigarh.”
 

Abhijit A Nanoti, Conference Chairman & MD, Indian Steel & Wires Ltd (a subsidiary of Tata Steel), emphasized, “Technological advancements through the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies serve as the catalyst that transforms traditional manufacturing into an agile, sustainable, and forward-looking manufacturing setup. Technological breakthroughs from basic automation in manufacturing to next-gen technologies such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the manufacturing landscape, unlocking new opportunities, and driving growth for a sustainable future.”
 

V Ramachandran, Conference Co-Chairman and Director & Chief Operating Officer,
V Guard Industries Ltd highlighted the need for technological evolution: ‘Technological evolution and adaptation are crucial for India to lead the global manufacturing sector. Advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics can enhance quality, efficiency, and innovation. Adopting Industry 4.0 practices will streamline supply chains, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness. As global markets demand higher standards and faster turnarounds, India's manufacturing must evolve to meet these expectations. This transformation will aid in attracting foreign investments, boosting exports, driving economic growth, and positioning India as a manufacturing powerhouse on the world stage.’
 

Mangal Dev, Head - Hitachi Rail Systems (India & South Asia) and Director - Hitachi India Pvt Ltd, in his keynote address stated, "During Amrit-kaal, that is in the next 25 years, India has a golden opportunity to become a manufacturing powerhouse, a strategic country for global companies, and together with MSMEs, to be the global hub.”
 

He added: “This is possible by adopting five transformations: (1) Indian Railways shift to a 45% modal share to reduce the total logistics cost; (2) Investment in a resilient value chain, i.e., design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain with quality using Industry 4.0 automation; (3) Enabling direct access for MSMEs to the global market for cross-border trade using AI platforms and Indian shipping lines; (4) Ensuring sustainable ways of working in line with the SDGs; and (5) Skilling the workforce to global standards."
 

Vivek Verma, MD Spray Engineering Ltd, quoted, “CII Chandigarh has been proactively engaged in the MSME growth. Owing to the same, we have launched the work panel on Future SMEs which will help in shaping the MSME sector. Under this panel, this conference has been organised and it will cater to the needs of this sector. Also, for better facilitation, an MSME helpdesk has been launched where the experts will help resolve the queries of the industries quickly.”