India: Metal-processing industry growing in leaps and bounds
In terms of global GDP, India has long ascended to become a major player in the international economy. According to the International Monetary Fund, India's share of the overall global economy accounted for 5.4 per cent last year (compared to the German share of 4.0 per cent). Among other things, this success can be attributed to the metal-processing industry: India's automotive companies and manufacturers in engineering and plant construction are anticipating an increase in sales of 20 to 30 per cent per year. Many of these companies have tool specialists from LMT on board – the company only recently opened its own final production facility for gear hobbing in Pune, for example. Having said that, LMT has enjoyed enormous success in India even apart from gearing technology.
- Finishing facility for gear hobs at LMT India.
The figures published by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers indicate astonishing growth rates: almost 3.2 million vehicles are to be produced in India in fiscal year 2010/2011, compared to almost 2.4 million last year. Foreign trade experts at Germany Trade and Invest (GTI) put this huge success down to a growing economy, rising incomes and model premières.
Automobile industry as a driver of growth
The growth prospects for Indian engineering and plant construction are similarly positive. With tool machine manufacturers anticipating a 25% increase in sales this year, according to the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association. And it's the booming automobile industry which is driving growth here. It purchases around two-thirds of machines produced and is continuously expanding production capacity thanks to its consistent success. And to the benefit of German engineering – 10 per cent of imported tool machines for metal processing originate in Germany.
In-depth consulting for Indian users
Tool specialists at LMT India are continually impressing upon their customers just how important the role played by precision tools is. Venkat Sivaramakrishnan, Managing Director at LMT India, explains the connection as follows: "Tools can significantly improve machine and plant productivity – if they are applied appropriately. Nevertheless, there are no standard answers available as to how the efficiency of a production process can be optimised in a specific manner. For that reason, we advise users as regards the most suitable tool for each individual application. And together, we come up with the best possible solutions."Various LMT tools applied
The fact that this high demand on quality is appreciated by customers is not least indicated by the growth figures announced by LMT India. It has been possible to increase sales by 25 per cent in each of the past five years. Indian customers apply a wide variety of LMT tool systems – e.g. line boring rods for the production of large motors, high-performance hobs for the production of toothed gears and gearings, thread rolling heads for chipless manufacture of threads, tool-clamping and thread-milling systems. "We are convinced that our specific tool know-how is of increasing importance, especially in an economy subject to such rapid growth as India's. We demonstrate targeted methods for uniting high component quality and increasing production volumes. This knowledge is becoming increasingly important in India."