At the first-ever virtual edition of the International Tooling Summit, the objective was to help the tooling industry chart its way through these challenging times.
Team ACI
The pandemic has spared no one. The tooling industry is no exception either and has borne the brunt of a global economy being spun out of a trajectory from the normal course of circumstances. The Tool and Gauge Manufacturer Association (TAGMA), on November 27 and 28, 2020 had organised the fifth edition and first-ever virtual edition of the International Tooling Summit-cum-virtual expo with an objective of helping the tooling industry chart its way through these challenging times. At one of the largest die and mould gathering, themed around ‘Tooling Self Reliance in India and New Frontiers of Growth’, Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways and the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and MSR Prasad, Distinguished Scientist & Director General – Missiles and Strategic Systems (MSS), DRDO were among the several prominent dignitaries of the tooling world to grace the two-day virtual event. The event was well-received by the more than 500 professionals, who marked their presence from around the world. The event turned out to be an eye-opener, guiding toolmakers to find opportunities in the face of a crisis. Averred Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, “The tooling industry is like the heart of the manufacturing industry. It has immense economic importance. We cannot dream of having a strong manufacturing industry without a robust tooling industry.”
D. K. Sharma, President, TAGMA India, in his welcome address, expressed, “The current pandemic has taught us a lot. For instance, adopting digital is no longer an option, but more of a compulsion. The first-ever virtual ITS is the result of such learnings.” He also highlighted the challenges that Indian toolmakers face and spoke about their expectations from the government and Original Equipment Manufacturers. The welcome speech was followed by the launch of the ‘Tooling Industry Report’ at the hands of the Union Minister. Prepared by TAGMA in association with Nomura Research Institute India Pvt. Ltd., the report provides comprehensive details about the Indian tooling industry. The events’ Guest of Honour, MSR Prasad, mainly discussed the current activities and plans of the defence ministry as he spoke about the huge opportunities available for toolmakers in the defence sector. At the two day event, 15 leaders shared their insights about the industry through two-panel discussions and seven technical sessions.
The concurrent virtual expo organised along with the summit had 18 partners showcase their latest technologies. DMG MORI, Makino, AMS, COSMOS, MAZAK, Mitsubishi EDM, Goel Steel, Hitachi Metals, Hurco, Schneider (L&T), Multiple Special Steels, PCK Buderus, Phillips, Schunk, Swiss Steel, Voestalpine, Mastercam and Millutensil were among the participating companies. ACI
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Watch out for the detailed Tooling Industry Report*
