ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY

Organized by Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), National Productivity Summit (NPS), emerged as a beacon of innovation and unfolded its dynamic narrative on November 9-10, 2023, at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Research Park, Chennai.

Industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts eager to explore the transformative power of productivity. It was a melting pot of ideas, featuring a diverse range of sessions, including keynotes, live case studies and plant visits.

President’s perspective

Mr. Rajendra S Rajamane, President, IMTMA, and Managing Director, Rajamane Industries Pvt Ltd, provided a comprehensive overview of the summit’s objectives. He highlighted the summit as a gateway to innovation, cost reduction, and sustainable growth within the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape. Speaking about the summit’s significance, he remarked, “National Productivity Summit began its 17th edition on November 9, 2023. This event encompasses presentations on productivity improvement across diverse sectors, with a keen focus on enhancing production and quality.”

The summit was inaugurated by Mr. S Muralishankar, Managing Director, Super Auto Forge (P) Ltd, who emphasized the pivotal role of productivity in India’s growth story. With an exciting lineup of presentations and keynote speakers ahead, he encouraged everyone to attend the program and collectively embrace the significance of productivity in shaping India’s growth narrative.

Essence of NPS

Mr. PJ Mohanram, Principal Advisor, IMTMA, set the stage, underscoring the evolution of the summit since its inception in 2006. “National Productivity Summit is a nexus of innovation, where industry leaders, presenters, and delegates converge to explore the transformative power of productivity. It’s not just a showcase; it’s a competition of ideas, pushing boundaries and defining the future of manufacturing in India,” he remarked, encapsulating the essence of the summit’s journey.

Mr.TK Ramesh, Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd, emphasized the summit’s unique role as a nexus of innovation and the crucial need for industry-academia collaboration. He acknowledged the valuable partnership with Prof Ramesh Babu, Professor & Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, and the collaborative efforts with the Machine Tools industry. “The spirit of the summit is about sharing, evolving, and carrying back collective wisdom,” he said, urging participants to recognize the tangible outcomes that emerge from such collaborative endeavors.

Merging technology and productivity

Having attended the past editions of NPS, Mr. Muralishankar stated, “National Productivity Summit has always served as an apt technology platform to connect innovators and collaborators from the Manufacturing sector.”

Keynote speaker. Mr. Parthipan G, CEO, ZF Rane Automotive India Pvt Ltd, shared his perspective on the significance of the summit and acknowledged IMTMA’s pivotal role in driving productivity improvements. He highlighted the rich history of the summit, having participated in six editions. Commending the high level of interaction, he said, “IMTMA, beyond being a conventional association of machine tools manufacturers, takes on the crucial role of driving productivity improvements and educating their stakeholders through these summits.”

And the winner takes it all

At the pinnacle of the summit, companies unveiling groundbreaking innovations were acknowledged with the AceMicromatic Group presenting awards aimed at fostering productivity in manufacturing processes. These accolades, showcasing the dynamism and unwavering commitment to excellence within the manufacturing community, were distributed across various categories.

In the ‘Auto’ category, TAFE - Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd secured the first prize, followed by Hero MotoCorp Ltd clinching the second prize and Tata Motors Ltd securing the third prize. In the ‘Non-Auto’ category, the first prize was awarded to Durgapur Steel Plant, the second prize went to Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd and the third prize was secured by SLTL Group Sahajanand Laser Technology Ltd.

Distinct Productivity Solutions - India emerged as the SME Productivity Champion, while GK Industrial Components LLP received the SME Jury Recommendation.

These laurels extend beyond mere recognition; they symbolize a commitment to the ongoing journey of productivity in manufacturing, resonating with the core values of National Productivity Summit.

Closing thoughts

As the curtains drew on the 17th National Productivity Summit, the resonance of shared ideas, collaborative spirit, and commitment to innovation lingered in the air. The summit, with its fusion of industry titans, academia, and manufacturing enthusiasts, has once again propelled the Indian Manufacturing sector toward new heights of excellence.