Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy emphasized the significance of exporting indigenous machine tools by HMT Machine Tools Limited to global markets. This move showcases the increasing international recognition of India’s engineering prowess and technological capabilities. During his visit to HMT’s Kalamassery facility in Kerala, the minister oversaw manufacturing operations, inaugurated an export dispatch to South Africa, and engaged in discussions with key officials from HMT, the Fluid Control Research Institute, and Instrumentation Limited.
The visit’s highlight was the commencement of an NH Series machine, produced at the Kalamassery plant, for export to South Africa. Kumaraswamy expressed pride in the export of locally manufactured machine tools to global markets, emphasizing its reflection of India’s manufacturing sector’s growth and the global acceptance of Indian engineering excellence and technological prowess. He praised institutions like HMT for embodying India’s public sector engineering strength and highlighted the workforce’s technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and dedication contributing significantly to strategic self-reliance.
During the tour, the minister explored various divisions of the facility, including the Machine Tool Division and Foundry Division, where he assessed manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes related to CNC systems, precision machine tools, and specialized engineering equipment. Additionally, he observed the utilization of indigenously developed Sonar Directing Gear systems for Indian Naval platforms.
Kumaraswamy led comprehensive review meetings with the leadership teams of HMT, FCRI, and Instrumentation Limited, focusing on operational performance, technology advancement, modernization, innovation-driven growth, and expanding involvement in strategic sectors. The discussions centered on enhancing indigenous manufacturing capacity, boosting operational efficiency, and improving global competitiveness. As part of the visit, the minister engaged with labor union representatives and employees’ associations of HMT, addressing concerns and suggestions regarding employee welfare, modernization, and the institution’s future growth.
Ensuring support for workers, Kumaraswamy underscored the pivotal role of employee welfare in the success of public sector enterprises, recognizing the workforce’s contribution to India’s industrial progress. He highlighted the government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to fortifying public sector undertakings by modernizing infrastructure, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering growth, innovation, and employment opportunities.
