European firms to cash in on India's foundry boom

Foundry equipment makers from Europe are keen on boosting their Indian operations in light of plans by global firms to source castings from the country and the subsequent investments by the industry,.

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Germany's Laempe & Mossner, a leading supplier of machines and systems for the foundary industry, aims to increase revenues in India

Kuka Robotics India, a subsidiary of Germany-based leading robotics manufacturer Kuka Roboter, has also been very active in the country

While China produces castings for the domestic requirements, India serves the domestic and global market

Companies such as Foundry Automation, Calamari, Mec Master and Pangborn Europe already have representative offices

"To cash in on the export opportunities, Indian foundries have to invest in high pressure moulding lines, tooling and proto-typing, automated core lines, waste heat recycle system, good pollution control measures, ensuring adequate deliverable volumes and satisfying pollution norms," V Mahadevan, president, Institute of Indian Foundrymen, said.

Germany-based Laempe & Mossner, a leading global supplier of machines and systems for the manufacture of sand cores and moulds, aims to become a active player in the Indian market. Laempe has been present in India over the last 10 years. It has a assembly plant in Hyderabad.

"Laempe has supplied six systems to Sanmar Foundry and is engaged in discussions with Ennore Foundries for the supply of its systems. We have already supplied systems to Brakes India and Tata," Matthias Kaiser, sales director, Laempe & Mossner told Business Standard.

"Our aim is to be a long-term partner with adequate service and support capabilities instead of being a mere supplier."

Kaiser said that Laempe & Mossner was offering machines and systems not only to big foundries, but also the small ones. The prices will range between 50,000 euos and 500,000 euros depending on the systems.

"Some small foundries in India have shown interest. They will have to make high investments for these systems. However, one can achieve better productivity and quality with them," he added.

Laempe & Mossner sells 100 systems a year globally, while in India it expects to sell at least 10 systems a year.

Kuka Robotics India, a subsidiary of Germany-based leading robotics manufacturer Kuka Roboter, has also been very active in India. The company has sold about 500 robots in India over the past two years.

"The trend is catching up fast in India as several industrial units plan to automate their processes to improve quality and delivery," said Pradeep Shoran, marketing manager, Kuka Robotics India.

The price of a robot has also come down to Rs 25-30 lakh from Rs 50-75 lakh a few years ago. "Now, the service and support facilities are also available in India."

Fabrizio Carmagnini, director, Amfond, an Italian association of companies which produces machinery, plants, furnaces and other products for the foundry industry, said India would be a key market for Italian companies as the casting manufacturing was moving to China and India from the West.

While China produces castings for the domestic requirements, India is serving the domestic and global markets.

"As global companies source special quality of castings, Indian foundries need to invest in technology and sophisticated systems," he added.

Two leading foundries have already partnered Indian companies, a few more companies such as Foundry Automation, Calamari, Mec Master and Pangborn Europe have representative offices in India.