ENGIMACH 2023 had a visit from Stephen Hickling, Deputy High Commissioner to Gujarat and Rajasthan of the British High Commission in India, Ahmedabad, along with his team comprising Sujith Thomas, Richa Misra, and Kichu Mathew Jacob. The delegation, embarked on a tour, visiting prominent industry players such as Renishaw India, APEX PRECISION Mechatronix, LMW Machine Tool Division, Machine Maker among others.
The second day of ENGIMACH 2023 proved to be an enriching experience for exhibitors, witnessing a consistent flow of visitors from morning to evening. The day commenced with heightened security measures as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated the Startup Conclave, a pivotal component of the Vibrant Gujarat Initiative. This set the stage for robust discussions on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the manufacturing sector.
In an era where the pivotal role of Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is gaining global recognition, India stands as a significant player in shaping the future of this vital sector. This recognition took center stage during a thought-provoking discussion between Innovator Manish Kothari and Stephen Hickling, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Gujarat and Rajasthan, held at the Machine Maker stall during ENGIMACH 2023.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of the book “Change Makers of Indian Manufacturing” by innovator Manish Kothari, the first ever book written on 12 Indian manufacturing SME owners, which reflects the dynamic landscape of Indian manufacturing. The book written by Master Storyteller of Manufacturing Hari Shanker was graciously gifted to the honorable Deputy High Commissioner, fostering a constructive discussion on critical topics such as waste-to-wealth initiatives and sustainability. Mr Kothari, known for his innovative contributions to waste-to-wealth initiatives, engaged in a meaningful conversation with Deputy High Commissioner Hickling, shedding light on the transformative role of Manufacturing SMEs in India and their impact on the global stage. The discussion underscored the growing acknowledgment of India’s crucial role in the manufacturing landscape, aligning with the country’s commitment to initiatives like “Make in India.”
During the interaction, Deputy High Commissioner Hickling expressed his admiration for Mr. Kothari’s waste-to-wealth innovations and promised to visit Manish’s factory in Anand, recognizing it as a hub of innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices. Deputy High Commissioner Hickling’s visit to the stalls of both UK-based and Indian companies in the latter half of the day underscored the collaborative potential between the two nations in advancing manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess.
In a warm and insightful conversation with Hari Shanker, the Managing Editor of Machine Maker, Deputy High Commissioner Hickling shared his enthusiasm about his visit, stating, “It’s been a truly fantastic experience. This evening, I’ve had the privilege of learning a great deal. I’ve visited numerous manufacturers, both from India and the UK, and the products they are crafting showcase remarkable precision and value addition. The level of quality is truly exciting. What stands out to me, and what has been reaffirmed during this visit, is the profound depth and strength of Indian manufacturing. Moreover, it highlights the tremendous opportunity that exists for Indian and UK manufacturers to collaborate for mutual benefit.”
Commenting further on the collaborative potential, Deputy High Commissioner Hickling emphasized the impressive capabilities demonstrated by manufacturers from both countries. The emphasis on high-quality precision manufacturing and the shared commitment to excellence create a solid foundation for collaboration. He noted that such partnerships could lead to a synergistic exchange of expertise, technology, and innovation, ultimately benefiting both nations economically. Deputy High Commissioner Hickling’s positive assessment reinforces the notion that the manufacturing landscapes of India and the UK hold complementary strengths. The exchange of ideas and the exploration of collaborative ventures have the potential to unlock new avenues for growth and technological advancements. This collaborative spirit aligns with the global trend of fostering international partnerships to drive innovation and economic progress.
In Hall 9, Machine Maker took a unique approach by inviting visitors to share their manufacturing challenges. Skill development emerged as a prevalent concern among the challenges noted. In response, Mr. Kothari proposed a shift in perspective, emphasizing the need to create space for solutions rather than solely focusing on challenges. This approach aligns with the ethos of innovation and problem-solving that drives the manufacturing industry forward.
The vibrancy of ENGIMACH 2023 was palpable at the Machine Maker stall, where dynamic conversations sparked ideas and collaborations. The recognition of Manufacturing SMEs as key players in India’s economic narrative, coupled with the commitment to finding solutions to challenges, sets the tone for a transformative journey in the manufacturing sector. Machine Maker expressed enthusiasm about facilitating collaborations that would not only strengthen the Indian manufacturing sector but also encourage Indian companies to invest in the UK. The Department of Internal Trade, British High Commission in India, was acknowledged for its support in this endeavor.
As the event unfolds, Machine Maker remains dedicated to capturing and sharing these insightful stories, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, solutions, and innovations. Stay tuned for more updates from ENGIMACH 2023 as the manufacturing community continues to shape the future of the industry. The collaborative engagement between the Indian and UK manufacturing sectors opens up avenues for knowledge exchange, technological advancements, and mutual growth. Machine Maker extends its gratitude to the delegation for dedicating time to explore opportunities and foster partnerships within the vibrant landscape of ENGIMACH 2023.
