IMTEX Forming 2024, featuring simultaneous events Tooltech, Digital Manufacturing, and Weldexpo, has commenced its proceedings on January 19, 2024, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru.
Established in 1946, the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) is one of the premier body and primary point of contact for the machine tool industry in India. IMTMA actively contributes to the growth and development of the Indian machine tool industry through various initiatives encompassing policy advocacy, export promotion, trade fairs, mega events, training programs, seminars, technology missions, and publications.
IMTEX Forming, known as the International Machine Tool and Manufacturing Technology Exhibition, represents a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies within a single event. This exhibition provides a platform for an extensive array of new-age technologies, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts.
IMTEX Forming serves as a significant gathering that highlights advancements in machine tools and manufacturing technology, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the overall progress of the industry.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by C.K. Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan Company Limited, and Geetanjali Kirloskar, Chairperson & Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Limited. The dais also welcomed Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman-Exhibitions, IMTMA, Rajendra S. Rajamane, President, IMTMA, Mohini Kelkar, Vice President, IMTMA, and Jibak Dasgupta, Director General & CEO, IMTMA and BIEC.
During the inauguration, C.K. Venkataraman underscored the pivotal role of the machine tool industry in the manufacturing landscape, stating, “With India expected to become a $5 trillion economy by FY 2026, the manufacturing sector needs to contribute $1 trillion, and this demands a significant contribution from the machine tool industry.” He emphasized the need for the Indian machine tool industry to produce high-precision machines to meet the growing demand for sophisticated parts in various metals.
Geetanjali Kirloskar shared insights into the promising future of the manufacturing sector, expressing optimism about its growth in the coming years. She highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the automotive sector and the machine tool industry, noting that the growth of one sector propels demand in the other. Geetanjali Kirloskar observed the changing landscape of the automotive industry with the emergence of hybrid, electric vehicles, and flexi-fuel engine vehicles, offering new opportunities for the machine tool industry.
In his welcome address, Jamshyd Godrej noted the significant growth in the exhibition size, expanding by approximately 80% compared to the last edition held in June 2022. This expansion is indicative of the robust growth in manufacturing and the increasing demand for machine tools in India.
Rajendra Rajamane emphasized the growth witnessed in machine tools and metal forming, citing a 55% increase in the consumption of machine tools during FY 2022-23. He highlighted the numerous opportunities in sunrise sectors that would further drive the demand for machine tools. Rajamane also projected a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 10% in metal forming production over the next five years.
The five-day exhibition serves as a comprehensive platform showcasing the latest technologies and trends in metal forming, including presses, bending, welding, and joining. The event covers a wide spectrum, from high-speed laser machines, robotics, and automation in sheet metal working to additive manufacturing, metrology, and CAD/CAM. IMTEX FORMING 2024 features displays and discussions on developments in forming machinery, near-net manufacturing, additive manufacturing, digital manufacturing, shopfloor automation, and Industry 4.0.
As industry professionals gather at IMTEX FORMING 2024, the event provides an opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies, witness industry trends, and engage in discussions that contribute to the advancement of the machine tool and metal forming sectors. The exhibition stands as a testament to the continuous growth and innovation within the manufacturing industry, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry leaders and experts.
