Marathwada Auto Cluster (MAC) was established in 2005 under the Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS) of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, to strengthen the region’s automotive and allied sectors. As a Section 8 not‑for‑profit, MAC operates a cutting‑edge Common Facility Centre on a PPP model, providing SMEs access to high‑end tooling, testing labs, skill‑development courses and design studios. Over the past two decades, the cluster has supported more than 1,300 beneficiaries, helping local manufacturers reduce costs by up to 25%, accelerate time‑to‑market and integrate global best practices.
During his recent visit, Hari Shanker, Managing Editor of Machine Maker, met with Milind Kank, Chairman of MAC, along with Rajendra Mukhedkar, General Manager of MAC and Dr Arundhati Chattopadhyay, Director of the National Productivity Council. The interaction shed light on how strategic backing from the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, alongside industry bodies such as CMIA and MASSIA, has enabled MAC to scale its services. Rajendra Mukhedkar spoke about the flagship programmes in advanced welding trials, precision machining workshops and in‑house prototyping facilities that have already catalysed over 200 new product launches in Marathwada.
Partnerships with IIMM and MAGIC Incubator have expanded MAC’s scope—from materials management masterclasses to startup acceleration cohorts—thereby fostering a vibrant ecosystem where entrepreneurs and engineers co-innovate. The conversation with Dr Arundhati Chattopadhyay, who praised MAC’s role in driving productivity enhancements and lean transformations across the cluster. She urged manufacturers to leverage MAC’s subsidised courses in lean manufacturing, energy audits and digital‑factory simulations to stay competitive in an Industry 4.0 landscape.
Building on Marathwada’s storied legacy in heavy engineering and two‑wheeler manufacturing, the Auto Cluster has catalysed a new era of localised innovation. SMEs that once depended on expensive third‑party services can now access in‑house laser‑cutting bays, 3d-printing labs and rapid‑prototyping suites—facilities that dramatically shorten the design‑to‑production cycle. By democratising these advanced technologies, MAC has enabled entrepreneurs to validate concepts within days instead of months, driving down costs and fostering a cadre of homegrown component manufacturers who routinely supply global OEMs.
Beyond hardware, the cluster’s entrepreneurial support ecosystem—anchored by mentorship programs, seed-fund advisories, and regulatory clinics—has lowered barriers for first-time founders. Regular hackathons and boot camps bring together engineers, designers, and finance experts, ensuring that technical breakthroughs are paired with viable business models. This collaborative framework not only spawns new ventures but also upskills existing workforces, laying the groundwork for a resilient Marathwada auto‑industry hub that stands ready to compete on the world stage.
As MAC continues to evolve, automotive suppliers, component makers and technology startups are encouraged to explore its facilities and programmes. By leveraging MAC’s PPP-backed infrastructure, the industry can accelerate product development, upskill its workforce, and enhance India’s position as a global automotive hub.
