Balu Forge Industries Ltd (BSE: 531112 | NSE: BALUFORGE), a leader in precision forging and machining, has begun operating its automated empty shell production line at its greenfield facility in Belgaum, Karnataka. This marks one of India’s first fully indigenously designed and built production lines for large-calibre ammunition shells.
With an annual output capacity of 360,000 shells, the new line features advanced forging and machining systems tailored for defence applications. Nearly the entire process has been automated using FANUC Robotics, placing the facility among the most technologically advanced defence manufacturing operations in the country and globally. The complete system—conceived, engineered, and programmed in-house—runs unmanned with a cycle time of 55 seconds. More than 18 Indian machinery manufacturers collaborated in bringing this Make-in-India project to life.
This milestone strengthens Balu Forge’s long-term vision of broadening its precision engineering capabilities and expanding its presence across industries and international markets. The automated empty shell line is the first major step in commercialising the company’s expansive Belgaum campus. Additional high-precision production lines will be introduced in phases, further supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and enhancing domestic defence manufacturing capacity.
Trimaan Chandock, Executive Director at Balu Forge, said, “This new automated line opens an entirely new segment for us, especially in large-calibre ammunition. It enables us to serve multiple shell categories including 155 mm, 120 mm, 105 mm, and 81 mm. The line’s fully indigenous design and advanced automation highlight a significant technological achievement for both Balu Forge and the Indian defence ecosystem. This is only the beginning of our larger plan to scale our precision offerings for the defence sector.”
Founded by Prehlad Singh Chandock, Balu Forge Industries Limited is a prominent Indian precision engineering firm supplying forged and machined components across global markets. Its wide product portfolio supports sectors such as automotive, industrial machinery, construction equipment, renewable energy, aerospace, defence, marine, agriculture, railways, and oil & gas.
The company operates advanced forging and machining facilities in Belgaum, spread over 46+ acres, equipped with high-capacity hammers, forging presses, CNC machining centres, metallurgical laboratories, and an in-house tool room. Continuous innovation and dedicated R&D remain central to its growth strategy.
