CUMI Commissions New Cutting and Grinding Wheel Facility at Hosur

manufacturing-news
M M Murugappan CHAIRMAN, CUMI

Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) has announced the commencement of commercial production at its newly established cutting and grinding wheel manufacturing facility in Hosur. The plant marks a significant expansion of the company’s abrasives business and strengthens its position as a leading materials engineering solutions provider.

The new facility focuses on the production of thin cutting and grinding wheels and follows the acquisition of manufacturing lines, technology, and brand assets of Germany-based DRONCO GmbH by the CUMI Group in 2023. These advanced manufacturing systems have now been successfully relocated and commissioned at the Hosur site, enabling the company to bring global technology into its domestic operations.

With the commissioning of the plant, CUMI’s total annual production capacity for cutting and grinding wheels has increased from 45 million units to over 90 million units. This substantial capacity expansion is expected to support growing demand across key industrial sectors, including fabrication, general engineering, and construction.

The facility incorporates advanced manufacturing capabilities designed to deliver consistent product quality and operational efficiency. It features a state-of-the-art mixing system equipped with SCADA-based process controls, ensuring precise handling and uniformity of raw materials. Automated press lines integrated with unmanned oven handling and curing systems further enhance production efficiency and reduce manual intervention.

An ambient control system has also been implemented to maintain stable environmental conditions during manufacturing, ensuring consistency in raw material characteristics and finished product performance. These features collectively contribute to improved product reliability while enhancing cost competitiveness.

The plant has received certification from the Organization for the Safety of Abrasives (oSa), a globally recognized standard that validates the safety and quality of cutting and grinding tools. This certification reinforces the company’s commitment to meeting stringent international safety standards and delivering high-performance products to customers.

The project has been developed with an investment of approximately ₹83 crore and is expected to generate an annual turnover of around ₹160 crore at peak capacity utilization. The expansion aligns with CUMI’s broader strategy of strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and expanding its presence in high-growth industrial segments.

Established in 1954, Carborundum Universal Limited is part of the Murugappa Group and operates as a fully integrated “mines to market” enterprise. Its operations span mining, power generation, fusion, manufacturing, and distribution, enabling end-to-end control over its value chain. The company serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, infrastructure, steel, power, and aerospace, with a diverse portfolio of abrasives, ceramics, electrominerals, and refractories.

With a global footprint across six continents and exports to more than 60 countries, CUMI continues to expand its reach while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and quality. The Hosur facility represents a key milestone in the company’s growth journey and underscores its commitment to building world-class manufacturing infrastructure in India.