The Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) officially launched its flagship event, IMTEX, Tooltech & Digital Manufacturing 2025, on January 23, 2025, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The exhibition highlights the latest advancements and trends from both Indian and global machine tool industries.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Government of India; Dr M.B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka; Laxmesh B.H., Vice President & Head, Aerospace & Systems Business, Larsen & Toubro Limited; andPrashanth Doreswamy, President & CEO, Continental Automotive (India) Pvt. Ltd., who collectively lit the inaugural lamp.
Other notable leaders present included Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman – Exhibitions, IMTMA; Rajendra S. Rajamane, President, IMTMA; Mohini Kelkar, Vice President, IMTMA; and Jibak Dasgupta, Director General & CEO, IMTMA.
In his keynote speech, Shri Kumaraswamy emphasized the importance of a robust machine tool industry for the growth of India’s manufacturing sector. He noted that Karnataka, which produces nearly 50% of India’s machine tools, is often referred to as the country’s machine tool capital. He further highlighted the significant contributions of the sector to India’s economy and employment.
Dr M.B. Patil, the Special Guest of Honour, underscored the pivotal role of the machine tool industry in driving manufacturing progress, especially in the metal-cutting segment. Mr. Laxmesh BH spoke about IMTEX as a platform where ideas converge to accelerate India’s manufacturing evolution, while Mr. Prashanth Doreswamy discussed the vital role of the machine tool sector in supporting industries such as automotive, which accounts for about 55% of machine tool consumption in India.
Jamshyd N. Godrej, in his welcome address, described IMTEX 2025 as the largest edition of the exhibition yet, noting the event’s success in attracting exhibitors and visitors. He also highlighted the anticipated impact of the long-awaited metro on boosting future events at BIEC.
Rajendra S. Rajamane further provided insights into the industry’s growth, citing data from Gardner Intelligence’s 2023 World Machine Tool Survey. India currently ranks 9th in global machine tool production and 6th in consumption. The production of machine tools in India is estimated to have risen by 10% year-on-year, reaching ₹13,571 crores (approximately US$1.6 billion).
IMTEX 2025, running from January 23 to 29, brings together leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe to discuss actionable solutions for the industry’s future. The event features cutting-edge technologies, expansion strategies, and investment opportunities, with a focus on smart machines, high-precision tools, robots, cobots, AGVs, 3D printers, Industry 4.0 solutions, and more.
In addition to product displays, the event offers a variety of programs, including the International Seminar on Machining Technologies (January 24-25), where global experts will discuss emerging trends in metal cutting. The i2 Academia Pavilion showcases research from Indian academic and R&D institutions, offering commercial opportunities for their innovations.
The Auto Components Industry Transformation Summit on January 26, 2025, organized by IMTMA and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), will strengthen collaboration between the machine tool and auto component sectors. Established in 1946, IMTMA is the leading body for India’s machine tool industry. The association plays a crucial role in fostering the industry’s growth through initiatives such as policy advocacy, export promotion, trade fairs, training, and technology missions.
