Sandvik Coromant, the metal cutting specialist, is set to experience a significant year in the Indian manufacturing, As 2023 comes to a close, Sunil Joshi, President of Sales, Sandvik Coromant India, reflects on India’s manufacturing achievements and the company’s commitment to sustainability. The year saw significant progress in aerospace and electric vehicles, showcasing India’s growing influence in these sectors.
India’s manufacturing sector, employing nearly 36 million people as of 2023, has experienced remarkable growth, with a 9.3% year-on-year increase in manufacturing production in August, up from 4.6% the previous month. Sunil Joshi, President of Sales, India for Sandvik Coromant, shares insights into India’s manufacturing landscape and highlights the company’s achievements and sustainability efforts.
India has made notable strides in the aerospace sector, traditionally dominated by the United States and China. In August 2023, India achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first country to successfully land on the south pole of the moon with the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. This accomplishment positions India as the fourth country to visit the moon and sets the stage for ambitious future goals, including building an Earth-orbiting space station by 2035 and placing an astronaut on the moon’s surface by 2040.
The electric vehicle (EV) market in India has also witnessed substantial progress, with the country aiming for a 30% market share for EVs in private cars, 70% in commercial vehicles, 40% in buses, and 80% in two-wheelers and three-wheelers by 2030. By September 2023, India had surpassed one million electric vehicle sales, attracting interest from global players such as Tesla, which expressed intentions to enter the Indian market.
Sandvik Coromant’s achievements in 2023 align with the company’s commitment to sustainability. In September, the company’s net-zero target was officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Sandvik Coromant aims to achieve net-zero emissions for scopes one and two by 2035 and for scope three emissions by 2050. The company is also working toward becoming more than 90% circular by 2030, emphasizing resource optimization and waste reduction throughout its value chain.
The sustainability journey includes initiatives such as the inauguration of the fourth wastewater treatment plant in Pune in March 2023, a collaborative effort with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. These plants play a crucial role in recycling thousands of liters of water per day in the industrial city.
In September 2023, Sandvik Coromant introduced a new identity, “Manufacturing Wellness,” focusing on cultivating a culture of healthy manufacturing practices and sustainable enterprises. The initiative revolves around eight manufacturing habits, including taking a holistic approach, embracing new technology, choosing a sustainable path, eliminating waste, unlocking potential with data, fostering partnerships, developing people, and embracing automation for success.
The holistic approach involves focusing on impactful steps and eliminating constraints to pave the way for success. Embracing new technology encourages the quick adoption of developments in machining, digitalization, and tooling technology. Choosing a sustainable path involves leading in sustainable manufacturing, and eliminating waste emphasizes efficiency and sustainability.
Unlocking potential with data relies on using data to increase transparency, identify improvements, make informed decisions, and accelerate productivity. Fostering partnerships recognizes the power of collaboration and shared knowledge, while developing people underscores the importance of attracting, developing, and retaining talented individuals. Lastly, embracing automation for success involves understanding the impact of automation on cost reduction, quality improvement, and overall success.
As 2023 concludes, India’s manufacturing sector reflects on a year of achievements and progress. Sandvik Coromant, with its new brand identity, is poised to drive positive changes in the manufacturing space. The company’s vision for 2024 involves continuing to contribute to a healthier and more productive manufacturing environment, shaping the future for people, partners, and customers.