The Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) and the Embassy of Italy in India, in partnership with UCIMU – Sistemi Per Produrre and AMAPLAST, are organizing a significant technical webinar titled “Modern Automation: Boosting Productivity and Workforce Optimization with Advanced Machinery in the Metalworking Sector.” Scheduled for October 16, 2024, the webinar will explore how Italian automation technologies can revolutionize the metalworking industry, bringing about greater productivity, workforce efficiency, and innovation in Indian manufacturing.
“Modern Automation: Boosting Productivity and Workforce Optimization with Advanced Machinery in the Metalworking Sector“, the virtual seminar organised by IICCI, is part of a broader effort under the MAKE in INDIA with ITALIAN TECHNOLOGIES webinar initiative, which has strengthened economic ties between the two countries since its inception four years ago. Claudio Maffioletti, CEO and Secretary General of IICCI, who was the architect of this webinar series, shared insights with Machine Maker on how this initiative has played a vital role in enhancing collaboration between Italy and India in the industrial machinery sector.
The Foundation of Italy-India Synergy in Manufacturing
According to Claudio Maffioletti, the synergy between Italy and India is built on complementary strengths. “Italy’s expertise in developing manufacturing clusters and its globally renowned advanced technological solutions for industrial machinery, combined with India’s ambition to become a manufacturing and export powerhouse, offers a strong foundation for synergy under the MAKE in INDIA initiative,” he explained. Italy, known for its excellence in manufacturing and automation technologies, offers a wealth of knowledge and solutions that can significantly boost India’s manufacturing sector as it strives to become a global hub for production.
The IICCI has been working to foster these synergies through various digital initiatives, starting in 2021, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in India, sector associations, and financial institutions from both countries. One of the key pillars of these efforts has been to promote Italy’s industrial machinery and automation technologies to Indian manufacturers, creating a platform where expertise and innovations can be shared.
The initiatives include sector-specific technical sessions where Italian companies demonstrate their advanced technologies. These are followed by B2B meetings with carefully selected Indian counterparts, allowing Indian companies to directly engage with Italian manufacturers and explore the potential of adopting these technologies into their operations. Claudio said this format has successfully built relationships and driven business collaborations.
“We are continuing this Technical Webinar series with interesting topics in collaboration with AMAPLAST, the Italian Association of Plastic and Rubber Processing Machinery Manufacturers, and UCIMU – SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian machine tool, robots, automation systems, and ancillary products manufacturers association,” Claudio Maffioletti explained. By focusing on these topics, the webinar aims to provide Indian manufacturers with the tools and knowledge they need to stay competitive in the global market, especially as the demand for automation grows.
Automation: Boosting Productivity and Solving Workforce Challenges in Indian Metalworking
The driving force behind the upcoming webinar, “Modern Automation: Boosting Productivity and Workforce Optimization with Advanced Machinery in the Metalworking Sector,” is the increasing emphasis on enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. Advanced automated systems excel in executing tasks with precision and meet specific operational requirements, enabling employees to work more productively alongside these technologies. Claudio explains, “Automation reduces downtime, offers real-time actionable insights, and helps address the skilled labour shortage by taking over repetitive, manual tasks and even more complex jobs.”
The Indian metalworking sector is currently grappling with several challenges, including a shortage of skilled labour, technological gaps, and supply chain disruptions. In particular, the shortage of skilled workers in specialized areas such as CNC machining is a pressing issue. Mr Maffioletti states, “Modern automation is pivotal in addressing these challenges by enhancing efficiency and precision in metal fabrication processes.”
However, with the increasing adoption of automation, there is also a need to retrain the workforce. Claudio highlights this as a significant consideration: “It also needs workforce retraining so that employees can handle and maintain these advanced systems.” Embracing automation is not just about implementing technology—manufacturers must remain competitive and ensure the industry’s long-term growth.
Italy and India Collaborate to Drive Manufacturing Growth with Advanced Automation Solutions
Italy’s long-standing expertise in developing high-performance industrial machinery perfectly complements India’s growing focus on boosting manufacturing capabilities. Claudio explained, “Italy’s expertise in developing manufacturing clusters and its globally renowned advanced technological solutions for industrial machinery, combined with India’s ambition to become a manufacturing and export powerhouse, offers a strong foundation for synergy under the MAKE in INDIA initiative.”
Italian technology is mainly known for its precision, automation, and energy efficiency—critical areas for Indian manufacturers aiming to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. During the upcoming technical webinar, panellists from leading Italian companies such as Gasparini, Gerardi, MCM, Millutensil, and Produtech will showcase why and how automation is crucial for boosting productivity. Mr Maffioletti emphasized, “This webinar will provide in-depth insights into the application of robot assembly and packaging systems for high-volume flexible production processes and will include fully automated modular production systems designed to optimize production and storage activities.”
Italy’s industrial solutions are also highly adaptable, offering scalable and customizable tools that meet the diverse needs of India’s industries, from automotive and aerospace to energy and electronics. One of the key topics during the session will be Flexible Manufacturing Systems, which are designed to address modern production demands and improve a company’s competitiveness. Additionally, the session will cover coil line projects in various applications to enhance both productivity and quality, along with the design and production of innovative coil-fed machines for sheet metal processing. These solutions address real-world challenges that modern manufacturers face.
Claudio Maffioletti highlighted the uniqueness of this event, stating, “Attendees will explore innovations that directly address modern production challenges, enhancing quality, productivity, and overall competitiveness.” Following the webinar, one-on-one online B2B meetings will be scheduled between interested Indian and Italian companies, providing a platform for direct interaction and fostering potential partnerships tailored to matching business interests.
As Indian manufacturers strive to remain competitive in an increasingly global market, embracing automation will be essential. The industry must adapt to these technological advancements not only to improve efficiency but also to ensure sustainable growth in the future. Claudio Maffioletti concluded, “Embracing automation is essential for staying competitive and ensuring the industry’s long-term growth.”
Through initiatives like the upcoming webinar, the IICCI is helping bridge the gap between technological innovations and workforce development, providing Indian manufacturers with the tools and insights they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
