VDMA Summit 2024 explores Industry 4.0 and manufacturing growth

By Staff Report October 22, 2024 5:12 pm IST

The 13th VDMA Mechanical Engineering Summit, held on October 18, 2024, in Pune, highlighted digitalisation, sustainability, and industry growth. With 350+ attendees, key sessions focused on Industry 4.0, AI, and India’s manufacturing potential.

The 13th edition of the VDMA Mechanical Engineering Summit, held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pune, on October 18, 2024, was focused on the future of the mechanical engineering sector in India, particularly in digitalisation, sustainability, and industry growth. Over 350 industry leaders and professionals attended the summit, which featured discussions on disruptive technologies, Industry 4.0, and the growing industrial ecosystem of India.

Summit Inauguration and Key Guests

Rajesh Nath, Managing Director of VDMA India, opened the summit with a note on the strong ties between India and the German engineering industry. Key topics included how digital technologies, like remote machine monitoring and automation, are reshaping manufacturing, with special attention to enhancing ROI with Industry 4.0 solutions in operations. The event also marked the completion of 25 memorable years of Rajesh Nath’s association with VDMA as he set his vision for VDMA India to become an association with 1000 members.

Other VIP dignitaries who set the context were: Baba Kalyani, CMD, Bharat Forge; Pankaj Sonalkar, MD, Kalyani Powertrain Limited; Ulrich Ackermann, MD, Foreign Trade Division, VDMA Frankfurt and Richard Clemens, MD, VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery & Process Plant and Equipment.

State Focus

The spotlight for this year was on Tamil Nadu to applaud its robust and rapidly growing manufacturing sector. The state has positioned itself as a key player in India’s industrial landscape, attracting significant attention from investors. A particular emphasis was placed on the thriving automotive and allied industries, which have become a cornerstone of Tamil Nadu’s economic growth. With world-class infrastructure, favourable policies, and a skilled workforce, the state has substantial investment potential across various sectors, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand in India.

Release of Reports

The event witnessed the release of three important and comprehensive reports:

1. Energy Mix in India, with a focus on Renewables by BDB India

2. Strengthening Indian Leadership in a Global Context by M+V Altios

3. Demystifying Legal Metrology Laws in India by SS Rana & Co.

Technical Sessions

The technical sessions at the VDMA Mechanical Engineering Summit provided valuable insights into the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the mechanical engineering sector. The summit covered Internal Audit, Sustainability in modern manufacturing, navigating cyclical and structural trends, AI In industrial automation, smart manufacturing, advancing sustainability and productivity with AI and demystifying legal metrology laws in India. Expert speakers who deep-dived into these intriguing topics represented Roedl & Partner Consulting Pvt Ltd, ICICI Bank, Bosch Global Software Technologies, Siemens Technology & Services, Schaeffler India, ABB Process Automation and SS Rana & Co.

Panel Discussion

An insightful and interesting panel discussion, moderated by Rajesh Nath focused on ‘3Ps leading India’s Manufacturing Growth’. The esteemed panellists were – Harsha Kadam, CEO & MD, Schaeffler India Limited; Gaurav Bawa, Senior VP, WIKA India; VG Sakthi Kumar, CEO & MD – Schwing Stetter India Pvt Ltd; Ritesh Dhingra, MD – Multivac Laraon India Pvt Ltd and Milind Godbole, President, Mahle India.

VDMA Manufacturing Excellence Awards

The event’s prestigious 7th VDMA Manufacturing Excellence Awards recognised achievements in CSR, Energy Efficiency & Conservation and Work Condition & Work Safety.

Companies like Wika, Mahle, KSB Limited, Bosch India, and Bosch Global Software Technologies were among the winners.

Conclusion

The summit brought together the manufacturing under a roof to underscore the importance of sustainability, future workforce skills, and modernisation. Moving forward, the VDMA summit showcased how positioning India as a critical player in the global mechanical engineering landscape will take the nation ahead.