The machine tool industry, a vital segment of India’s Capital Goods sector, plays a significant role in the nation’s economy while generating substantial employment. A strong machine tool sector is also critical to fostering a robust manufacturing base, according to H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel.
Speaking at the inauguration of IMTEX 2025, an annual exhibition organized by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), Kumaraswamy highlighted Karnataka’s pivotal role, noting that the state produces around 50% of India’s machine tools and is even regarded as the “machine tool capital of the country.”
Karnataka’s Leading Contribution to India’s Machine Tool Sector
M.B. Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, emphasized the remarkable growth of India’s machine tool industry over the years. He stated that metal cutting, a key aspect of the industry, has served as the cornerstone of India’s manufacturing sector.
Patil pointed out that Karnataka contributes 52% of India’s total machine tool production and ranks as the third-largest contributor to heavy engineering in the country. Prominent companies, including ABB, Siemens, BHEL, and Larsen & Toubro, are based in the state, further strengthening its role in the sector.
The Importance of Metal Cutting in Manufacturing
Metal cutting, which involves shaping or removing material from a metal workpiece using specialized tools such as lathes or milling machines, plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process. The process typically involves rotating cutting tools that shear off material as they move across the workpiece’s surface, achieving the desired shape and dimensions.
Machine Tool Industry’s Impact on the Automotive Sector
Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO of Continental Automotive (India), underscored the machine tool industry’s significant impact on multiple sectors, particularly the automotive industry. “Around 55% of India’s machine tool production is consumed by the auto sector,” Doreswamy noted, highlighting the essential link between the two industries.
India’s Global Standing in Machine Tool Production and Consumption
Rajendra S. Rajamane, President of IMTMA, provided insights into India’s global standing in the machine tool sector, stating that the country ranks 9th in production and 6th in consumption. According to Gardner Intelligence’s World Machine Tool Survey 2023, India’s machine tool industry production grew by approximately 10% year-on-year, reaching a value of ₹13,571 crore.
IMTEX 2025 Brings Global Leaders Together
The week-long IMTEX 2025 event, held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru, brought together 1,100 exhibitors from 23 countries, along with hundreds of machine tool-consuming companies, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event, which showcases the latest advancements in the sector, will conclude on January 29.
