Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Nov 21, 2002
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Nov 21, 2002 |
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Industry & Economy
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Events Foundry meet to discuss trends, technologies Our Bureau
COIMBATORE, Nov. 20 TO enhance the competitiveness of the Indian foundry industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern Region, is organising a two-day conference here on November 22 and 23 - Foundry 2002. The event is expected to focus on dissemination of information on latest trends and technologies, energy and environment, quality and cost reduction. The sector is confronted by threats on the one hand and the plethora of opportunities on the other. Industry players have realised the dire need for repositioning the sector to meet global challenges. Latest trends indicate that metal castings could face increased competition from newer materials like non-metallic, composites, fibre-reinforced plastics and other sophisticated methods of forming and shaping. Industry players state that these emerging trends, driven by energy conservation and cost reduction would be the new order, modifying both inputs and processes. The call for a cleaner environment is another major issue that can hardly be ignored. Industry sources admit that the foundry standards must be enhanced without compromising on strength and performance. "There is no escape from systems approach, since energy efficiency can be targeted not just by better equipment but by better coordination between metal preparations and pouring," says Mr C.R. Swaminathan, Chief Executive, PSG Industrial Institute and Chairman, Foundry 2002. Statistics show that nearly 35 per cent of the steel and grey iron casting exports originate from Tamil Nadu. The industry, besides catering to the domestic market, has established a strong foothold in the global market place too. The competitiveness of this sector is, however, vital since it would have a cascading effect on other sectors like automobile and auto ancillaries. Mr Swaminathan lamented that the sector was already losing its market to other countries because of the high cost of power. The energy cost, as a percentage of manufacturing cost in the foundry is said to be about 24 per cent at the current tariff rateChina was able to offer the castings at least 15 to 16 per cent lower than the rate offered by the Indian units, he said.
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