The Indian foundry industry, estimated to be worth around $20 billion by 2024, and forecasts point to an increase to $32 billion in the next five years, driven by a robust year-on-year growth rate of 10 percent. Strategic investments in key sectors like railroads and defense are the catalyst for this growth. The Indian foundry industry, despite good order books and market stability, is facing challenges mainly due to high energy costs and a shortage of skilled manpower. Bhilai Engineering Corporation serves all major industrial sectors including Steel Plants, Wagon Industry, Heavy Earthmoving Equipment, Mining and Railways (Track, Crossings, Locomotive Parts, Couplers Freight Car components), Defense, Non-Ferrous Industries, Power and more.
BEC Foundry addresses high energy costs and skilled manpower shortages through continuous training programs, hiring proficient staff, and fostering a stable working environment. The company also focuses on retaining and developing contextual workers, ensuring their success and capitalizing on strong market demand for future growth.
Comprehensive In-house Capabilities
BEC Foundry, a modernized facility, offers state-of-the-art technology in design, production, and quality systems. It includes in-house design, automated molding, and melting capabilities. It includes in-house design with SOLIDWORKS 3D modeling and Flow & MAGMA Thermal simulation, automated molding and core making with Kunkel Wagner High-Pressure green sand molding, an automated sand plant, a No-Bake molding system, and melting with Electric Arc & Induction furnaces.
The facility also has extensive machining and in-house quality control capabilities, including spectrometry, radiography, MPI, metallography, mechanical laboratory, and other NDT testing. BEC is a preferred supplier for major OEMs like Indian Railway, Wabtec, Sandvik, Siemens, and Progress Rail. The facility is certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and AAR M-1003.
"We maintain a robust quality management system and are one of only two foundries in India that are accredited by the American Association of Railroads (AAR)”, speaks Mukul Jain, Executive Director. Bhilai Engineering Corporation holds certification for transportation and power generation (TPG) a very demanding accreditation, as well as EN and ISO 9000 certifications.
The company is also on track to obtain ISO 45000 certification soon and has applied for International Railway Industry Standard certification, a prestigious European accreditation. No other foundry in India offers this comprehensive range of certifications and capabilities under one roof. Since its inception in 1960, BEC Foundry has exemplified the remarkable industrial evolution within the Indian foundry sector, consistently leading the way.
Through its innovative vision, technological focus, ongoing enhan- cements, strong infrastructure, and proficient workforce, BEC Foundry has demonstrated its enduring ability to manufacture a diverse range of steel castings in large quantities. "Our 70 percent of production is export-oriented, with plans to increase to 90 percent export-oriented soon", shares Mukul Jain.
Our commitment to quality, innovation, & comprehensive in-house capabilities sets us apart, positioning us as a leader in both the domestic & global foundry markets
Elevating Indian Foundry
BEC foundry holds the RDSO Class One certification, essential for domestic operations. For exporting to the American market, particularly in rail tracks and rolling stock items, AAR certification is mandatory. The firm produces high-quality components such as track crossings, locomotive crankcases, and bogies, which are critical for safety. “For the past 22 years, we have successfully supplied these items to the U.S. Our exports are self-certified, eliminating the need for third-party inspections.
Domestically, we supply coupling systems and underframes for major rail projects like the Duronto and Rajdhani Express. We have developed truck frames for Indian locomotives, replacing imports”, adds Mukul Jain. Notably, Bhilai Engineering Corporation is India's sole manufacturer of the 16-cylinder crankcase, underscoring its excellence and innovation in the industry.
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