With substantial growth observed across diverse industry sectors, including the machine tools market and the manufacturing sector, alongside increasing construction activities due to globalization and economic expansion, the sheet metal market, which plays a pivotal role in industrial applications, is currently experiencing robust demand. According to Technavio's analysis, the Global Sheet Metal Market reported significant figures in 2021, and it is projected to reach $73.29 billion by 2027, displaying a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.84 percent during the period from 2022 to 2027.
However, in India, despite numerous factors supporting the growth of this industry, it still faces challenges such as high turnaround times and costs. General Industries, based in Bengaluru, is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of precision sheet metal components that recognizes these challenges, and is actively working towards mitigating them.
Industry Outlook magazine had the privilege of interviewing Ganesh Chandrappa, CEO of General Industries wherein he provides valuable insights into the Sheet Metal Components industry and their company's positioning in the space. Let's delve into the excerpts!
How do you see the sheet metal components market in India? What are the major factors that are driving the market’s growth?
Indeed, several significant factors contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Indian sheet metal manufacturing industry. Initiatives like ‘Make in India’, the expansion of the automobile sector driven by affordable vehicles, increased interest from global customers in sourcing sheet metal parts from India, and investments in technological advancements within Indian industries have positioned Indian sheet metal manufacturers on par with international counterparts.
"Regarding the distinctiveness of its manufacturing processes, General Industries boasts unique features such as Periodical Process and Skill Validation"
Complex geometries manufacturing is affected by multitude of factors like cost, timeliness, and others? How do you solve them?
However, challenges persist for customers in the sheet metal components industry. These include extended turnaround times due to complex tooling requirements for new product development, high costs associated with sheet metal parts when sourced from Tier-I or overseas manufacturers, and the imperative of maintaining product quality in line with specifications and tolerances.
General Industries addresses these challenges proactively. They have established a well-connected tool supplier base to expedite the development process. To combat high costs, General Industries focuses on continuous improvement and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) approach.
DFMA involves designing products that are easier to manufacture and assemble, reducing reliance on skilled labor and lowering production costs while enhancing product quality. Meeting exact specifications is paramount, and General Industries achieves this by implementing rigorous inward, in-process, and final inspections, coupled with strategic automation where needed. Additionally, we prioritize staff training to ensure consistent quality and efficiency in their operations.
Tell us about General Industries positioning and USP in the market? Also, what are the flagship products offered by your company?
General Industries comprises a highly skilled team of promoters and team members, emphasizing a strong commitment to customer orientation, and displaying relentless pursuit of excellence demonstrated through our investments in research and development. This investment aids companies in the development of innovative products that not only cater to customer needs but also uphold stringent quality standards. We specialize in providing tailored solutions that enable companies to distinguish themselves from competitors while fulfilling specific customer requirements. Our unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional customer service fosters robust customer relationships, thereby enhancing customer loyalty. Additionally, we prioritize sustainable practices, such as recycling and waste reduction, to assist companies in adhering to environmental regulations while simultaneously reducing operational costs.
Moreover, we place significant emphasis on the well-being and welfare of our employees. General Industries proudly stands as one of India's premier battery tray manufacturers, recognized for its cost-effectiveness and trusted by numerous battery manufacturers both domestically and globally. The company also manufactures top-tier electronics chassis, catering to both the domestic and international markets. The quality and performance of our products have garnered favourable reviews from many overseas clients, solidifying our reputation as a leader in this industry segment.
Sheet metal components manufacturers should employ quality control methods to verify that their goods satisfy the appropriate requirements. What approach do you follow in this aspect? Delineate about your unique manufacturing process.
At General Industries, we firmly believe in the adage that ‘quality should be our hallmark’, recognizing that quality represents a valuable investment for the future. To ensure that our sheet metal components adhere to the required specifications and tolerances, we employ a range of rigorous quality control methods. These include Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Dimensional Inspection, among others. SPC serves as a robust method for monitoring and controlling our production processes by meticulously measuring and analyzing their outputs. Utilizing statistical techniques, we can discern trends and patterns that signal when a process deviates from its intended control limits.
We specialize in providing tailored solutions that enable companies to distinguish themselves from competitors while fulfilling specific customer requirements
Conversely, Dimensional Inspection involves the precise measurement of sheet metal components to guarantee they align with the specified specifications and tolerances. In pursuit of this goal, General Industries relies on Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) to uphold these stringent standards. Regarding the distinctiveness of our manufacturing processes, General Industries boasts unique features such as Periodical Process and Skill Validation. These attributes are particularly integral in the execution of specialized processes like Powder Coating and Welding, underscoring our commitment to delivering exceptional quality in all aspects of our manufacturing operations.
How has been the journey of the company since its inception? Tell us your future plans.
General Industries, despite its humble beginnings, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sheet metal fabricators in Bengaluru today, boasting an impressive average year-on-year growth rate of 14 percent. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to the exceptional talent within its Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Management teams, as well as the unwavering motivation of its workforce. From its initial establishment in a modest 1,500 squarefoot workspace, General Industries has now expanded to occupy an impressive 35,000 square feet and has ambitious plans to add an additional 30,000 square feet in the coming year. Moreover, the company is strategically poised to enhance its capabilities by introducing a medium fabrication facility and a production line dedicated to manufacturing metal cells and prismatic cells for the Lithium Battery industry.
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