Keynote address: TS Gopalakrishnan - Director, Multiple Special Steel Pvt. Ltd.

Summary

In this heartfelt keynote, Mr. Gopalak Krishnan TS, Director of Multiple Special Steel Private Limited, reflects on the growth of the Indian tooling industry and the critical need for capability, credibility, and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of supporting toolmakers with capital, skill development, and technology adoption. He applauds government initiatives and urges the industry to aim for global standards. Mr. Krishnan also stresses the need to move beyond import substitution and position India as a leader in the tooling sector, advocating for self-sustenance and innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 TAGMA was founded nearly 30 years ago by a group of passionate tool makers, and it has grown with support from OEMs and tire ones.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges the importance of delivering tools that work, focusing on capability and credibility for long-term success.
• 😀 Capability is essential to be noticed in the industry, but credibility is what keeps companies remembered globally.
• 😀 The tool-making industry in India needs better support, especially in terms of capital, to compete globally with players from Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
• 😀 The government of India's 'Make in India' initiative has been crucial in helping the industry grow, even with slower support from certain sectors like tool steel providers.
• 😀 Collaboration is critical within the industry, including support from larger tool rooms to smaller ones through CSR initiatives.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the need for technology adoption to step up from automotive to defense and aerospace industries.
• 😀 Quality standards must be adopted and adhered to strictly in order to meet global benchmarks in toolmaking.
• 😀 Skill development programs and government support are vital to close the skill gap within the tool-making industry.
• 😀 India must aim to move beyond import substitution and focus on self-sustenance and setting global trends in tool manufacturing.
• 😀 The speaker concludes with a powerful message: 'Capability gets us in the game, but credibility wins the world.'

Q & A

What is the main theme of Mr. Gopalak Krishnan TS's speech?

The main theme of the speech revolves around the progress and challenges faced by toolmakers in India, emphasizing the importance of capability, credibility, capital, and collaboration in advancing the industry. Mr. Krishnan also discusses the need for government and OEM support to help Indian toolmakers thrive globally.

How did TAGMA contribute to the growth of the toolmaking industry in India?

TAGMA, which was founded nearly three decades ago by a group of passionate individuals, has played a significant role in nurturing and growing the Indian toolmaking industry. Through continuous support from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and toolmakers, TAGMA has fostered a thriving ecosystem that has helped the industry reach new heights.

What is Mr. Krishnan's stance on the support provided by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers?

Mr. Krishnan requests that OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers treat Indian toolmakers with the same level of support they offer to international players, such as those in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China. He emphasizes the need for capital infusion to help toolmakers build credibility and compete on a global scale.

Why does Mr. Krishnan mention the importance of 'credibility' in the toolmaking industry?

Credibility is highlighted as essential for sustaining long-term growth and becoming a global player. While capability helps toolmakers get noticed, credibility is what ensures they are remembered and trusted by clients across the world.

What does Mr. Krishnan say about the government's role in supporting the toolmaking industry?

Mr. Krishnan acknowledges the government's efforts in supporting the toolmaking industry, particularly through initiatives like 'Make in India.' He also praises the government's focus on skill development, technology adoption, and closing the skill gap within the industry.

What are some key challenges Mr. Krishnan identifies for Indian toolmakers?

Some key challenges highlighted include the skill gap, the need for technology adoption, adhering to quality standards, and fostering collaboration between smaller and larger tool rooms. He also stresses the importance of closing these gaps to help Indian toolmakers compete at a global level.

How does Mr. Krishnan suggest improving collaboration within the toolmaking industry?

Mr. Krishnan proposes that collaboration should not only occur between OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers but also between smaller and larger tool rooms. He calls for larger tool rooms to mentor and support smaller ones, helping to build a stronger industry as a whole.

What is the significance of 'Make in India' for the toolmaking industry?

'Make in India' is seen as a major opportunity for Indian toolmakers to support national initiatives and to contribute to the global competitiveness of India's manufacturing sector. The speech highlights that toolmakers have already begun contributing to this initiative in small ways, but there is room for more growth.

What message does Mr. Krishnan convey about India's role in global tooling?

Mr. Krishnan urges Indian toolmakers to move beyond merely importing tools and to aim for self-sustenance. He envisions India not just as a follower but as a trendsetter in the global tooling industry, emphasizing that 'capability gets us in the game, but credibility wins the world.'

What is Mr. Krishnan's final message to the audience?

Mr. Krishnan concludes his speech by stressing the importance of capability and credibility in shaping the future of Indian toolmaking. He calls on toolmakers to aspire to set global standards and to work together to strengthen the Indian toolmaking ecosystem, ultimately making India a global leader in tooling.