The Hindu Business Line : German machine tool sector bullish on India

Mr Carl Martin Welcker (left), Chairman, German Tool Manufacturers' Association (VDW), and Mr Helmut von Monschaw, Managing Director, at a press conference in Chennai on Thursday. - Bijoy Ghosh

Chennai , Oct. 13

GERMAN tool exports to India have continued to grow at an annual two-digit rate since 2002, according to Mr Carl Martin Welcker, Chairman, German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).

Speaking to the presspersons on the occasion of a symposium on "Machine Tools and Production Technology from Germany", Mr Welcker said that India has developed into a dynamic market for the machine tool industry over the past years, and one that Germany takes seriously.

He said that Bangalore and Chennai are becoming important industrial centres and German manufacturing companies can no longer afford to concentrate only on Delhi and Mumbai.

The export of machine tools to India generated 77.4 million euros (Rs 414 crore) from the German machine tool industry in 2004, and the first half of 2005 saw a growth rate of 123 per cent against the same period in the previous year.

Mr Weckler said that as a result of this positive development, the VDW has organised a two-day symposium in cooperation with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), focusing on automobile, automobile supplier and mechanical engineering industries.

"With a growth rate of over 30 per cent, India was the fastest growing automobile market in 2004," said Mr Welcker.

The representatives of VDW are accompanied by representatives of 17 German companies, each of whom are giving technology presentations which include solutions covering processes such as rolling, turning, milling, boring, grinding, gear cutting, honing and laser welding.

Mr Weckler said that there have been objections raised by Indian customers that German products are too expensive, but German tools are efficient, durable, reliable and customer-oriented.

"If the life-cycle of a machine is taken into account, then investing in our products is not only economical, but also well worth the price," he added.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page