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Indian composites manufacturers need to evolve their strategies towards cost-efficient manufacturing to become competitive globally, said Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Former President, on Wednesday while addressing the audience at International Conference and Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics.
Composites materials are created out of polymers, blended with fibres derived from glass, carbon and naturally occurring substances. It is lighter than steel but has the same strength. It is used in a wide ranging application — automobiles to missiles. The estimated industry size is about Rs 15,000 crore and it is growing at 30 per cent per annum.
Dr Kalam said that the Indian composite industry needs to evolve effective strategies to become competitive globally. “The industry has to bring in innovative research in material, processes and product design to become competitive globally.”
He added that India's market is one-eighth when compared to China and about one-tenth of Europe.
Mr Pradip Thakkar, Chairman of Chennai-based Fibre Reinforced Plastic Institute said that the industry will only grow when there is an increased awareness about the consumption of composites in India, which will come with improved education and awareness.
“The government should set up state-of-art research and development centres for composites across the country. An investment of about Rs 1,000 crore would be required for multiple centres spread across the country,” Mr Thakkar added.
rahulw@thehindu.co.in
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