Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy visited HMT Machine Tools Limited, Kalamassery, to review the plant’s manufacturing capabilities, inaugurate an export dispatch to South Africa, hold review meetings with senior officials of HMT, FCRI and Instrumentation Limited (IL), and interact with labour union representatives and employees.

The key highlight of the visit was the flagging off of an NH Series machine manufactured at HMT Kalamassery for export to South Africa. Officials informed the Minister that HMT has been steadily securing international export orders for precision-engineered machine tools and industrial systems, reflecting growing global confidence in India’s indigenous engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

H D Kumaraswamy said, “The export of indigenous machine tools manufactured at HMT to international markets is a proud moment for India’s manufacturing sector. It reflects the growing global acceptance of Indian engineering excellence and technological capability.”

During the plant visit, the Minister reviewed operations and infrastructure across the Machine Tool Division, Foundry Division and strategic manufacturing sections. He witnessed manufacturing, assembly and testing processes for CNC systems, precision machine tools, specialised engineering equipment and indigenously developed Sonar Directing Gear systems used for Indian Naval platforms.

The Minister was briefed on HMT’s contribution to strategic sectors, including defence, railways, aerospace, heavy engineering and advanced manufacturing. He also reviewed indigenous systems developed for naval and defence applications.

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy said, “Institutions like HMT represent the strength of India’s public sector engineering ecosystem. The technical expertise, manufacturing capability and commitment of the workforce here continue to contribute significantly towards strategic self-reliance.”

The Minister later held detailed review meetings with the leadership teams of HMT Machine Tools Limited, Fluid Control Research Institute (FCRI) and Instrumentation Limited (IL). Discussions focused on operational performance, technology upgradation, manufacturing capabilities, modernisation, innovation-driven growth and enhanced participation in strategic sectors.

The meetings also reviewed future opportunities to strengthen indigenous manufacturing capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance global competitiveness.

As part of the visit, H D Kumaraswamy interacted with representatives of various labour unions and employees’ associations of HMT. He heard their concerns, suggestions and requests related to employee welfare, modernisation and the future growth of the institution.

Assuring support to the workforce, the Minister said, “The welfare of workers and employees remains central to the growth and success of public sector enterprises. Their contribution to India’s industrial development is invaluable.”

Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to strengthening PSUs, H D Kumaraswamy said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made to strengthen PSUs across the country, modernize infrastructure, improve competitiveness and create greater opportunities for growth, innovation and employment.”

The visit reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening strategic manufacturing, promoting indigenous technological capabilities and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ViksitBharat2047.