Indian machine tool industry: caught at the cross roads

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of the Indian machine tools industry since independence. It analyses the key capabilities and growth experiences of the industry in the domestic and international context. It presents the findings of field and mail surveys aimed at understanding the nature of competition, capabilities of the firms in the industry, and the involvement of the internal and external agencies in product and process developments. It concludes with the remark that the industry is at cross-roads. It is caught between increasing domestic competition and declining export competitiveness. It needs to build new capabilities.