Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has taken the lead in reaching out to local industry including MSME (Micro, Small & Medium) vendors as potential partners, with a view to supporting the “Make in India” philosophy.
As a step in this direction, the company is organising a series of interactive workshops, titled ‘BHEL Samvaad’, under the guidance of the Department of Heavy Industry (DH).
The first in the series of online workshops on collaborative manufacturing, held recently, saw a cross-section of Indian industries, Industrial houses and MSMEs coming together to dwell upon the next steps for increased cooperation in indigenous manufacturing. The workshop also aimed at fostering better utilization of assets for development of technologies and products.
The event which was also telecast live on BHEL’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel had more than 1,500 participants, a release from BHEL said.
Dr. Nalin Shinghal, CMD BHEL said that BHEL has been, for decades, a major player in power equipment, and is also looking beyond it in a big way — into transportation, infrastructure for oil & gas, defence and aerospace and other sunrise sectors. It intends to offer indigenous products with indigenous supply chains. He stressed on the need for engaging the manufacturing ecosystem of the country, for developing indigenous capabilities, enhancing competitiveness and reducing dependence on the neighbouring economy.
BHEL is interested in the indigenisation of more than 300 items, currently imported, together valued at Rs.3,000 crore per year.
Dr Shinghal also emphasized on the important role that can be played by MSMEs through innovation efforts to enhance the competitiveness of BHEL. Addressing participants, he said that BHEL is interested in indigenisation of more than 300 items across 9 categories, currently imported by our 16 manufacturing units, valued at over Rs.3,000 crore per annum, and the company is looking forward to their active participation for mutual growth.
During the workshop, BHEL made a detailed presentation of the business opportunities for the Indian business community in terms of items that BHEL seeks to source locally. BHEL also revealed the support that would be extended to vendors in developing indigenous offerings with an indigenous supply chain. The interactive session witnessed multiple queries on technical and commercial issues from the participating business representatives evincing keen interest in working with BHEL.
Featured photograph for illustration only
