Need to set up research centre for foundry industry highlighted

‘It will help local units improve quality of products’

M. Prabhu, Additional Director, Department of Industry and Commerce, delivering the inaugural at a vendor development programme in Shivamogga on Friday.— Photo: VAIDYA

M. Prabhu, Additional Director of the Department of Commerce and Industries, on Friday stressed on the need to establish a research centre for foundry industry in Shivamogga.

Inaugurating ‘Buysem-2015’, a vendor development programme organised by the Shivamogga Chapter of The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) here, Mr. Prabhu said there were 45 foundry units in the district with an annual production of more than 50,000 tonnes. Products, including turbine components, valve seats, manifolds, crankshaft, gear case, cylinder liners and brake drums, manufactured at the foundry units here were exported to the U.S., European countries, Japan and China.

The district had emerged as a hub of foundry industry in recent times. A research centre would provide technical assistance to foundry units to upgrade the quality of their products and services, he said. The laws related to prevention of environmental pollution were being implemented effectively.

The proposed research centre would provide necessary assistance to foundry units to adopt environment-friendly production techniques, he said.

Mr. Prabhu suggested the functionaries of the Shivamogga Chapter of The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) to prepare a detailed proposal on the establishment of the research centre.

Financial assistance from both Union and State governments could sought for the purpose, he said.

Joint Director of the Department of Commerce and Industries H.M. Srinivas, president of IIF, Shivamogga Chapter M.N. Suresh, and secretary Damodar Baliga were present.