DMI 2026 is the oldest and most awaited exhibition for the die and mould industry a true celebration where everyone is eager to visit, connect, and explore the latest advancements. It serves as a powerful platform for companies to showcase their strengths to both domestic and global customers, while also offering an excellent space for networking and building long-term business relationships. Since the inception of Meusburger, we have consistently participated in every DMI, underlining its importance to our journey and the industry at large,” says Sujith Kumar, Director, Meusburger India Pvt Ltd., in an interview for the 14th Die & Mould India International Exhibition 2026.
What key trends, challenges, or growth opportunities do you see in the Indian Die and Mould Industry today, and how might they evolve by 2026?
The Indian die and mould industry is witnessing strong positive momentum. Demand remains robust across sectors, and many toolmakers are operating at or near full capacity, indicating healthy growth and confidence in the market.
One key trend is the shift toward higher precision and faster turnaround times, supported by increasing adoption of advanced machinery and digital tools. At the same time, the industry is gradually moving from traditional methods to more standardized and process-driven manufacturing.
However, challenges remain particularly in terms of skilled talent availability, especially in design, and the need for higher investments in CAPEX to upgrade technology. Access to funding and stronger policy support will be critical to sustain this growth.
Looking ahead to 2026, we see significant opportunities driven by sectors like automotive, EV, and medical. With the right mix of technology adoption, talent development, and investment, the Indian die and mould industry is well positioned to strengthen its global competitiveness.
Which sectors (e.g., Automotive, EVs, Aerospace, Medical, Defence etc.) are driving demand for Dies and Moulds, and what opportunities do they present for the industry?
From our point of view at Meusburger India, we engage with toolmakers across the entire spectrum, and we are happy to see that most of our customers are busy. In fact, common feedback we hear is not about lack of demand, but about capacity constraints. The overall outlook and industry sentiment remain very positive.
Automotive continues to be the dominant sector driving demand for dies and moulds. At the same time, there is a clear push from emerging segments such as EVs and medical, which are creating new opportunities for the industry. These sectors demand higher precision, faster development cycles, and advanced tooling solutions, opening up strong growth potential for capable manufacturers.
How is India’s manufacturing push (e.g., Make in India, China+1) impacting the Die and Mould sector overall?
India’s manufacturing push through initiatives like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, PLI schemes, and the China+1 strategy is creating one of the most favourable environments for the die and mould industry in decades.
We are clearly seeing a shift from India being viewed primarily as a cost-driven sourcing destination to becoming a precision-driven manufacturing hub. This is raising expectations in terms of quality, repeatability, and delivery performance.
It is also significantly enhancing India’s ability to compete with China, especially in tooling, with increased investments in technology, automation, and process capability across tool rooms.
In this evolving landscape, companies like Meusburger are supporting the industry with standardised, high-quality components and system solutions that help toolmakers reduce lead times, improve consistency, and scale efficiently.
What innovations or technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, automation, AI, simulations) are shaping the competitiveness of the die and mould industry?
From Meusburger’s perspective as one of the industry’s largest standard parts suppliers, we contribute to this transformation by enabling faster design-to-production cycles, higher precision and reliability, shorter mould trial periods, and improved tooling life and performance. With our new digital portal, everything is accessible at the click of a mouse, making the entire process more efficient and user-friendly.
More broadly, the tooling industry is clearly shifting from traditional craftsmanship to digitally driven precision engineering. Technologies such as automation, additive manufacturing, AI, and advanced simulation tools are accelerating this transition, helping manufacturers optimize designs, reduce errors, and improve productivity.
The combination of standardized high-quality components, digital tools, and evolving technologies is what ultimately enhances competitiveness and supports sustainable growth.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the Die and Mould industry into new markets?
Precision manufacturing and talent development are the very foundation of the die and mould industry. High accuracy, consistency, and reliability in manufacturing, combined with a strong base of skilled professionals, are what enable the industry to compete and expand into new markets.
India today has good access to knowledge, information, and the latest technologies, with many of the world’s best manufacturers already having a presence here. However, to fully capitalize on this potential, greater availability of funding for capital investments (CAPEX) is essential. Stronger government initiatives and financial support specifically targeted at the tooling industry would help companies invest in high-precision machinery and scale their capabilities to meet global standards.
While advanced machines are driving precision, skilled talent especially in design, remains critical. This is consistent feedback from our customers. Industry and institutions must work together to enhance training quality and practical exposure. At Meusburger, we support this through free seminars and encourage closer collaboration across the ecosystem.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
Meusburger has grown into one of the most recognized brands in a relatively short span of time. DMI has been a key contributor to this growth, particularly by enhancing our brand visibility within the tooling ecosystem.
The tooling industry is like a close-knit family highly connected, where everyone knows everyone. DMI serves as a unique platform that brings this entire community together under one roof. It creates valuable opportunities for networking, strengthening relationships, and fostering partnerships with customers and industry peers. Over the years, this consistent engagement at DMI has helped us build trust, expand our reach, and reinforce our presence in the market.
What makes DMI 2026 a valuable platform for the Die and Mould industry to showcase its strengths to domestic or global customers?
DMI 2026 is the oldest and most awaited exhibition for the die and mould industry a true celebration where everyone is eager to visit, connect, and explore the latest advancements. It serves as a powerful platform for companies to showcase their strengths to both domestic and global customers, while also offering an excellent space for networking and building long-term business relationships.
Since the inception of Meusburger, we have consistently participated in every DMI, underlining its importance to our journey and the industry at large. However, it is unfortunate that DMI 2026 coincides with Chinaplas, which may impact participation to some extent.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry?
At DMI 2026, we will be showcasing our Hot Runner Systems, Industry 4.0–ready Temperature Controllers, and new components in Guiding, Centering, and Cooling.
Our focus is on delivering reliable, standardised solutions that simplify complexity for toolmakers and mould manufacturers. Rather than overcomplicating with excessive customization, we emphasize consistency, interchangeability, and reduced lead times.
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