“Talent is the ultimate engine of growth for any industry, and the die and mould sector is driven by passion and technical precision above all else. As we target new global markets in 2026, the human element becomes our competitive advantage. High-tech machinery is only as effective as the engineers operating it; therefore, bridging the gap between academic theory and shop-floor reality is essential for maintaining momentum,” says Mithun Madhukumar, CSO, Thriam Toolroom, 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?
I am particularly bullish on the shift toward an integrated manufacturing approach. The industry is moving away from fragmented, old-school methods in favor of single-stop, end-to-end solutions. To achieve true manufacturing at scale, we must simplify our processes; complexity and excessive checkpoints only hinder growth. By 2026, I expect the industry to be defined by Industry 4.0 principles and digital twin systems, replacing traditional workflows with high-tech, data-driven efficiency that pushes opportunities further.
However, the primary challenge remains the skill and knowledge gap among newcomers. To address this, we prioritize exposure and education. We frequently host technical students at our factories, allowing upcoming talent to engage directly with our employees. By providing real-world insight and hands-on experience, we bridge the gap between classroom theory and the sophisticated demands of modern manufacturing.
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?
While the automotive sector particularly the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), remains a primary driver of demand, we are seeing significant traction in aerospace and defence. These industries are increasingly adopting carbon fibre applications, presenting unique growth opportunities. As lightweighting becomes critical for fuel efficiency and performance, we have observed a marked shift toward specialized mould manufacturing for carbon fibre composites.
How is India’s manufacturing push (e.g., Make in India, China+1) impacting the Die and Mould sector overall?
The global shift toward a “China+1” strategy is having a tangible positive impact on the Indian die and mould sector. We are increasingly seeing customers who previously relied on Chinese suppliers move their manufacturing and procurement to India. While we haven’t overtaken China’s massive scale yet, we are firmly on that trajectory. The momentum from the Make in India initiative has turned a theoretical opportunity into a practical reality on our shop floors.
Currently, cost and timelines remain our two most significant hurdles when competing with the Chinese market. China’s deeply integrated supply chains enable rapid turnarounds that are still difficult to match. However, the gap is narrowing. With ongoing improvements in local infrastructure and the adoption of more efficient manufacturing technologies, I believe that within the next two to three years, India will capture a significant portion of the market share previously dominated by China.
What innovations or technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, automation, AI, simulations) are shaping the competitiveness of the die and mould industry?
Additive manufacturing is no longer a standalone process; it is now a strategic, integrated advantage. By incorporating 3D printing into the prototyping phase, we refine and improve designs before committing to final production a process that previously relied on slower soft tooling methods. This allows us to iron out complexities early, ensuring projects reach manufacturing already optimized for performance and efficiency.
Artificial intelligence is set to be the most transformative force in our industry. AI will redefine time-consuming stages by automating complex calculations and optimizing production parameters. This evolution will significantly reduce lead times and costs while bringing data-driven precision to the shop floor.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the Die and Mould industry into new markets?
Talent is the ultimate engine of growth for any industry, and the die and mould sector is driven by passion and technical precision above all else. As we target new global markets in 2026, the human element becomes our competitive advantage. High-tech machinery is only as effective as the engineers operating it; therefore, bridging the gap between academic theory and shop-floor reality is essential for maintaining momentum.
I personally advocate for industry-led educational initiatives where companies launch dedicated programs to nurture specialized skills. By creating structured pathways—such as apprenticeships, factory-led workshops, and collaborative certifications—we can ensure the next generation of talent is not just work-ready, but future-ready.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
For a long time, I experienced the Die & Mould India (DMI) exhibition from the audience’s perspective, observing how it acts as a catalyst for transformation. This year is particularly exciting for me as I move to the other side of the table. I have seen firsthand how DMI changes lives within this industry—not just by driving business growth, but by fostering deep, lasting relationships across the tooling ecosystem.
Participating in DMI is about more than just showcasing hardware; it is about being part of a community that thrives on collaboration. The exhibition provides a unique platform where the entire supply chain converges, enabling networking that turns into long-term strategic partnerships.
What makes DMI 2026 a valuable platform for the Die and Mould industry to showcase its strengths to domestic or global customers?
For the longest time, Die & Mould India (DMI) has served as the premier brand ambassador for our industry. Thriam’s return to this stage after 15 years is an incredibly significant milestone for us. I view DMI as the mother platform—the ideal venue to signal to both domestic and global customers that the Indian tooling sector has entered a new era, ready to lead the global supply chain with innovation and scale.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry?
For the longest time, Die & Mould India (DMI) has served as the premier brand ambassador for our industry. Thriam’s return to this stage after 15 years is an incredibly significant milestone for us. I view DMI as the mother platform—the ideal venue to signal to both domestic and global customers that the Indian tooling sector has entered a new era, ready to lead the global supply chain with innovation and scale.
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