“Die mould sector has surely benefitted by Make in India push, however, personally I feel we did not really take full benefit of the China+1 scenario, a lot of the cream of opportunities that could have easily come to India, ended up going to other South East Asean countries like Vietnam, Indonesia,” says Rashmi Gururajrao, Co-Founder Director, Manleo Designs 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 key trends, challenges, and growth opportunities in the Indian Die and Mould Industry today are shaped by the current geo-political situation, which has further exposed risks around the supply chain and highlighted the need for India to become self-sufficient in materials, supply chain, and alternate export destinations. This also presents an opportunity, where post this situation ending, there might be several requirements on the defence side of other countries that need manufacturing in India, allowing the Die Mould segment to pivot from automotive to other sectors as well.
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?
The sectors driving demand for Dies and Moulds include all of these segments, as they are contributing to growth in their own way, with the first and last on the list being fuelled by external factors, while EV will surely continue to grow and Medical remains evergreen with ongoing developments. AI is also adding a new dimension to all of these sectors, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds and impacts manufacturing.
How is India’s manufacturing push (e.g., Make in India, China+1) impacting the Die and Mould sector overall?
Die mould sector has surely benefitted by Make in India push, however, personally I feel we did not really take full benefit of the China+1 scenario, a lot of the cream of opportunities that could have easily come to India, ended up going to other South East Asean countries like Vietnam, Indonesia. However, due to our young population advantage and these smaller countries maxing out, we have a window of opening again and we should take advantage of it.
What innovations or technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, automation, AI, simulations) are shaping the competitiveness of the die and mould industry?
For me, Automation will be key, in fact with all the issues around worker skill, availability, automation will be difference between companies going bust or boom. Those who adopt automation will stand higher chance of survival and growth. AI of course is there, however, unlike IT, it’s impact will be slow and steady in manufacturing.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the Die and Mould industry into new markets?
Today precision is not an option, it is a basic need to survive. Unless, we start using technology in both process, talent development as well, we will not be able to compete at scale on a global level. Both these initiatives can be a big step in making India preferred partner for manufacturing.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
DMI is one of the best platforms for us, it helps us reconnect with indutry, OEMs, MTBs, media partners. There is exchange of ideas, collobaration that goes to next level, so we always look forward to any DMI event.
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 a valuable platform because of its focus on a niche sector, driving exhibitors to display their latest innovations, while the overall arrangement and marketing really sets DMI apart.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry?
We have several solutions for Die Mould sector that we will launch in Tagma – ZD27 (Diamtere Length tool setter) that will significantly reduce rework, rejections. In-machine inspection software are some of the key launches.
