By – Sudhanshu Nayak
“Participating in DMI exhibitions since the 2006 edition has been the main pillar for Multiple Special Steel Pvt Ltd’s growth, enabling us to build our business brick by brick. This consistent presence has facilitated invaluable networking with industry stakeholders and secured major patrons across the tooling ecosystem,” says T. S. Gopalakrishnan, Director – Marketing, Multiple Special Steel 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 biggest beneficial factor is that the Government of India is finally waking up to the fact that the mould industry is of paramount importance for the industrial growth of our nation. This is thanks to the initiatives taken up by TAGMA under the able stewardship of all EC Members and the Secretariat. It will open up opportunities for tool makers to invest in the latest and fastest machines, as Capex at the best rate of interest will now be available for tool rooms. This means our toolrooms will be able to not only stem the imports of tools but also start exports in a big way.
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?
Almost all sectors are on a high growth trajectory, driving robust demand for dies and moulds across the spectrum. Automotive and electric vehicles (EVs) lead with surging production needs for precision components, while aerospace demands high-tech forging dies for complex parts. Defence, medical devices, and electronics/white goods also present significant opportunities through PLI schemes and technological advancements like advanced coatings and multi-cavity moulds, enabling scalability and quality enhancement for suppliers like ours
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 Make in India and China+1 strategies is creating favourable winds for the Die and Mould sector by boosting domestic production and reducing import reliance. The PLI Scheme and special promotional incentives from the central government are pivotal, offering financial boosts for advanced technologies and competitiveness. However, true impact hinges on these benefits percolating effectively from OEMs to Tier 1, Tier 2 suppliers, and finally to toolmakers like ours, ensuring equitable growth across the value chain.
What innovations or technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, automation, AI, simulations) are shaping the competitiveness of the die and mould industry?
Adoption of the latest tool materials—like high-hard P20 grades and high-hard, high-strength aluminium grades—along with design fine-tuning via simulation, better output from additive manufacturing techniques, and automation for improved finishing and faster production, will all contribute to greater competitiveness.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the Die and Mould industry into new markets?
Initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play a crucial role in expanding the Die and Mould industry into new, highly profitable markets. These efforts enable forays into quality-oriented sectors such as aerospace and medical, where tight tolerances and advanced materials demand superior tooling expertise. Skill-building programs, supported by government schemes, enhance workforce capabilities in CAD/CAM and high-speed machining, unlocking opportunities in defence and EVs while boosting global competitiveness.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
Participating in DMI exhibitions since the 2006 edition has been the main pillar for Multiple Special Steel Pvt Ltd’s growth, enabling us to build our business brick by brick. This consistent presence has facilitated invaluable networking with industry stakeholders and secured major patrons across the tooling ecosystem. These events have fostered long-term collaborations, showcased our capabilities to OEMs, and driven business expansion through sustained relationships and technology exchanges.
What makes DMI 2026 a valuable platform for the Die and Mould industry to showcase its strengths to domestic or global customers?
DMI 2026 stands out as a valuable platform due to its mammoth reach and status as the most anticipated, exclusive exhibition focused solely on tool making and related activities. This event’s mind-boggling scale draws domestic and global customers, offering unmatched visibility for showcasing strengths in dies, moulds, and precision tooling. Especially as India positions itself in the China+1 category, all participants stand to gain through enhanced networking, orders, and strategic partnerships with OEMs worldwide.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry?
As the tool industry adopts new and better products and practices, even service providers like us and raw material producers like our principals are compelled to adapt to the fast-changing transformation across all facets of tool making. Accordingly, all raw materials have undergone significant improvements and even name changes.
True to our name, Multiple will showcase multiple services for our patron tool rooms, including improved P20 grades for plastic moulds, fine-tuned die-casting tool steels for better life (with deferred heat check marks) in aluminium die-casting, top grades for caps and closures (medical), and enhanced grades for PVC manufacturing.
