Bengaluru-based GUSTI Tool Works LLP specialises in providing advanced cutting tools that enhance productivity, precision, and product quality. In this interview, Tosher G Hormusjee, Managing Director, GUSTI Tool Works LLP, highlights the importance of high-precision machining tools for the growth of Indian manufacturing sector shares.

How is GUSTI Tool aiding the growth of the Indian manufacturing sector?

GUSTI Tool Works (GTW) plays a pivotal role in advancing the Indian manufacturing sector by producing special drills, mills, reamers, and custom form tools specifically designed for the high-precision machining industry. This niche segment is crucial for Indian engineering suppliers to meet global quality standards and achieve international competitiveness.

By providing advanced cutting tools that enhance productivity, precision, and product quality, GTW empowers manufacturers across various engineering sectors, from automotive to aerospace. These tools enable faster machining, better surface finishes, and longer tool life, directly improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for manufacturers.

GTW’s focus on customization and innovation ensures that customers have access to tailored tool solutions that address unique manufacturing challenges. This not only supports the "Make in India" initiative but also strengthens India's position as a global manufacturing hub for precision engineering.

In essence, GUSTI Tool Works serves as a catalyst for high-precision manufacturing in India, enabling engineering suppliers to achieve world-class standards in performance, reliability, and competitiveness.

What factors are driving the demand for your company in India?

The demand for GUSTI Tool Works' cutting-edge precision tools is being driven by multiple factors that are reshaping India's manufacturing landscape. As India emerges as a global manufacturing hub, there is an increasing need for high-precision machining tools to produce components that meet international quality standards. GTW’s special drills, mills, reamers, and custom form tools are essential for achieving this precision. Industries are shifting towards automation and smart manufacturing, which require advanced tooling solutions capable of supporting CNC and other automated machining systems. GTW’s specialized tools facilitate this technological transition.

Indian suppliers are under pressure to meet global quality benchmarks, especially for export-driven sectors like automotive, defence, and aerospace. GTW’s focus on precision, durability, and customization helps manufacturers meet these standards. The "Make in India" initiative aims to boost domestic production, especially in sectors like defense and aerospace. GTW’s role as a provider of high-precision tools supports this initiative, allowing Indian companies to localize production and reduce dependence on imports. To remain competitive, manufacturers are looking for tools that offer longer tool life, higher machining speeds, and reduced downtime. GTW’s innovative tool designs directly address these needs, enabling better production efficiency.

Many end-user industries offer significant growth opportunities for GTW. India is one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturing hubs. With the shift toward EVs (electric vehicles) and the increased need for lightweight & high-precision components, GTW’s tools are in high demand for machining critical automotive parts like engine blocks, gearboxes, and electric motor components.

The modernisation of India’s railways and the push for faster, more efficient trains require precision components for wheels, axles, and braking systems. GTW’s specialised tools enable the production of these parts with high accuracy and durability. As India strives to strengthen its defence manufacturing capabilities under the "Make in India" initiative, the demand for high-precision parts for aircraft, missiles, and defence equipment is surging. GTW’s tools play a vital role in the machining of complex components with stringent quality requirements.

With the boom in electronics manufacturing, especially for mobile phones, semiconductors, and appliances, the need for precision parts has grown. GTW’s tools facilitate the production of intricate components used in electronic devices. The mining sector requires heavy-duty, durable tools for machining large and tough components used in equipment like excavators, crushers, and conveyor systems. GTW’s robust, wear-resistant tools are crucial for handling these heavy-duty machining tasks.

In summary, GUSTI Tool Works is at the forefront of India’s drive toward high-precision manufacturing. With a strong presence in automotive, railways, defence, aerospace, electronics, and mining, GTW is well-positioned to capitalise on the rising demand for superior tooling solutions. As these industries continue to grow and evolve, GTW’s customised precision tools will play a key role in supporting India’s journey toward global manufacturing excellence.

How is your company gearing up for emerging trends?

The machine tools industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by advancements in manufacturing technology, globalisation, and the demand for precision engineering. GUSTI Tool Works is positioning itself as a leader in precision tooling by focusing on:

• Indigenous production to reduce reliance on imports
• Custom tool manufacturing to cater to the specialized needs of automotive, defence, aerospace, and other key sectors
• Workforce development through internal training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Technology adoption to align with automation, CNC machining, and Industry 4.0 standards
• Sustainability practices that support a circular economy

Through this multi-pronged strategy, GTW aims to not only support the domestic market but also strengthen India's position as a global manufacturing hub.

How are new technologies shaping the future of the manufacturing sector?

Industry 4.0 and beyond is the way to go worldwide. We at GTW have had a digital system which is paperless for all our manufacturing. New technologies like 3D printing, AI, ML, robotics, Industry 4.0, and advanced coatings are shaping the future of manufacturing and the metalworking industry. Automation, data-driven production, and connectivity are now essential for companies looking to stay competitive.

GUSTI Tool Works is responding to these trends by:

• Adopting Hybrid Manufacturing (3D printing + machining) to develop complex custom tools
• Investing in Smart Tools that track tool wear, temperature, and vibration in real time
• Leveraging AI & Machine Learning for predictive maintenance and process optimization
• Robotics-Enabled Production with robotic handling of tool inspection and production
• Focusing on Coatings & Smart Materials to improve tool life and enable dry machining

By embracing these trends, GTW is future-proofing its business while enabling its customers to produce better, faster, and more sustainable products. Let me know if you'd like to expand on any of these points or need a specific emphasis on GTW’s role in these technologies.

What are your growth plans in India?

GUSTI Tool Works (GTW) aims to solidify its position as a leading supplier of globally competitive, precision cutting tools while supporting India's vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub. To achieve this, GTW has outlined strategic growth plans focusing on product expansion, technological advancement, and market leadership.

We plan to diversify the product portfolio by introducing new tools made from advanced materials and customised designs to meet emerging market demands. We are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver high-performance, smart tools that cater to Industry 4.0-enabled manufacturing.

We aim to increase production capacity to meet growing domestic and international demand while supporting India's self-reliance in cutting tools. GTW plans to increase its manufacturing capacity by installing automated production cells and robotic handling systems to enable 24/7 production. GTW aims to adopt fully autonomous production cells where robots handle machining, inspection, and packaging, enabling lights-out production and improving efficiency. GTW plans to modernize its facilities with advanced CNC machines, precision grinding machines, and robotic tool handling systems. GTW is focusing on establishing an advanced R&D centre for testing and developing high-precision tools for aerospace, defence, and other key sectors.

We are also working on building a future-ready workforce with advanced skills in tool design, CNC machining, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

We are also promoting sustainable manufacturing practices to reduce the company’s environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. GTW plans to adopt coating processes that reduce environmental impact (like PVD instead of CVD coatings) and consume less energy. By providing regrinding and re-sharpening services, GTW reduces the number of discarded tools, minimizing waste in the tool life cycle.

GUSTI Tool Works (GTW) is committed to being a globally competitive supplier of precision cutting tools. By focusing on product innovation, technological leadership, and a sustainable production approach, GTW aims to become a leading player in the Indian manufacturing ecosystem. The company’s growth strategy aligns with the "Make in India" initiative, helping India reduce its dependence on imported cutting tools while supporting the nation's mission to become a global manufacturing hub.

With a strong emphasis on R&D, customisation, and technological innovation, GTW is well-positioned to meet the demands of emerging industries like automotive, aerospace, defence, electronics, and medical devices. By offering tailored tool solutions and embracing digital transformation, GTW is poised to lead India's manufacturing sector into a future of precision, productivity, and sustainability.