Bangalore, 22nd January 2015: The Indian Machine Tool Manufacturer's Association (IMTMA), celebrating its 46th year of IMTEX, inaugurated the 17th edition of South East Asia's largest industrial show IMTEX 2015 and Tooltech 2015, were attended by several illustrious industry professionals at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bangalore.

The seven-day exhibition, to be held between 22nd January and 28th January, 2015, was inaugurated in the presence of Shri G. M. Siddeshwara , Hon'ble Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India, Shri R V Deshpande, Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Ms K Ratnaprabha IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Government of Karnataka, Mr Ajay Shankar, Former Member Secretary, National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC), Mr Tarun Das, Founding Trustee, Ananta Aspen Centre & Former Chief Mentor, Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr Debasish Mallick, Deputy Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India, Mr Jamshyd N Godrej, Chairman, Exhibitions, IMTMA, Mr L Krishnan, President, IMTMA and Vice-President Mr P.G Jadeja.

IMTEX 2015 will showcase an exhaustive range of innovations and technological refinements in the complete product segment of metal-cutting machine tool; while Tooltech 2015 will feature the newest trends in cutting tools and tooling systems from all across globe.

Talking about the latest developments in the industry, Mr Jamshyd N Godrej, Chairman, Exhibitions, IMTMA said, "IMTEX has always been a pioneer when it comes to showcasing the latest technologies and solutions from the global manufacturing industry. This year as well, visitors will get to see some of the emerging trends in 5 Axis machines, Multi Task machines, New Gear Cutting Tools, (New Measuring Methodologies), Force controlled Robots and many more. The exhibition has made several strides and is now a well recognised international platform for the manufacturing industry."

Addressing the occasion, Mr. L Krishnan, President, IMTMA added, IMTEX 2015 is a great enabler of 'Make in India', which showcases technological developments, innovations, etc. IMTEX is the crucial exhibition to propel Indian manufacturing towards productivity and quality and to make Indian manufactured products globally acceptable. IMTEX is a crucial exhibition to propel the Indian manufacturing sector towards productivity and high quality, and to make Indian manufactured products globally acceptable. IMTEX 2015 will also provide a thrust for the 'Make in India' movement and in turn the Indian economy."

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr R V Deshpande, Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, said, "Today we are in a competitive world where the order of the day is quality, human resource and infrastructure. Our Machine Tool industry has a great future... but we have stiff competition from China. In such a scenario, costs will play a huge role and the emphasis has to be on reducing costs and undertaking quality research. Karnataka is a hub for the Machine Tool Industry and we have constituted a unique Industrial policy that supports the sector. We assure manufacturers from across the world that they will receive our wholehearted support and urge them to set up their business in the State."

Mr G M Siddeshwara, Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India said, "IMTEX is a great platform for the Machine Tool Industry where manufacturers from all over the world can showcase their best achievements. The State Government works closely with the IMTMA and other similar bodies to enable growth and provide a positive environment for the Machine Tool Sector. In this regard we are dedicating a sum of Rs 124 crore for the upcoming Machine Tools Park in Karnataka. We are also implementing several other measures like formation of new labour laws and the smooth acquisition of land in the State in order to attract manufacturers and give this crucial sector a much-desired thrust."