The shift toward automated manufacturing processes is revolutionising the industry. Technologies like machine tool probing systems, in-process gauging, and tool monitoring are critical for achieving precision, efficiency, and real-time process control. Our solutions are designed to enable manufacturers to reduce human intervention, minimise downtime, and enhance productivity, says, Sanjay Sangam, Head- Sales and Marketing India, Renishaw Metrology Systems Ltd in dialogue with Rakesh Rao.

Like every global business, the machine tool industry is expanding, new investments are flowing in and both the domestic and export markets are seeing significant demand. Renishaw is at the heart of this growth, actively supporting the precision manufacturing sector.  We see continued demand for better efficiency, flexibility and reduced wastage in manufacturing processes, which is driving the trend towards shop-floor automation of process control. 

We are a manufacturing technology powerhouse, developing and expanding into new, close-adjacent markets. We are solving customer problems with innovative products, delivered through world-class in-house manufacturing at UK and global service. Our portfolio includes market-leading sensors, which we are augmenting with a growing range of high-value systems products, enabled by innovative software. Firstly, the rapid industrialisation and modernisation of various sectors have created a need for advanced manufacturing technologies and precision engineering solutions. Additionally, the Indian government's initiatives to boost local manufacturing and infrastructure development have further fuelled this demand.

For 50+ years of Renishaw’s innovative solutions have been spearheading in extensive industries to demonstrate technologies that help increase manufacturing productivity, eliminate user error and improve production processes. 

India’s transition towards electric vehicles (EVs), the push for sustainability, and the demand for improved fuel efficiency are key growth drivers. There are multiple applications for our products in this sector as manufacturers rely on precision parts and automated processes to help them achieve performance targets. Automotive customers are also looking for products to help reduce manufacturing costs and manage the rapid evolution of component design.

The use of electronics, sensors and displays is rising in both the electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) markets. Our products are used throughout EV manufacture and offer our customers significant benefits in productivity and quality. For example, our REVO and Equator products are used to inspect EV motors, and our position measurement devices are used in highly automated EV battery assembly.

India's railway sector is undergoing modernisation with high-speed trains and infrastructure upgrades. Renishaw’s precision measurement systems support the production of critical components with enhanced safety and reliability.

With initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, there is a growing emphasis on domestic manufacturing in defence and aerospace. Our heritage lies in the aerospace business and, 50 years later, efficiency and safety remain this industry's key drivers. Our customers are looking for greater fuel efficiency, lighter components and ways to reduce costs. The fall in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic has eased, and there are significant order backlogs and strong global demand for fuel-efficient, narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft.

Our products are used throughout the aerospace and defence sector. The manufacture and assembly of engines, wings, control systems and landing gear rely on process control and post-process inspection using our products. Our systems enable manufacturers to carry out repeatable, traceable and efficient processes to the tightest tolerances.

With consumers expecting increasingly lightweight and compact products with more features, greater reliability, and longer battery life, regular updates and upgrades are required faster than ever before. Our consumer electronics customers therefore demand flexible manufacturing systems that can adapt to shorter product life cycles, yet still deliver high-quality, high-volume components. Consumer electronics is one of our largest sectors and includes products such as mobile phones and flat panel displays. The introduction of new generations of electronic devices will be key drivers for future growth.

Renishaw at IMTEX 2025 is coming with a theme ‘Automation for Everyone’, which aims to make advanced automation technologies accessible to a wide range of manufacturers, from small job shops to large production line. We will introduce the Smart Manufacturing Data Platform: Renishaw Central and the world’s smallest wireless probe for machine tools: RMP24-micro. And the latest solutions, including the newly launched metrology fixtures, as well as the comprehensive range of Machine Tool, Styli, CMM, Equator, and Encoder solutions. 

The range of process control solutions are designed to support the growing emphasis on lean manufacturing. The innovative technologies include pre-process machine calibration and both online and offline post-process measurements. Visitors can experience the live demonstrations, get hands-on with the newest technology and speak directly with Renishaw’s team experts in hall 4A, booth B101 from to January 23 to 29, 2025.

The machine tools industry is experiencing transformative changes driven by several key technologies, and Renishaw is at the forefront of helping manufacturers adapt to these trends. Also, we’re seeing a general trend towards more automation and ‘smart’ factories across all our sectors. 

Digital technologies are transforming the industrial sector, enabling manufacturers like us to embrace data-driven manufacturing. Renishaw systems collect data to identify where processes can be improved and, ultimately, to maximise profitability. End-to-end process data capture provides insights for analysing and improving manufacturing processes. Predict, identify, and correct process errors before they happen.

The shift toward automated manufacturing processes is revolutionising the industry. Technologies like machine tool probing systems, in-process gauging, and tool monitoring are critical for achieving precision, efficiency, and real-time process control. Renishaw’s solutions are designed to enable manufacturers to reduce human intervention, minimise downtime, and enhance productivity.

We make products that support this trend, like our Renishaw Central software platform, which connects measurement machines and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines to improve the automation of process control. 

Renishaw believes that our purpose is incredibly relevant in today’s environment where the pace of change in technology is faster than ever. The uniqueness in being able to offer a full range of products across metal-cutting production system, enable intelligent decision-making, a crucial part of Industry 4.0. by providing equipment for machine calibration, on-machine measurement, off-machine gauging and verification that can build the required quality into the process. 

India presents a highly promising market for Renishaw, driven by its swift industrial growth, an increasing emphasis on manufacturing quality, and the integration of advanced technologies in vital sectors. Government initiatives are significantly boosting local manufacturing, creating vast opportunities for our solutions in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, defence, railways, and medical devices.

In India, Renishaw has made significant investments in technology centre and offices including major hubs in Pune, Bengaluru, Vadodara, Gurugram and Chennai. These centres are crucial for customer demonstrations, training, and application development, reflecting Renishaw’s commitment to supporting local industries.

Visitors to our centres can view demonstrations of Renishaw’s extensive product portfolio, including its advanced metrology equipment for process control applications, such as the EquatorTM flexible gauge and scanning systems for CNC machine tools. The new facilities are crucial to keep up with the country's industrial growth and continue to expand our customer base. 

Also, from the point of view of growth, we want to continue expanding our customer relationships to help us prioritise future investment in research and development. These longstanding relationships have been particularly helpful in defining our future product roadmaps. As our measurement technologies become more advanced, process control becomes more integrated into manufacturing processes, and we provide more holistic solutions, we expect to work even more closely with our customers. The integration of Renishaw's smart manufacturing technologies adds value throughout the product lifecycle of a CNC machine tool. It helps OEMs to differentiate their value proposition to end-user customers.

As IMTEX 2025 is just around the corner, we at Renishaw are excited to invite you to one of the most groundbreaking events in the manufacturing sector. This year, our theme, ‘Automation for everyone,’ embodies our goal of making advanced metrology solutions available to job shops to production line - manufacturers of all sizes. 

We encourage you to stop by Hall 4A, booth B101 to witness the future of manufacturing up close. Explore how our smart manufacturing, process automation, and digitalisation solutions can enhance your precision, efficiency, and productivity. IMTEX is more than just an event—it’s a hub for collaboration and innovation. It’s a place where industries unite to expand the limits of what’s achievable. 

At Renishaw, we are dedicated to equipping industries with state-of-the-art technologies that facilitate quality production for manufacturers, data-driven decision-making and smooth automation. Let’s work together to shape the future of manufacturing. Looking forward to seeing you at IMTEX 2025!