In recent years, Grind Master has diversified its export profile to developed countries like Japan, Germany, and the USA, where we have successfully installed custom-built solutions for advanced applications in the automotive, aerospace, and heavy engineering industries. Our philosophy, ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, is focused on building globally recognised competence in innovation and quality, says, Sameer Kelkar, CEO and R&D Head, Grind Master Machines Pvt Ltd in conversation with Rakesh Rao.

FY24 was a successful year for Grind Master, and FY25 has been stable so far. Grind Master is in the process of transforming its business into a specialised precision finishing enterprise. We have been focusing on developing new products for precision superfinishing, such as bearing finishing. As these products are launched, validated, and gain a strong reputation, we are confident that our business is set to grow in the coming years.

Simultaneously, we have been consciously moving away from certain product lines, such as cookware polishing and robotic finishing. While these were breakthrough technologies, they are no longer part of our future plans. We are licensing or transferring these product lines to capable companies to carry forward their legacy.

Grind Master’s business is strongly export-driven, with over 50% of its revenue coming from it. We have been present in China since 2010, with more than 250 machines deployed across the automotive and earthmover industries for specialised finishing. Our microfinishing machines exported to China compete with German and Japanese companies based on technology. The wide acceptance of our solutions is attributed to the company’s strong quality culture and process innovation.

In recent years, we have diversified our export profile to developed countries like Japan, Germany, and the USA, where we have successfully installed custom-built solutions for advanced applications in the automotive, aerospace, and heavy engineering industries. Our philosophy, ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, is focused on building globally recognised competence in innovation and quality.

There is a paradigm shift in the automotive powertrain sector. Conventional internal combustion engines (ICEs) are being replaced with hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Rotating shafts are common to all these technologies, and the demand for precision finishing is even greater for hybrids and EVs due to their faster rotational speeds. However, this industry is undergoing substantial transformation.

Across the manufacturing sector, there is a growing realisation of the value of microfinishing and superfinishing technology in enhancing performance. Improvements in fuel efficiency, noise reduction, and durability all result from finer finishes. Our technology is witnessing growing applications not only in automotive but also in hydraulics, agricultural equipment, aerospace, and motion products. Components in relative motion with other components fall into two categories—those that are superfinished today and those that will be superfinished tomorrow.

Electric vehicles are no longer just an emerging sector. EV transmissions require fine finishing, and we collaborate with leading automotive companies globally to achieve high-performance finishes.

Emerging fields such as aerospace, electronics, and renewable energy also offer promising opportunities, and our machines are already finding applications in these sectors. However, specialised technologies for strategic industries require investment in R&D and supportive conditions from the user industry. In India, these conditions are often lacking, which contributes to reliance on imported technologies in these sectors.

Hybrids and EVs are having a tremendous impact on the Indian machine tools industry. Due to our presence in international markets, we have been exposed to the effects of EV adoption for several years and are well-prepared for this transition.

Leveraging machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial for every machine tool company today. Grind Master has developed an ML platform specifically for finishing processes, which we are showcasing at IMTEX.

Indian manufacturing continues to import nearly 50% of its machine tool requirements. Some imports, particularly general-purpose machines, come from China, whose products are becoming more refined. Others, especially specialised machines, are imported from countries like Germany and Japan.

To compete successfully, the Indian machine tools industry must focus on innovation, quality improvement, and support from both the Indian manufacturing sector and the government. As the backbone of manufacturing, the Indian machine tools industry—built by passionate pioneers—needs nurturing to become a global leader.

Grind Master is launching several innovative technologies at IMTEX 2025. One of the highlights is our bearing superfinishing machines, a technology that has traditionally been imported for high-quality bearing production. We have developed a range of machines, including bearing roller superfinishing and raceway superfinishing. The technology for raceway superfinishing for spherical ball bearings has been developed in collaboration with IIT Madras and will be launched at IMTEX.

I first attended IMTEX in 2004 and visited EMO Hanover in 2007. Back then, the difference in outlook between the Indian and European machine tool industries was stark. Today, I can confidently say the gap has narrowed significantly. The Indian machine tools industry is innovating and building successful products that make India proud globally.

To those who view Indian machine tools with skepticism, I say, come to IMTEX. Shed this colonial hangover, open your eyes and hearts, and witness the passionate innovation and excellence of Indian machine tools.

We are restructuring Grind Master into a precision finishing solution provider with the ambition of delivering advanced superfinishing solutions to the world. Our vision of becoming a global technology leader will be realised when we establish ourselves as a trusted partner in developed markets. This is the mission we are diligently working toward.