“With the “Make in India” initiative and the China+1 strategy, more and more investments are taking place in the Indian manufacturing sector, and the cascading effect can be clearly seen in the tooling industry. Currently, per-person consumption of plastic in India stands at approximately 12 to 12.5 kilograms, which is significantly lower compared to other developed countries. With the rapid rise in per-person plastic consumption in India, there appears to be a significant opportunity for the tooling industry to attract investments that will drive further growth,” says Harshit Shah, Director, Vijaydeep Mould Accessories 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?
We can certainly see positive and ongoing growth in the Indian Tool Room Industry. We are able to witness the transformation from conventional manufacturing to precision and process-driven manufacturing. With the Government pushing the “Make in India” project and the global industry looking for China +1 options, there is a large demand for tooling associated with the automotive, EV, healthcare, electronics, and defence sectors.
However, the industry faces challenges. A sharp increase in plastic raw material prices due to the current geopolitical situation, along with a shortage of skilled labour and a high percentage of dependency on imported tools, poses a real challenge to the Indian Tool Room Industry.
Which sectors (e.g., automotive, EVs, aerospace, medical) are driving demand for dies and moulds, and what opportunities do they present for the industry?
The Indian tooling industry is largely driven by the rapid growth of the automotive and EV sectors, which create significant demand for specialized tooling. In addition, defence, semiconductor, electronics, irrigation, medical, white goods manufacturing, and toy manufacturing industries each present unique opportunities for the design and development of tooling tailored to their respective requirements.
How is India’s manufacturing push (e.g., Make in India, China+1) impacting the die and mould sector overall?
With the “Make in India” initiative and the China+1 strategy, more and more investments are taking place in the Indian manufacturing sector, and the cascading effect can be clearly seen in the tooling industry. Currently, per-person consumption of plastic in India stands at approximately 12 to 12.5 kilograms, which is significantly lower compared to other developed countries. With the rapid rise in per-person plastic consumption in India, there appears to be a significant opportunity for the tooling industry to attract investments that will drive further growth.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the die and mould industry into new markets?
Precision manufacturing helps the toolroom industry move upwards in the global supply chain by transforming itself from a low-cost manufacturing base into high-precision manufacturing, thereby securing better value and margins for the industry. It also allows the industry to create better opportunities for upcoming talent.
Initiatives such as the use of 3D printing, IoT devices, and Industry 4.0 projects are transforming the toolroom industry from traditional labour-intensive processes into smart, data-driven manufacturing.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
DMI acts as a singular platform for the entire industry to represent itself at the global level, showcasing the industry’s worldwide reach. It serves as a catalyst between mould makers, moulding companies, and global OEMs. Specifically, our company Vijaydeep has consistently generated positive results from this exhibition, which has also served as a unique learning experience.
What makes DMI 2026 a valuable platform for the die and mould industry to showcase its strengths to domestic or global customers?
DMI 2026 provides the best platform for the Indian tool room industry to showcase its capabilities to global OEMs who are actively looking for alternate sources. It also offers the industry an opportunity to upgrade knowledge, enhance skills, and strengthen networking all at the same platform. DMI 2026 will guide the industry in the right direction, creating better opportunities for the future.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry?
At DMI 2026, we will be the first Indian company to introduce an “Online Ordering System,” which has the potential to change the fundamentals of the industry. Registered customers can become part of Vijaydeep’s ecosystem, where they can download 3D designs, simulations, and catalogs, as well as generate quotations and order products online. This will serve as a significant time-saving tool for an industry that is always running short of time.
With the help of our online ordering system, we are able to bring our products directly to every customer’s doorstep. This marks a remarkable change in our current way of working, as we take a decisive step toward a future-ready market.
