“These technologies enhance productivity in high-precision moulds, stamping dies, and assemblies, boosting competitiveness amid global shifts,” says Shijesh Kokkodan, Director, MacPro Technologies Pvt Ltd. This interview was taken for DMI 2026.
Which sectors (e.g., Automotive, EVs, Aerospace, Medical, Defence etc.) are driving demand for Dies and Moulds, and what opportunities do they present for the industry?
The auto and medical sectors dominate demand for dies and moulds, with new model launches creating huge potential for tool makers to grab. Complex, precise geometry demands high-end tooling, which is premium and niche in the country, presenting opportunities for advanced manufacturing growth.
How is India’s manufacturing push (e.g., Make in India, China+1) impacting the Die and Mould sector overall?
It should not be seen as an impact, but rather as an opportunity. The key lies in preparing to leverage this opportunity through a realistic assessment of capabilities and capacities
What innovations or technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, automation, AI, simulations) are shaping the competitiveness of the die and mould industry?
Automation supported by AI helps tooling companies make planning efficient, while analysing accounts reveals focus areas. These technologies enhance productivity in high-precision moulds, stamping dies, and assemblies, boosting competitiveness amid global shifts.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the Die and Mould industry into new markets?
Precision manufacturing requires deep-rooted technical know-how. Talking about less than 0.02mm tolerance is not easy; it starts from understanding about dust and cleanliness. So when you are skilled and learned to float, then you have wonderful opportunity with a premium. Talent development is something I am really worried about. The policy and job opportunities in manufacturing sector are not in the interests of youth due to the low prevailing pay scales. This will only change when demand and supply propositions come to lime light.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
Past DMI exhibitions generated good leads converted into opportunities. Hoping for the best in DMI 2026, these events foster networking, collaborations, and business growth in the tooling ecosystem through technology showcases and industry connections.
What makes DMI 2026 a valuable platform for the Die and Mould industry to showcase its strengths to domestic or global customers?
DMI 2026 is one of the largest tooling shows in the country, so it has the charm. It provides a key platform to showcase strengths in precision manufacturing to domestic and global customers effectively.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry?
MacPro Technologies Pvt Ltd specializes in advanced 2K (Two-Shot) Moulds, seamlessly integrating multiple materials, colours, and textures into single components. The capabilities encompass sequential, rotating-platen, and core-back technologies, ensuring precision alignment for overmoulded soft-touch or
dual-material parts. Supporting engineering polymers like TPE, TPU, PC, ABS, Nylon, and blends, ideal for functional aesthetic products, high-strength technical components, sealing, damping, and gripping elements.
In the telecom and networking sector, we deliver high-precision network adaptor and switch child components for mission-critical systems. Strengths include ultra-tight tolerance parts for high-speed data transmission, plastic and metal elements for switches, adaptors, ports, and modules, plus superior surface finish, dimensional stability, and automated quality control. Supported types feature RJ45 mechanical parts, SFP & QSFP housings, high-density connectors, and precision shielding/alignment components.
