The story
Rajkot's machine tool makers grew out of the same workshop culture that built engines and pumps, first making simple lathes for local job shops. Over time they moved to NC and CNC machines and began exporting to other developing markets. UNIDO and CMTI support helped the cluster set up a shared lab and study machine makers abroad.
In numbers
The machine tool cluster had 325 units, Rs 800 crore turnover, Rs 60 crore exports and 10,000 workers (district profile 2012-13).
Brief Industrial Profile of Rajkot District 2012-13 (MSME-DI Rajkot, Ministry of MSME) · 2013
Ways in for a newcomer
- Making machine tool spares and accessories
- Retrofit and repair of old machines
- CNC programming and operator training
- Dealing in machine tools for small workshops
Problems the cluster faces
- Labour shortage
- Need for better technology and design
- Competition from imported machines
Businesses to start here
CNC Engineering Workshop (Precision Job Work) →CNC Programming and Prototyping Service →Hydraulic Press and Shearing Machine Manufacturing →Tool Room for Sheet Metal Dies →