
32 Annual Report 2023-24
Ramkrishna Forgings Limited Standalone FinancialsBoard & Management Report Consolidated Financials
108-1832-107 184-269
Source: Business Today, Mint, PIB
https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy/story/retail-inflation-
remained-above-4-in-fy24-eases-to-485-in-march-425353-2024-04-12
https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-fails-to-make-substantial-
export-gains-in-the-us-and-europe-in-fy24-11713521090273.html
https://www.livemint.com/economy/moodys-upgrades-indias-fy24-
gdp-growth-forecast-to-8-11709830535689.html
Indian Forging Sector
The Indian forging industry is pivotal in driving the nation's
economic growth. With a rich history stretching back to ancient
times, forging in India has evolved into a robust and dynamic
industrial sector, embracing modern technologies and practices.
The sector comprises approximately 400 units, primarily situated
in India's western and northern regions. Annually, it churns
out approximately 2.2 million metric tonnes, commanding a
significant 7.8% share of the global market second only to China.
Its significance lies in providing essential components and
contributing to employment generation and skill development
across the country.
In recent times, the ‘China plus one’ strategy, coupled with
escalating energy expenses in Europe, has propelled the
prospects for Indian players. Over the next three years, the
industry anticipates expanding its capacity to produce between
3.5 and 4 million tonnes.
Traditionally, the industry catered to the automotive industry,
with automobiles forming 80% of the total orders. However, with
changing circumstances, the industry is venturing into defence,
aerospace and railways. It is looking forward to realigning itself
with 60% auto and 40% non-auto customers by 2030.
Currently 35% of India's forged products go to export markets a
figure projected to rise as demand escalates from North America
and Europe. Forecasts indicate that the industry is poised for a
growth rate of approximately 10-15% over the next seven years.
The Indian forging industry stands at an important juncture of
its next growth phase. Besides expanding capacity, upgrading
technology and automation levels in production should be the
priority for the industry, which needs to be on par with global
standards.
Moreover, developing capabilities for new materials like
aluminium and disruptive technologies like additive
manufacturing should also be very important for the industry.
Additionally, as India marches towards becoming an economic
superpower and a global manufacturing hub, Government
initiatives like the ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, and PLI schemes are
aiding the growth of the Indian forging industry.
Furthermore, in the interim budget 2024, an infrastructure outlay
of more than `11 lakh crore was allocated for FY25 by the Indian
Government compared to `10 lakh core in FY24.
This capital expenditure will be allocated to diverse programs
focusing on energy, minerals, port connectivity and railways.
Forged components are pivotal in these projects as foundational
elements in structures such as bridges, buildings, and pipelines.
By enhancing structural integrity and longevity, these
components contribute significantly to the durability and
reliability of infrastructure systems.
The Indian forging industry has transitioned from a labour-
intensive setup to a capital-intensive manufacturing sector. With
an installed capacity of approximately 38.5 lakh MT, the industry
can forge a wide array of raw materials, including carbon steel,
alloy steel, stainless steel, super alloy, titanium and aluminium.
Notably Indian forging companies have invested substantially in
plant and machinery amounting to ` 27,833 Crore. The industry's
capacity is categorised into very large, large, medium, small and
very small units, with a majority comprising small and very small
units.
Geographical Distribution and Concentration: Forging
clusters are strategically located around end-user customer
locations, with major hubs in the states of Maharashtra, Punjab,
Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, Jharkhand, West
Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu,
Haryana, Jharkhand and Delhi host significant forging activities,
fostering regional economic development and employment
opportunities.
Embracing the paradigm of Industry 4.0, key players in the
Indian forging industry are leveraging advanced digitalisation
technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity. Industry
4.0 represents a new phase of manufacturing characterised by
enhanced connectivity, processing power and data analytics.
The Indian forging industry embodies resilience, adaptability
and innovation, which are pivotal in driving economic growth
and industrial development. With its technical expertise,
geographical spread and strategic investments, the industry is
poised to capitalise on emerging opportunities while addressing
challenges posed by market dynamics and external disruptions.
Embracing digitalisation and diversification, the Indian forging
sector is charting a course towards sustainable growth and global
competitiveness in the evolving manufacturing landscape.
The US Truck and Bus Sector
The US trucking industry plays a vital role in the logistics sector,
facilitating the transportation of goods and commodities across
various points in the supply chain.
The US trucking market is witnessing significant growth, driven
by several prominent trends. Shared freight services, which
consolidate shipments from multiple shippers in a single truck,
are gaining popularity for their cost-saving and efficiency
benefits. The growth of e-commerce, rapid urbanisation and
increased trading activities are key market growth drivers. The
convenience of online retailing is boosting demand for trucking
services, particularly for last-mile delivery.
US commercial vehicles are classified into various classes based
on their weight. For example, light-duty trucks are categorised
within classes 1 and 2, while medium-duty trucks are designated
within classes 3 to 6. The heavier end of the spectrum,
encompassing heavy-duty trucks, is represented by classes 7
and 8.
Management Discussion & Analysis