Balu Forge Unveils 100 Percent Indigenous Automated Shell Line

Mumbai, India – Balu Forge Industries Ltd, a precision engineering company engaged in the manufacturing of forged and machined components, has commenced operations of its empty shell production line—one of the first 100 percent indigenously built production line in India—at its greenfield manufacturing campus in Belgaum, Karnataka. The line with an annual production capacity of 360,000 shells has an advanced forging and machining line for large-caliber ammunition projectiles. 

The empty shell production line enhances Balu Forge’s capability to deliver advanced machining solutions for critical applications in the defence industry. The company has plans to further expand the production line to meet the global and domestic demand. The entire forging line has achieved near 100 percent automation powered by FANUC Robotics, which makes it one of the most advanced both in India and the global defence manufacturing market. 

The entire production line has been designed in-house. Over 18 machinery manufacturers were involved in designing, developing, and commercializing the 100 percent Make in India production line. The complete forging line is unmanned, and it has been programmed and commissioned in-house with a cycle time of 55 seconds.

This development aligns with Balu Forge’s long-term strategy to expand its precision engineering portfolio across industries and geographies with continued emphasis on supplying fully machined components. This is a part of the company’s plan to commercialize its greenfield facility in Belgaum, Karnataka. In addition, Balu Forge is also working towards rolling out a number of high precision production lines in a phased manner in the near future, driving the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and serving the Indian defence industry. 

Commenting on the commercialization, Trimaan Chandock, Executive Director, Balu Forge, said, “This advanced empty shell production line opens a new category for us, reflecting our outlook to diversify our capability in the large caliber ammunition projectile category, servicing not only 155 mm empty shells but also 120 mm, 105 mm, 81 mm, etc., amongst others. It is an important milestone for us, as our 100 percent indigenously developed production line is driven by advanced automation technology. The complete forging production line is unmanned, representing an important technological achievement for both our company and the Indian defence industry. This is only the first phase of our long-term vision to grow our contribution to the Indian defence production. We will continue to expand our production capability with high-precision offerings, going forward.”

Image Source: Balu Forge Industries Ltd