Japan’s Forming Technology Targets India

The Japan Forming Machinery Association (JFMA) views IMTEX FORMING 2026 as an ideal platform for gaining market insights, forming partnerships, and aligning its technologies with India’s manufacturing growth.

JFMA views IMTEX FORMING 2026 as a strategic opportunity for its members to assess India’s growing forming technology market. Yuki Nagata, Department Manager, Japan Forming Machinery Association, confirmed that “approximately 20 to 25 JFMA-affiliated companies will participate” in the exhibition, adding that “around 10 of these companies already operate through local subsidiaries in India.”

Sharing his expectations, he noted, “We hope JFMA members will leverage the event to gain insight into the growing Indian market and better understand the current market situation.” He added that this understanding would help companies “make informed decisions to enter the market or expand their presence” in India.

Key Technology Shifts in Japan’s Forming Sector

Commenting on current developments in Japan, he outlined three major shifts shaping the Metal Forming and Sheet Metal sector. “The most important changes and innovations today are the promotion of DX and GX,” he said, referring to digital transformation (DX) and green transformation (GX) initiatives across manufacturing operations.

He also pointed to the growing role of automation linked to the automotive transition. “We are seeing sales expansion of automatic systems that support the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles,” he noted. In addition, he identified the adoption of physical artificial intelligence in manufacturing systems (AI) as another key driver of sales growth.

Supporting Sustainable Manufacturing in India

JFMA also highlighted its role in promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. He explained that the association has been operating the MF Eco Machine Certification Program since 2009, with the aim of encouraging the development of environmentally friendly products and reducing environmental impact.

“This is a system under which member companies’ products are inspected, certified, registered, and published according to the MF Eco Machine Certification Standards,” he said. “The certification process is overseen by a dedicated council and includes the participation of external experts.”

“There are two systems with standards for energy-saving reduction rates of 25 percent or more and 40 percent or more compared to conventional machines,” he shared. The association hopes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by introducing these eco-products to the Indian market.

Japan–India Trade in Forming Machinery

Addressing trade figures, Nagata clarified the association’s scope, “The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) is responsible for machine tools, while we are in charge of metal forming and sheet metal machinery.”

He shared that exports from JFMA member companies to India remain steady. “Exports to India in fiscal year 2024 will be approximately US$ 90 million,” he said, noting that the value is calculated at an exchange rate of 155 yen per dollar.

Japan Forming Machinery Association (JFMA)
www.j-fma.or.jp/en/overview
Hall & Stall: 5/C-168