Balu Forge Industries Limited has commenced operations of an automated empty shell production line at its greenfield manufacturing campus in Belgaum, Karnataka. The line has an annual production capacity of 360,000 shells and includes an advanced forging and machining line for large calibre ammunition projectiles.
The production line is one of the first fully indigenously built systems of its kind in India and has been designed in-house. The company stated that the forging line is near fully automated through FANUC Robotics and operates unmanned with a programmed cycle time of 55 seconds. Over 18 machinery manufacturers contributed to designing, developing and commercialising the line.
The company added that the new facility strengthens its ability to supply machining solutions for defence applications and that it plans to expand the line to meet domestic and global demand. The development forms part of its broader strategy to commercialise the Belgaum facility and introduce additional high-precision production lines in phases.
“This advanced empty shell production line opens a new category for us, reflecting our outlook to diversify our capability in the large calibre 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% 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,” said Trimaan Chandock, Executive Director at Balu Forge.
Balu Forge Industries Limited manufactures forged and machined components ranging from 1 kilogram to 1,500 kilograms and up to 3 metres in length for applications across sectors including automotive, industrial vehicles, earthmoving equipment, wind energy, aerospace, defence, oil and gas, railways, marine and agriculture. Its Belgaum operations include fully integrated forging and machining facilities spread over more than 46 acres.