A delegation of six executives representing five Japanese foundry and specialized trading companies completed a six-day business inspection program in India from July 5 to July 10. This initiative was conducted as part of the Strategic Sourcing Development (SSD) service provided by Kimura Foundry India (KFI), located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The program aimed to provide Japanese executives with an opportunity to directly verify the manufacturing capabilities, supplier infrastructure, and technical standards of local Indian companies (primarily in the foundry industry), serving as a foundation for future strategic sourcing decisions.

■ Inspection Tour Overview
・Cities visited: Delhi, Bengaluru, Belgaum, and Kolhapur (4 cities in total)
・Companies visited: 8 companies in total, including casting manufacturers, HR service providers, and industrial machinery manufacturers.

[Program Overview & Key Outcomes]
During the visits to casting manufacturers, the delegation inspected a wide range of products, including press die castings, machine tool castings, pumps, valves, and engine-related components. Beyond factory tours and reviewing production processes, participants engaged in direct discussions with local management regarding technical requirements, quality control standards, and potential future collaborations.
During the visits to foundry manufacturers, the delegation inspected press die castings, machine tool castings, as well as pump, valve, and engine-related castings. On-site, activities went beyond factory tours and checking production processes; the delegation held direct discussions with local management regarding technical requirements, quality control standards, and potential future collaboration.
Furthermore, on the final day in Delhi, the delegation visited the “Iron Pillar of Delhi,” known for not rusting for over 1,600 years and serving as a historical symbol of metallurgical technology.
Participants gave high ratings, including the following feedback:

・Practical indicators for business planning: Directly observing the actual operations of both mass-production and non-mass-production foundry manufacturers as well as each machining process across multiple regions provided practical indicators for formulating long-term business plans.

・Deep understanding of local business practices: Direct exchange of opinions with local executives led to a concrete understanding of practical operations.

・Smooth execution and stay support: Despite a schedule spanning multiple cities, the tour was completed smoothly to the end thanks to travel schedule adjustments, consideration for meals and accommodations, and local support from KFI staff.

KFI will continue to strongly support the research, evaluation, and establishment of supply chains in India through its “Strategic Sourcing Development (SSD)” service.