Balu Forge Launches India's First 100% Indigenously Built, FANUC-Powered Shell Line

Delivers 360,000 shells annually, powered by near-100% automation and FANUC Robotics.

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 $\text{100%}$ indigenously built production lines in India—at its greenfield manufacturing campus in Belgaum, Karnataka. This move significantly bolsters the nation’s defence manufacturing capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

The line, which boasts an annual production capacity of $\text{360,000}$ shells, features an advanced forging and machining line specifically designed for large calibre ammunition projectiles. This capability is critical to enhancing Balu Forge’s ability to deliver advanced machining solutions for critical applications within the defence industry. The company has plans to further expand the production line capacity to meet escalating global and domestic demand.

Advanced Automation and FANUC Robotics Integration (H2)

A key differentiator for this new facility is the level of automation achieved. The entire forging line has achieved near $\text{100%}$ automation powered by FANUC Robotics, which makes it one of the most advanced both in India and the global defence manufacturing market.

• Engineering Milestone: The entire production line was designed in-house, demonstrating profound local engineering expertise.

• Collaborative Development: Over $\text{18}$ machinery manufacturers were involved in designing, developing, and commercialising the $\text{100%}$ Make in India production line.

• Unmanned Operation: The complete forging line is unmanned and has been programmed and commissioned in-house with a rapid cycle time of $\text{55}$ seconds, ensuring high-speed, high-precision output.

Strategic Expansion in Precision Engineering (H2)

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 critical part of the Company’s plan to commercialise 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, further driving the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and serving the Indian defence industry.

Commenting on the commercialisation, Trimaan Chandock, Executive Director at 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 calibre ammunition projectile category servicing not only $\text{155 mm}$ empty shells but also $\text{120 mm}$, $\text{105 mm}$, $\text{81 mm}$, etc., amongst others. It is an important milestone for us, as our $\text{100%}$ 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.”