SMS group India (SMI) has proudly announced the launch of its groundbreaking project, SMI 400. The aim of this project is to double the capacity of the Electrics & Automation business area, scaling up from approximately 200 employees to an impressive 400 and thus creating an impressive pool of engineers for SMS group’s global operations. These engineers will be recruited in Gurgaon, Kolkata, and Pune, as well as in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Other satellite offices in Hyderabad and Bhubaneshwar are also in the offing. Space in Gujarat will come with our future manufacturing workshop.

As a ‘Leading Partner in the World of Metals’, SMS group supports steel makers around the world in achieving the required quality, sustainability and safety by utilizing its core competencies in mechanical equipment, electrical systems, automation, and digitalization. Under the X-PACT^® (Process Automation Control Technology) brand name, SMS group offers the full range of systems expertise covering the entire metallurgical process chain. SMS group’s Electrics & Automation unit has more than 1,000 employees at locations in Germany (Düsseldorf, Hilchenbach, and Mönchengladbach), Italy (Milan and Tarcento), Romania (Bucharest), China (Beijing, Tianjin, and Wuhan), the United States (Pittsburgh), and India (Delhi, Kolkata, and Pune). The team is both global and regional at the same time, as they work on projects in their respective region as well as on global projects.  

At the heart of the SMI 400 project lies the mission to cultivate a sustainable talent pool of skilled engineers in this pivotal area. SMS group recognizes the importance of nurturing and empowering the next generation of engineers to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

The journey commenced in 2022 with the addition of 35 skilled professionals, elevating the full-time employee count to 205. This year's objective is even more ambitious, with a keen focus on recruiting and developing a fresh wave of engineers. By investing in substantial training, SMS group is seeking to shape these young talents for their global organization – both in terms of their technological competence as well as our SMS culture and values.

Mr. Sumendra Jain, CFO & Interim CEO of Region APAC & MEA, SMS group India, said, "SMI 400 embodies our unwavering commitment to elevating engineering excellence. We are excited about the potential of nurturing the next generation of engineers, strengthening our capabilities, and fostering stronger connections with our customers worldwide."

With a drive to offer quality services to customers and expand its presence in the region, SMS group will be establishing a new manufacturing plant in Gujarat under the 'Make in India' and 'Make in Gujarat' initiatives. SMI 400 is an integral part of this vision of expanding our capacities in India, specifically in the area of Electrics & Automation. These initiatives demonstrate SMS group's focus in enhancing local manufacturing and promoting competence building in line with the country’s economic goals.

SMS group uses its expertise in digital transformation, sustainable plant technologies, and the circular economy in realizing its mission of #turningmetalsgreen. Built on the corporate values of Act, Share, Care, Innovate and Succeed, SMS group believes in enhancing the workforce, both in numbers and capabilities, through initiatives such as SMI 400, which will drive positive change in the industry.