The workshops in Germany, China, the US, Italy, and India form our global production network. They work together to maximize efficiency and quality. By collaborating in key areas, we can leverage our global presence to serve regional markets effectively.
The Bhubaneswar workshop opened its doors in November 2014, marking a significant milestone in the Indian manufacturing sector. This state-of-the-art facility not only supports the Indian Government's ambitious ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in Odisha’ initiatives but also represents a substantial investment in the region's industrial capabilities. Located in the industrially vibrant Khurda and Mancheswar regions of Bhubaneswar, the workshop sprawls over a total area of more than 120,000 square meters, with a dedicated production area of about 27,000 square meters. By making an initial investment of over 50 million euros in the workshop, we have achieved a plant capacity of 688,000 hours per year and are aiming to bring this up to an impressive one million hours in the coming years.
The Bhubaneswar workshop's strategic placement near key transportation routes makes it an indispensable manufacturing and servicing hub for esteemed clients such as Tata Steel, Jindal Steel, SAIL, and Hindalco. Its proximity to customers ensures swift and efficient service delivery, reinforcing its position as a central pillar in the region's industrial landscape.
The workshop boasts an impressive array of production capabilities including advanced welding, precision machining, assembly, and the repair and refurbishment of industrial components. It has a diverse product portfolio that includes metallurgical plants, refurbishment services for steel and ironmaking products, water-cooled parts, and critical equipment for various non-steel industries.
Achievements and certifications
The workshop's commitment to manufacturing excellence has not gone unnoticed. It has been the recipient of several accolades, including VDMA's Manufacturing Excellence Awards in 2019 and 2020, recognition for the ‘Most Sustainable & Innovative Manufacturing Practices’, as well as ‘Top Most Leader in Manufacturing’ by World Manufacturing Congress & Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The Bhubaneswar workshop has met and surpassed international standards, earning it an impressive list of certifications:
- Integrated Management System (IMS)
- DIN EN ISO 3834-2 for quality requirements in welding
- IBR certification for boiler and pressure vessel components
- ISO 9712-2 for non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection
Making footprints in India and the global market
SMS India's collaboration with Tata Steel has been recognized with awards and led to innovative supply chain solutions such as the Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system. Our Bhubaneshwar workshop also manufactures components for international projects. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, for example, it delivered caster equipment to Nucor, USA.
The workshop in Bhubaneswar was also certified to manufacture water-cooled elements, including combustion chambers, conduits, and rotating joints for the H2 Green Steel project, all in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED).
The implementation of the 'Quality Circle' concept has led to significant improvements in production capacity and recognition at national and international quality forums.
New workshop in Sanand, Gujarat
Sanand in Gujarat will soon be home to a new production workshop aimed at bolstering the manufacture of key equipment designated for international markets. The facility will focus on production lines and rolling mills for flat products and long products as well as on forging plants. It will also cater to the Western Indian demographic by providing customized repair, refurbishment, and servicing solutions. Influential clientele including AM/NS India and JSW are already involved, and future investments by corporations like Posco and Adani are expected to be transformative for the industry in Western India.
The commencement of commercial operations is scheduled for mid-2025. Despite certain challenges, India's market potential, cost-effective operations, regulatory enhancements, skilled labor, and strategic geographic positioning collectively create a business-friendly environment. This is conducive to fostering sustainable expansion and enhancing India's stature in the global market.
The workshop will initially employ 500 individuals, with future capacity to increase this to more than 1,000 in direct employment, plus an additional 1,000+ roles indirectly. Collaboration with vocational training initiatives and academic institutions is essential to satisfy the sector's skill requirements. A horizontal deployment strategy is in place for the workforce, incorporating practical training into our manufacturing protocols and systems.
The investment for this initiative starts at 25 million euros, with a strategic plan to increase this figure to 40 million euros, proportional to the growth in production capacity. SMS group's venture has received backing from the Gujarat state government as well as the national government, resonating with development programs such as 'Make in India' and 'Vibrant Gujarat'.