Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy visited HMT Machine Tools Limited (HMT) at Kalamassery and reviewed the plant's manufacturing capabilities and operations during a ministerial inspection. He flagged off an NH Series machine for export to South Africa, a dispatch officials said underlined growing global confidence in India’s indigenous engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Officials noted that HMT has been steadily securing international orders for precision-engineered machine tools and industrial systems, signalling increasing acceptance in overseas markets.

During the visit the minister inspected the Machine Tool Division, Foundry Division and strategic manufacturing sections, observing manufacturing, assembly and testing processes. He witnessed Computer Numerical Control (CNC) systems, precision machine tools, specialised engineering equipment and indigenously developed Sonar Directing Gear systems for naval platforms, and received briefings on quality control and testing regimes. The observations emphasised the plant's role in supplying complex systems for defence and other strategic sectors.

The minister held detailed review meetings with the leadership of HMT, Fluid Control Research Institute (FCRI) and Instrumentation Limited (IL) to assess operational performance and pathways for technology upgradation and modernisation. Discussions addressed innovation-driven growth, enhancing participation in strategic sectors and measures to improve operational efficiency and global competitiveness. Officials outlined plans to strengthen indigenous manufacturing capacity and expand exports while pursuing modernisation of infrastructure.

He engaged with representatives of labour unions and employees' associations, listening to concerns and suggestions relating to employee welfare, modernisation and future growth of the institution. The minister assured continued support for the workforce and reiterated that worker welfare remains central to the success of public sector enterprises. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the government is committed to strengthening public sector undertakings, promoting indigenous technological capabilities and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ViksitBharat2047.