For Paul Weaver, the future of manufacturing in India does not begin with robots or massive automated lines. It begins with something far simpler and far more practical.
Speaking at TAGMA 2026, Weaver shifts the conversation away from new product launches and toward a more fundamental change in mindset. In a sector like die and mould, he explains, production is still heavily dependent on human skill. Engineers manually cut, test and refine components in a repetitive cycle, relying on experience as much as technology.
The opportunity, according to him, lies in easing that dependence.
Instead of pushing complex automation, the focus is on what he calls "simple automation." This could be as basic as integrating probes or tool-setting systems directly onto machines. The impact, however, is far from basic. By enabling measurement on the machine itself, manufacturers can avoid removing high-value components for inspection, reducing both time and risk.
This approach is already standard in sectors like aerospace, where the cost and complexity of components demand precision at every stage. Bringing similar practices into die and mould manufacturing could significantly improve efficiency while freeing up skilled engineers to focus on higher-value tasks rather than routine machine handling.
What makes this shift particularly relevant now is the broader global context. Supply chains are under pressure, with rising costs and slower movement of materials affecting businesses worldwide. Weaver acknowledges that these challenges are being felt in India as well, both in manufacturing and trading operations. Yet, he views them as short-term disruptions against a much stronger long-term story.
India, he believes, is entering a pivotal phase. As global companies look to diversify manufacturing beyond traditional hubs, the country is increasingly well positioned to benefit. Investment is flowing into sectors such as aerospace, electronics and precision engineering, signalling a broader revival of manufacturing after decades of focus on services.
At the same time, sustainability is becoming an integral part of this transformation. For Weaver, sustainability is not just about energy or emissions. It starts on the shop floor. Reducing scrap, improving yield and ensuring products are made right the first time can have a significant environmental and economic impact.
In many Indian tool rooms, yield levels are still relatively low compared to global benchmarks. Improving these from around 70 percent to upwards of 90 percent is not just a technical goal, it is a strategic necessity. And once again, the solution circles back to simple automation and real-time measurement.
There is also a broader shift underway in how quality is managed. Instead of relying solely on inspection rooms and coordinate measuring machines, manufacturers are bringing measurement closer to production. This allows errors to be detected immediately, preventing costly rework or scrap later in the process.
For Renishaw, the role is clear. It is not just about supplying technology, but about guiding an industry through a learning curve. Moving from traditional job shop practices to precision-driven manufacturing will take time, but it is a transition that is already underway.
And if this journey has a defining theme, it is this: the future of manufacturing may not always be built on complexity. Sometimes, it begins with doing the simple things right.
