LMW: Legacy and Capabilities in Defence Manufacturing

By Editor 12-Apr-2018

LMW is a conglomerate that had a turnover of USD 375 million in the year 2016-17. Decades of resilient growth, sustained investments and relevant research and development (R&D) have made LMW a powerhouse of manufacturing for the globe, backed by strong technological competence and an able workforce, says Soundhar Rajhan K, Director – Operations, LMW

Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd (LMW) is a diversified business group that was founded in 1962 by Cavalier Sri G K Devarajulu in Coimbatore. It started with a vision to indigenously manufacture and supply textile spinning machinery to Indian mills. Today, LMW is a conglomerate that had a turnover of USD 375 million in the year 2016-17. Decades of resilient growth, sustained investments and relevant research and development (R&D) have made LMW a powerhouse of manufacturing for the globe, backed by strong technological competence and an able workforce.

Advanced Technology Centre (ATC)

LMW established Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) in 2010 to cater to the growing requirements of the global Aerospace industry. ATC manufactures components, sub-assemblies and assemblies for the Aerospace industry, with a focus on engine and structural sub-assemblies. ATC has precision facilities for all processes, and its Quality Assurance is backed by class-leading certifications such as AS9100D, and NADCAP. LMW ATC employs NDT-certified NAS410 Level 3 personnel who work to satisfy customer-specific requirements for special processes. Among LMW ATC’s prestigious clients are Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO), Pratt & Whitney America, Hamilton Sundstrand, Fokker, Dassault Aviation, and Honeywell.

An Advanced Composites manufacturing facility is now under commissioning at ATC. This facility will address the manufacture of composites and hybrid structures and parts for Aerospace application.

Lakshmi Technologies and Engineering Industries Ltd. (LTE)

LMW LTE was established in 2004, to focus on high precision manufacturing, assemblies and sub-assemblies for Aerospace and Defence applications.

LTE makes critical products such as solenoids, control valves, torque motors, gear head motors, actuators, pressure sensors and fluid control components that are supplied to DRDO, ISRO, and public-sector companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). LMW LTE also exports to global companies in Defence and Aerospace applications.

LTE has built expertise in engineering the manufacturing process of electro-mechanical assemblies that realises complex and precision designs. The manufactured assemblies are qualified to function reliably under harsh environment of space and defence systems.

Machine Tools Division (MTD)

To diversify operations, LMW collaborated with Japan’s Mori Seiki Co. Ltd to establish the Machine Tools Division in 1988, which is the first-of-its-kind plant in India that manufactures CNC lathes, machining centres, and other machine tools. Till date, LMW MTD has supplied more than 14,000 CNC lathes and machining centres to a wide customer base. In addition to several technology partnerships to upgrade its offerings, LMW MTD has developed its indigenous research capabilities with focus and dedication.

In the hugely segmented Indian market for CNC machines, where many established and emerging companies vie for a market share, LMW occupies a special place in the country because of its quality, reliability, easiest-to-use machines range, best value for money and responsive customer support.

Today, LMW MTD makes turning, milling, and turnmill machines in a wide variety of configurations to cater to various segments, including the multiple, exacting demands of the Defence manufacturing sector. LMW’s range of CNC machines are now in use at Ordnance Factories, ISRO and DRDO. In addition, LMW MTD also undertakes automation and turnkey solutions, and provides specialized installation of robotic automation and gantry automation configurations to suit the special needs of the manufacturing installations including Ordnance Factories.

Foundry Division (FDY)

 A state-of-the-art Foundry Division was established in 1993. The foundry that covers more than 16,000 sq. m. built-up area manufactures ductile iron and grey iron castings according to customer demands using the unique ‘No Bake’ Process. The foundry is equipped with vacuum emission spectrometer, image analyser, metallurgical microscope, mechanical testing instruments, and non-destructive testing (NDT) facilities. All its world-class facilities are certified by DB (German Railway), ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 for quality and environmental management systems. LMW Foundry supplies engine blocks, parts for highway vehicles, windmill, automobile transmission systems and parts for off road vehicles.