Smart Manufacturing Takes Centre Stage at ACMA THINK TURF 2025 in Chennai

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May 2025 : The 3rd Edition of ACMA - Automotive Smart Manufacturing THINK TURF 2025, powered by Pro MFG Media, successfully concluded on May 16, 2025, at Le Royal Meridien, Chennai, drawing an engaged audience of over 185 industry professionals. With the central theme, "Accelerating Future Responses to Next-Generation Vehicles", the conference brought together thought leaders, technocrats, and decision-makers to delve into the transformative potential of smart manufacturing within the automotive sector.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Chris Saravanan, Regional Secretary (Southern Region – India), ACMA, thanked all speakers, delegates, and partners for their enthusiastic participation. He reiterated ACMA's commitment to fostering innovation and capability-building within India’s auto component ecosystem.

The day commenced with a CXO Power Breakfast presented by Rockwell Automation, followed by a high-impact keynote address by Dr. K. Subramanian, Senior Vice President at Ashok Leyland. Dr. Subramanian’s insights on the resilience and efficiency of smart manufacturing set the tone for a day of deep discussion and collaboration.

A notable highlight was the Fireside Chat titled "Transforming Workforce Strategies for the Smart Manufacturing Era", powered by UKG. This session explored how HR and plant leaders can align workforce strategies with digital transformation goals, tackling themes like operational efficiency, employee well-being, and productivity.

Throughout the day, industry leaders shared best practices and real-world use cases across a series of panel discussions and technology presentations.

● The first panel, “Driving Manufacturing Transformation: Strategies for Success,” focused on enhancing operational agility through digitalization and building collaborative, future-ready supply chains.
● The second panel, “Advanced Factory Management and Optimization,” examined how AI, robotics, MES, and digital twins are reshaping factory operations and driving real-time decision-making.
● The final panel, “Digital Manufacturing Technologies: Redefining the Future,” highlighted the impact of machine learning, automation at scale, and IT-OT convergence across manufacturing plants.

Prominent technology solution providers such as Rockwell Automation, UKG, Festo, CADFEM, Dassault Systèmes, and SOLIZE India showcased innovations aimed at solving real-world manufacturing challenges. Presentations covered topics ranging from cloud-based MES platforms and smart automation to integrated simulation and IT-OT convergence.

Interactive sessions like the Pro MFG LinkedIn quiz, exhibit stall engagements, and special giveaways created a vibrant and participatory environment. Delegates also enjoyed ample opportunities for networking during the tea breaks, lunch, and exhibit tours.

The summit was further enriched by contributions from state and academic partners, including Guidance Tamil Nadu, IIT Madras – AMTDC, and IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, who emphasized the need for academia-industry collaboration to accelerate smart manufacturing adoption.

With its high-caliber content, expert-driven discussions, and actionable insights, ACMA THINK TURF 2025 once again cemented its position as a premier platform driving the future of automotive manufacturing in India.

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