– By Tanisha Saxena

Jamnagar, situated in the Indian state of Gujarat, is renowned for its robust industrial and manufacturing sector. Jamnagar hosts a flourishing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, where numerous factories and manufacturing units produce a diverse array of goods, including textiles, brass and copper items, and machinery.

The Jamnagar Factory Owners’ Association (JFOA) serves as a collective body representing skilled artisans and craftsmen engaged in the production of exquisite brass components and a myriad of other intricate machinery parts within the vibrant confines of Jamnagar.

In pursuit of fostering the growth of the brass industry within the picturesque Jamnagar District, a noble endeavour was embarked upon in the year 1948. This visionary initiative led to the establishment of an Association, which, in recognition of its purpose and dedication, was formally registered under the Bombay Non-Trading Corporation Act of 1959.

Over the last five decades, this Association has stood as a symbol of unity and strength among the industrious souls that form the backbone of Jamnagar’s industrial landscape. With a membership roster boasting 2,200 active and enlightened industrialists, it has become the stalwart representative of the brass industry, serving as a formidable voice at the local, state, and central levels. During a conversation with a CMR representative, the President of JFOA, Shree Lakhabhai M. Keshwala, shared his views and the nuances of the industry.

Q1. First of all, can you give a synopsis of the association?

Ans. This esteemed Association ardently shoulders the responsibility of presenting the myriad challenges faced by the Brass industry, seeking nothing less than favourable solutions that nurture its vitality. Moreover, it engages in the altruistic act of trading molasses for its members, operating solely on a non-profit, no-loss basis. In every sense, it embodies a harmonious blend of industry, unity, and benevolence, contributing to the enduring prosperity of the Jamnagar District’s Brass sector.

Q2. Could you shed some light on the brass industry in Jamnagar?

Ans. Jamnagar, the jewel of Gujarat, bears the illustrious title of the “Brass City,” a realm where the skilled hands of artisans fashion a wide spectrum of creations, from the most delicate pins to the most intricate aeroplane components. This thriving industry, a beacon of economic vitality, embraces a staggering four lakh individuals in its embrace. In a remarkable tapestry of community and commerce, the women hailing from forty to fifty villages gracefully partake in the brass enterprise, contributing their expertise to the meticulous art of packaging, thus weaving an essential thread in this grand mosaic of craftsmanship and livelihood. 

Q3. What are the challenges for the industry owing to the pandemic-induced economic issues and international market scenario?

Ans. Certainly, the Brass industry in Jamnagar faces a multitude of formidable challenges. These encompass the unpredictable fluctuations in the costs of raw materials, the ever-shifting landscape of market dynamics, and the relentless competition that characterises the sector. 

Furthermore, there is an escalating urgency to embrace sustainable and ecologically responsible practices. While Jamnagar’s Brass City gleams as a bastion of craftsmanship and economic prosperity, it must employ its inherent ingenuity and unwavering resilience to gracefully surmount these obstacles, thus ensuring the enduring preservation of its illustrious legacy. 

Q4. How is the availability of VMC (Vertical Machining Center) and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines in the brass industry in India, is a blessing? 

Ans. The winds of transformation have swept through the Indian brass industry, and at their forefront stands the remarkable embrace of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. In this grand evolution, the stars of progress are the VMC (Vertical Machining Center) and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines; their integration heralds a majestic shift toward automation and precision within this sector.

At the heart of this transformation, VMC and CNC machines emerge as virtuoso artisans, wielding their craft with impeccable precision and boundless efficiency. With unwavering mastery over the intricacies of the machining process, they conjure forth brass components of exquisite complexity, graced by tolerances so slender that they seem the product of divine hands. The fruits of their labour are nothing short of high-quality masterpieces, where every nuance and detail is rendered with exquisite perfection.

In this realm of precision, waste is but a fleeting thought, for the efficiency they bestow upon production, is profound, akin to a symphony of gears moving in harmonious cadence. The result? A treasury of cost savings, a testament to their prowess.

Q5. How did VMC and CNC machines help the brass industry thrive in the market?

Ans. The incorporation of VMC and CNC machines within India’s brass industry aligns with global manufacturing standards, enabling Indian manufacturers to compete effectively on an international level by meeting stringent quality and efficiency criteria. Previously, these machines incurred high costs. 

Furthermore, the utilisation of CNC machines, including VMCs, facilitates high-speed and uninterrupted production, ultimately resulting in increased output volumes. This proves invaluable for businesses striving to meet the rising demand for brass components.

Additionally, the flexibility provided by CNC programming allows for effortless customization of brass components, empowering manufacturers to respond swiftly to design alterations and produce various parts using the same machine. This adaptability offers the versatility needed to cater to a wide range of customer requirements.

Q6. Could you give us some insights into the international market scenario?

Ans. The Jamnagar cluster not only commands an impressive 95% stake in the local brass parts market but also extends its reach to distant shores, exporting its craftsmanship to the continents of Europe, the United States, the Gulf region, and the vast expanse of Africa. Currently, we are exporting about 15% and 4000 tonnes of brass is imported monthly. Of course, during the pandemic everything stopped and we all were very distressed. 

However, I would like to highlight that the government has played a major role in supporting us. The future of the brass industry in Jamnagar is bright and safe to say. 

Q7. While the brass industry is magnificent, can you highlight the textile industry in Jamnagar?
Ans. Jamnagar, a city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is well-known for its vibrant red Bandhani textiles. Bandhani is a traditional textile art that involves creating intricate patterns by tying small sections of fabric with threads before dyeing, resulting in exquisite designs. The red Bandhani from Jamnagar holds special significance and is a cherished part of the region’s cultural heritage.