"We can create next-gen innovative products", says Boeing India President Salil Gupte as he urges cos to embrace quality

India is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its engineering and manufacturing sectors, with the potential to lead in innovation on the global stage. In an interview with PTI, Boeing India President Salil Gupte shared these insights during a symposium organized by the India Foundation for Quality Management. He emphasized the necessity for Indian companies to enhance their position within the global supply chain and to seize the emerging opportunities presented by quality improvements in manufacturing.

Leveraging Engineering Strengths
In the PTI report, Gupte stated, "We have a tremendous opportunity in India," referring to various sectors, including automotive, industrial engineering, and defense. He pointed out that India has maintained robust engineering and design capabilities over the past 30 to 50 years.

"Now, with this quality push in India, especially over the last 10 years, you've seen manufacturing transform. And from that transformation comes the opportunity for India to merge that great engineering with that great quality to create the most innovative products of the next generation," he asserted.

This emphasis on quality is critical, as Gupte highlighted that "the supply chain in India largely outperforms the supply chain globally in terms of quality by a very wide margin; it is truly a tremendous performance, absolutely." This performance serves as a strong foundation for Indian companies to build upon as they pursue innovation and excellence.

Advancing in Aerospace and Supply Chain Opportunities
Gupte specifically addressed Indian suppliers in the aerospace sector, urging them to think about moving up the value chain. He stated, "...think about going from aerostructures, sheet metal type parts, simple assemblies, maybe even complex assemblies...into avionic systems. Think about going into engine manufacturing. This is where the value is in that supply chain."

This advice highlights the need for Indian companies to innovate and diversify their capabilities, ultimately contributing to India's integration into the global supply chain. Gupte reiterated, “because we diversify supply chains around the world, now is the opportunity we cannot afford to miss.”

Boeing's Expansion in India
Reflecting on Boeing's journey in India, Gupte shared significant milestones achieved by the company. "It has been quite successful over the last five years in India... We've gone from 1,500 employees to 7,000," he noted. This growth aligns with Boeing's increasing investment in the Indian market and its expanding operations.

On sourcing, Gupte mentioned that Boeing's supply chain expenditures have surged from hundreds of crores to Rs 10,000 crores annually, demonstrating the company’s commitment to leveraging Indian suppliers.

Gupte's insights reveal a promising future for India's engineering landscape as it seeks to innovate and elevate its position in the global market. The call to action for Indian industries is clear: to enhance their engineering capabilities, focus on quality, and take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. By doing so, India can solidify its status as a key player in the global supply chain and an innovation hub.