It was India’s turn after 21 years to host the most important event of the world foundry fraternity - 68th World Foundry Congress (WFC) - along with 56th Indian Foundry Congress (IFC) during Feb. 7-10, 2008. Venue of the combined mega event was ‘Chennai Trade Centre’ in Chennai – the second ranking commercially significant metrocity in India called as ‘Detroit of India’. The joint mega event comprised a string of programmes for four days with the concurrently organised international exhibition – IFEX 2008. The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) as hosting member organisation of the World Foundrymen Organization (WFO) organised the event, which was supported by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India. Southern Region of IIF was vested with the responsibility of organising these mega events.

The mega event provided several forums like Technical Sessions, Buyer’s Forum/Cast Source Meet, WFO Technical Forum on Energy, Post-Congress Works Visits which were utilised by the delegates from different segments of cast metals and allied industries in a large number from India and many other countries across the globe. Technocrats, researchers, managers, industry captains, govt. policy makers , entrepreneurs , representatives from financial Institutions exchanged information and ideas about latest developments in the cast metals and associated industries through these forums.

Delegates numbering over 1700 covering almost all facets of the industry participated in various events during four days here in the city of Chennai which has recently witnessed tremendous growth in automobile and auto component sectors, giving birth to a large number of ancillary units in the SME sector in and around the city. The city is proud of being home to the biggest foundry in India and one of the largest vehicle makers in the country.

WFO, the apex body of the global foundry industry held its executive council meeting, general assembly meeting and meeting of International Commissions. IIF National Council meeting and Regions / Chapters’ Chairmen / Secretaries’ Workshop were also held during the mega event as usual.

Inauguration of 68th WFC and 56th IFC

The inauguration took place with the lighting of the holy lamp ‘Kuthuvillakku’ by the Chief Guest Mr. R. Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd., Chennai in the presence of other dignitaries on the dais like Prof. Keisaku Ogi, President, WFO; Mr. Andrew Turner, Secretary General, WFO; Mr. V. Mahadevan, President, IIF; Mr. Vinod Kapur, Chairman, 68th WFC Organising Committee; Mr. C. R. Swaminathan, Chairman, 56th IFC; Mr. R. Gopal, Hon. Secretary, IIF and Mr. R. P. Sehgal, Vice President, IIF.

Mr. Vinod Kapur, Chairman, 68th WFC Organising Committee in his welcome address before a large gathering of delegates at Foseco Hall in CTC Convention complex reminded the foundrymen about the present available opportunity in the liberalised / globalised foundry industry which was experiencing 7.5% growth. He also referred to the tremendous increase in the capacity of Indian casting industry making the country a hub of low-cost quality castings. Mr. Kapur mentioned too about the aptness of choosing the theme of the Congress in the present situation.

Mr. R. Seshasayee, Chief Guest, in his speech underlined the latest trends in the global economy and the current issues in Indian economy / industries in general and foundry industry in particular. He referred to the notable industrial growth in some regions like far-east vis-àvis economic slowdown in some other regions like European market in the world. He talked about recent geopolitical impact on the global economy. Referring to the economic prosperity of the developed countries in the West mainly through manufacturing industries or export, Mr. Seshasayee said that India’s economic boost came through service sector.