Balu Forge Industries Ltd has commissioned a fully indigenously developed empty shell production line at its greenfield facility in Belgaum, Karnataka, significantly strengthening its presence in the defence manufacturing sector. The new automated line delivers an annual production capacity of 360,000 shells and incorporates advanced automation technology from FANUC Robotics, enabling high-speed, high-precision output.
The company has designed and developed the production line entirely in-house, with contributions from 18 machinery manufacturers. Engineered for unmanned operation, the line achieves a rapid cycle time of 55 seconds, reflecting a major leap in manufacturing efficiency. This initiative aligns with Balu Forge’s strategy to expand its precision engineering portfolio while supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission through indigenous defence manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Balu Forge plans to scale the facility further to cater to rising domestic and global demand. The automated line is intended to supply fully machined components for the defence industry, reinforcing the company’s ambition to become a key supplier in critical defence programmes.
Commenting on the launch, Trimaan Chandock, Executive Director at Balu Forge, said the new line marks the company’s entry into a new category of large-calibre ammunition manufacturing. He noted that the facility is designed to service not only 155 mm empty shells, but also other calibres such as 120 mm, 105 mm and 81 mm, demonstrating the flexibility and future readiness of the platform.
The unmanned forging production line represents a significant technological milestone for both Balu Forge and the broader Indian defence ecosystem. It forms the first phase of the company’s long-term vision to deepen its role in defence manufacturing, with plans to introduce additional high-precision capabilities in the years ahead.
