Mysore/Mysuru: The Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIE Institute of Technology (NIE-IT), Mysuru, located at Hootagalli industrial area, conducted a one- week online Short-Term Training Programme (STTP) on “Automation Technologies in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Sector” in collaboration with MSME Development Institute, Bengaluru, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, recently. 

The programme was inaugurated by Rakesh Bhat, Founder Director, XNG Automation Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. G.R. Akadas, Director, MSME Development Institute, Bengaluru, was the guest of honour. 

First session was by Pranav Vidyarthi, Director of XNG Automation Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, on “Introduction to FMCG industries and their opportunities for automation.” He explained the fundamentals of FMCG and Consumer Packed Goods (CPG) sector and various industries coming under this domain along with processes involved.

On day-2, Lokesh Kaushal, Regional Segment Leader in Packaging Machinery for Asia Pacific Region, Rockwell Automation Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, spoke on “Robotics and independent cart technology in FMCG” and highlighted the values of cart technology which play a vital role in the Smart Flexible Manufacturing.

M.S. Ajay, Project Manager, Britannia Industries Limited, Bengaluru, took a session on “Process Automation in Biscuit Production.” He discussed about the complete flow chart of the processes involved in biscuit production giving a detailed account of processes that have been automated in Britannia Industries limited, using advanced production concepts such as Lean Manufacturing System.

The next session was by Prof. A. Srinivas, Senior Principal Scientist and former Head, Department of Grain Science and Technology, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, on the topic “Automation in Grain and Food Processing Industries.” The Professor explained the processing of paddy to make flattened rice and puffed rice highlighting on the statistics regarding rice production in India.

Next session was on “Process Automation in Dairy Industry” by Baker Ninan Fenn, Manufacturing Manager, MTR Foods Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. The speaker discussed about the complete set of processes involved in milk packaging and supply chain giving a detailed account of processes that have been automated at Amul Dairy in Gujarat. He gave the audience a deep insight of the dairy processes like homogenisation, pasteurisation, sterilisation and packing through a virtual tour of Amul Plant.

On the final day, E. Ravikumar, Maintenance Manager, ITC Ltd., Foods Division, Mysuru, spoke on “Career Opportunities and Growth in FMCG Industries.”

A special session was also held wherein Gopinath Rao, Deputy Director, MSME Development Institute, Bengaluru, co-organisers of the event, spoke on “Assistance to Entrepreneurs through MSME Schemes.” He introduced the volume of MSME Sector in India, in terms of employment, GDP, output and exports. 

Totally 531 registrations were received for the event which include Professors, Doctorates and Research Scholars from IITs and NITs, Entrepreneurs, Directors and Managers from industries, and also students of engineering, agriculture, commerce and many other streams. 

Dr. Bansilal, Principal, NIEIT, in his presidential address, mentioned about the report submitted by Vision Group on FMCG recently to Government of Karnataka. This report has recommended FMCG cluster to be created in the Hubballi-Dharwad region, which over a period of time, will have a turnover of Rs. 25,000 crore giving direct and indirect employment to 5 lakh persons. 

Dr. A.V. Suresh, HoD, proposed a vote of thanks.