India: all aboard?

In our upcoming issue, Atit Bhatia of Hindustan Tin Works has written a piece on the future of can making in India.

He commented: The Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, envisions a breakthrough in the manufacturing sector. He talks about the concept of “Make in India” as a major indication of his focus to drive the manufacturing sector, and on 25 September 2014 a major campaign called “Make In India” was launched – a new international programme designed to facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property and to build best in class manufacturing infrastructure.”

India is a country that has been firmly placed on the CanTech radar in recent months, travelling as we do around the world and having numerous discussions with those on the front line when it comes to can making and emerging trends.

On more than one occasion I have been advised to keep an eye out for India as ‘it will be the next big thing’.

As the middle class is reportedly growing in India, so too will spending power and consumer demand, and this could well have a positive impact on the can making industry.

There have been investments by can makers already in the country, as well as from big-named fillers keen to make an early appearance, so will it be long before the country becomes a serious player on the global metal packaging industry stage?

For now I reserve judgement, and turn the question over to you – the experts – for your comments.

As always, they will be published online as soon as is possible, so please do let us know your opinions via the comments section.