The Association of Indian Forging Industry, often referred as AIFI, is an association of industrial units engaged in manufacturing of forging components in India. It was incorporated on 1st October 1965 as ‘Association of Indian Drop Forgings and Stamping Industries’, which was later changed to ‘Association of Indian Forging Industry’ in 29 December 1995. The Association is headquartered in Pune. The AIFI secretariat is based in Pune and has one core committees and 4 different sub-committees like Technical Sub-committee, Finance and Admin Sub-committee, Government Interface and Business Development.
Over the years, AIFI has developed strong linkages with its counterpart forging industry associations in USA, Europe, Japan, China, and various other countries. These facilitates the members in establishing new business relationships. It also organizes training programmes for the forging Industry personnel and coordinates with educational institutions for introduction of industry specific courses.
AIFI has members present across India. There are broadly two types of membership of AIFI. Ordinary membership and Associate membership. Ordinary members are those members who are engaged in forging business, while the Associate members are the allied companies (vendors, equipment manufacturers, etc.) for whom forging companies are prospective clients.
Objectives:
The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) seeks to promote the interests of the forging industry in India and to place it as one of the focal point within the manufacturing sector of the country. AIFI is essentially a conglomeration of forging firms and allied companies located in India. It seeks to promote the forging industry through;
Promotion of trade
AIFI facilitates effectiveness of trade promotion of forging industry in India by providing the members the access to the right information, making collaboration with respective vendors convinient, addressing various barriers with respect to trade like high and complex tariffs by having interface with associations of other stakeholders like SIAM, Steel Authority of India, etc.
Upgradation of technology
In today’s ever increasing demanding customer, it’s become imperative for the forging units in India to have the latest technology at their disposal to meet such demands of the customer. AIFI facilitate and encourage its members to have the latest technological advanced equipment to increase their competitiveness nationally as well as globally. AIFI conducts various workshops, seminars, training programme and conferences to give a platform to its members to get to know about the latest advancement in technology.
Dissemination of relevant information to the forging unit
To increase the cost efficiency and effectiveness, the forging leaders must have the right information at the right time. AIFI conducts survey at regular intervals by expert market research institute to prepare a well-informed report, which caters to the need of forging industry.
Conducting training programmes for skill development
AIFI recognizes that availability of skilled labours has been an ever-existing challenge faced by the forging industry. Hence, to bridge the gap AIFI conducts training programmes for the employees of the member companies at regular intervals which covers various aspects like technical, legal, general management etc.
Providing a common platform to its members to share market intelligence and business prospects
AIFI facilitates its members with a common platform by organizing regional meetings at regular intervals, where the members share their views, opinions and other vital information about the state of the market, which could prove to be an important source of information to the forgers.
Initiate Government interface on behalf of forging industry
AIFI communicates and have negotiations on behalf of the forging industry in India. The subject matter of negotiation is not restricted, however relevant, and is as per the requirements of the forging industry in India.
Affiliations and Alliances with various institutions
AIFI collaborates with various national and international associations in organizing seminars, workshops and conferences for the Indian forging industry. Such institutions include colleges, Chamber of Commerce, similar association counterparts from different countries like EUROFORGE, FIA, CCMI, etc. Such collaborations help in exchange of views, ideas and facilitates flow of information. It helps in increasing the global competitiveness of the member companies in India.