With already an over INR 500 crore pump industry eyeing a 40% growth, the Rajkot Engineering Association is planning to develop the region as a pump cluster. What's more, the city based pump industry is setting up a Common Facility Centre with the help of The Energy Resources Institute.

The CFC, a detailed project report for which is being prepared by TERI, will provide R&D and testing facility to the small manufacturers of pump.

Mr Bharat Dawada cluster manager at TERI said that "We have started the process, beginning with a DPR from the Gujarat Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation Limited.”

TERI has already placed the DPR before the Industrial Commissioner of Gujarat and the centre will commence within two years. The total size of the project is estimated to be around INR 7.40 crore. Out of it 80% funds will be provided by the Centre while the rest will come from industry players.

Mr Jayesh Patel managing director of Kiwi Pump and member of REA pump committee said that "With the help of CFC, we are hoping to reach 40% growth from present 20 to 25%.”

Mr Dawada said that "One time testing cost is about INR 2200 to INR 2500. When the CFC commences in Rajkot the cost will come down by 20 to 25%. Moreover, this CFC will not only help the pump industry but also the foundry industry in Rajkot.”

Currently, pump manufacturers have to go to private laboratories in Gandhinagar and Vadodara for testing and R&D work which tends to be costly and time consuming.

(Sourced from ET)