CII Centre of Manufacturing Excellence: Pioneering India’s Journey to Global Manufacturing Leadership

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Centre of Manufacturing Excellence (CII CME) is a key driver in realizing India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub. Since its establishment in 1997, the Centre has continuously worked to advance India’s industrial capabilities through a combination of training programs, industry collaboration, and promoting excellence in manufacturing processes. CII CME’s multifaceted approach is designed to create a future-ready workforce, which is essential for achieving manufacturing competitiveness on a global scale.

Visionary Programmes and Key Offerings

At the core of CII CME’s efforts are a series of visionary programs that address key areas of the manufacturing value chain. One of the flagship initiatives is Visionary SME (VSME), a program focused on synchronizing the flow of materials and information throughout the manufacturing value chain. This program ensures that manufacturing and business processes are closely aligned, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and business performance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Another critical initiative is the National Manufacturing Awards, a premier event that recognizes and rewards excellence in Indian manufacturing. This flagship awards program shines a spotlight on companies that have demonstrated innovation, excellence, and leadership in manufacturing, encouraging others in the industry to strive for similar achievements.

Further nurturing future talent in the industry is ANVESH, India’s premier manufacturing quiz. ANVESH is designed to engage the next generation of manufacturing enthusiasts, motivating them to build a pro-manufacturing mindset. By providing a platform for young professionals to showcase their knowledge, this quiz helps foster a culture of innovation and excellence in Indian manufacturing.

Comprehensive Training Programmes

CII CME has delivered over 2,500 virtual and physical training programs, benefiting more than 50,000 professionals and impacting over 6,000 organizations. The Centre’s training initiatives are designed to cover a broad spectrum of technical and operational areas, ensuring that participants develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing.

The Technical Training Programmes offered by CII CME are both short and long-duration, with a curriculum that spans various critical topics including Manufacturing & Operations, Industry 4.0, Advanced Manufacturing & Analytics, Occupational Health & Safety, Project Management & Supply Chain, International Trade & Finance, and HR & Soft Skills. These programs are tailored to different tiers of executives across the Indian manufacturing sector, empowering them to adopt best practices, enhance production processes, and achieve sustainability goals.

Promoting Occupational Health and Safety

A significant aspect of the CII CME’s work is promoting a culture of safety across manufacturing industries. Through a combination of training, webinars, and workplace safety assessments, the Centre emphasizes the importance of occupational health and safety. Since 2023, the Centre has conducted more than 100 safety training sessions and workplace safety assessments, along with six editions of the Best Practices in Safety Competition. These efforts have fostered a robust culture of safety within Indian manufacturing, reducing workplace hazards and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Leadership Development Through Visionary Initiatives

CII CME also takes a proactive approach in reshaping leadership within the manufacturing sector. The Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing (VLFM) program is a standout offering that provides cross-cultural learning opportunities, designed to change the mindset of manufacturing managers and influence the broader ecosystem. The VLFM program has supported over 1,000 companies in India, helping them navigate market disruptions and grow as industry leaders. The community of over 6,000 visionary leaders developed through this program has made significant contributions to the manufacturing sector, demonstrating the power of strong leadership in driving industrial growth.

Supporting SMEs Through VSME and Awards

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the Indian manufacturing sector. CII CME has been instrumental in supporting these enterprises through the Visionary SME (VSME) program. Over the course of three editions, the program has engaged more than 150 organizations from across the country, providing them with the tools and insights needed to optimize their manufacturing processes and improve business flow.

Additionally, the National Manufacturing Awards, which have completed four successful editions, have brought together over 300 teams from more than 100 organizations. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of SMEs, these awards inspire continuous improvement and innovation across the sector.

Engaging Youth Through ANVESH and Building the Manufacturing Future

Youth engagement is essential for the long-term success of the manufacturing sector, and CII CME has taken significant steps to promote youth participation through ANVESH, India’s premier manufacturing quiz. This event aims to encourage a new generation of manufacturing professionals by challenging them to explore key issues and innovations in the sector. With more than 1,200 participants and 100 companies involved, ANVESH has become a critical platform for fostering a pro-manufacturing mindset among young professionals.