CII expo links Punjab MSMEs with major manufacturers

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Two-day programme focuses on vendor partnerships, defence production, supply chain growth

Chandigarh: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with the Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion, Government of Punjab, organised the ninth CII Manufacturing Excellence Exhibition in Chandigarh on October 13, 2026, to connect micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with major manufacturers, defence organisations and public sector undertakings (PSUs).

Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora inaugurated the two-day event and highlighted the state’s investment policies and Invest Punjab’s role as a single-window facilitation agency. He said Punjab has received investment proposals worth approximately Rs 1.9 lakh crore over the past four and a half years, with the potential to generate nearly 6.5 lakh jobs.

Arora said the exhibition and vendor development programme could help local enterprises enter defence supply chains and contribute to the country’s defence manufacturing sector.

The exhibition featured 22 companies, including around 15 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Participants included Emmforce Autotech, Gilard Electronics, GNA Axles, Happy Forgings, JREW Engineering, Pritika Group and Raja Gears.

The vendor development programme brought together procurement and sourcing teams from organisations such as the Indian Army, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Mahindra and Mahindra’s Swaraj Division, Bharat Forge, Tata Motors, JCB, TAFE and Escorts Kubota.

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa (Retd), former Chief of the Air Staff, highlighted opportunities for MSMEs in defence manufacturing, particularly in electronic warfare, counter-drone technology, aircraft production and maintenance, repair and overhaul. He said Punjab’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities could contribute to India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence production.

CII Punjab State Vice-Chairman Harpreet Singh Nibber said the programme provided local businesses with opportunities to present their capabilities, explore partnerships and meet the procurement requirements of major corporations and public enterprises.

Ashish Garg, Vice-Chairman of CII Punjab State and Managing Director of Happy Forgings Limited, said the exhibition and vendor development programme sought to strengthen Punjab’s supply chain ecosystem by connecting OEMs, PSUs and MSMEs.