“The forging sector in India is at a pivotal juncture, with tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Our focus will be on fostering collaboration within the industry, driving technological advancements and promoting sustainable practices.” Yash Munot
“Our priorities will include boosting competitiveness, driving innovation and equipping our members for future opportunities. I look forward to embracing the exciting prospects ahead and contributing to AIFI’s continued success during this transformative era” S. Ravishankar
The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the Indian forging industry, has announced the election of Yash Munot as the new President of AIFI for the term 2024-26. S. Ravishankar has been elected as the Vice President of AIFI, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the organization’s leadership.
Mr. Munot, who previously served as Vice-President of AIFI from 2020 to 2024, is the youngest to undertake the role of President in the organization’s history. He succeeds Vikas Bajaj, who served as President from 2020 to 2024.
Mr. Munot currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Varsha Forgings Private Limited and the Managing Director at KCTR Varsha Automotive. His journey in the forging industry began in 2005 with him being inducted into Varsha Forgings Private Limited, the family business. Beyond his industrial achievements, Mr. Munot is recognized for his diversified business ventures in sectors such as lifestyle products, health food, hospitality and philanthropy, including the adoption of an orphanage and medical aid distribution during the pandemic.
His leadership within AIFI has been marked by significant contributions, including his contribution in organizing major industry events like IFC 2011, ForgeTech India 2016, Asia Forge 2019 and ForgeTech India 2023. He has served as the Western Region Chairman from 2018 to 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Finance and Marketing from Regents Business School of London and a leadership degree from the London Business School. He is also a member of EO, an esteemed organization for entrepreneurs.
Mr. Munot, President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry said “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry. The forging sector in India is at a pivotal juncture, with tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Our focus will be on fostering collaboration within the industry, driving technological advancements and promoting sustainable practices. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that our industry not only thrives domestically but also strengthens and enhances its global footprint. Together, we will build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and strive for excellence in every aspect of our work.”
Ravishankar, Vice-President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry said, “I am truly honoured to take on the role of Vice-President of AIFI. Collaborating with Mr. Yash Munot and the committed AIFI team, I will strive for advancing our industry’s progress and tackling the challenges presented by a rapidly changing global landscape. Our priorities will include boosting competitiveness, driving innovation and equipping our members for future opportunities. I look forward to embracing the exciting prospects ahead and contributing to AIFI’s continued success during this transformative era.”
Mr. Ravishankar currently serves as the Managing Director at Super Auto Forge Private Limited. Mr. Ravishankar has over 25 years of experience in the Auto component manufacturing Industry. He is a Manufacturing Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from Annamalai University and a Master’s degree from The Ohio State University.
After working in Detroit for two years, Mr. Ravishankar returned to India and joined his family business at Super Auto Forge (SAF) in 1997. He has been instrumental in developing the international business of SAF and led the initiative to establish marketing offices in Detroit in 2001 and followed by Belgium in 2011. Mr. Ravishankar has been the Chairman of Indo American Chamber of Commerce for the period 2008-2009 – Tamil Nadu Branch and currently serves on the Southern Regional Committee of ACMA since 2021.
About Association of Indian Forging Industry: Established in 1965, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) is the strongest, oldest Forging Association with highest members from the industry in India. The Indian Forging Industry has always been a major growth driver of the Indian manufacturing sector and is one of the important industries for the success of automobile, power sector and general engineering in the country. The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) is the umbrella organization of the forging industry in India with more than 200 members across India. Its members’ products include rough forgings and/or machined/finished parts like Crankshafts, Connecting Rods, Camshafts, Shifted Fork, Steering Components, Crown Propeller Shafts, Gear Box Components; Crown Wheel and Pinions, Front Axle Beams, Rear Axle Shafts, Earth Moving Link, Suspension parts, CV joint parts, Braking parts, Auto electrical components, Railway Wheel, Flanges/Pipe Fittings, Industrial Valves etc. The forging industry, which is a major supplier to the auto companies and a critical industry that generates employment, has been continuously plagued with incessantly rising industrial fuel and steel prices resulting in rising input costs and shrinking margins.
AIFI has been the spokes body of the Indian Forging Industry for about six decades. It has played a major role in encouraging proactive dialogue between all the relevant stakeholders like the industry and Government (both in terms of suggestions for policy making and problem-solving), as also between the industry and the market (User industries — domestic and global customers.) India is the second largest producer of forgings globally next to China.
