The Gujranwala Tools, Dies and Moulds Centre has employed the services of a German consultant for assistance in building layout, machinery selection, procurement and curriculum development.
An Advisory Committee meeting held in Gujranwala with Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Rana Shahzad Hafeez chairing disclosed that German consultant Anton A Berkemeir would also help the centre develop linkages with international technical institutes and universities.
The project being executed at a cost of Rs 878.04 million will help manufacturing and engineering industries located in Gujranwala and nearby industrial towns, including Gujrat and Sialkot.
The centre will transform the skill-based industry into digital manufacturing besides providing training for design and skill enhancement in the metal and plastic engineering industries. The centre will also provide numerous technical facilities including sheet metal tooling, CNC/HSM, pressure die casting, heat/surface treatment, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, welding jigs, blow moulds, CAD/CAM, simulation, inspection fixture and plastic mould design and production.
The centre will provide direct employment to 59 people. In addition, it would create employment indirectly in other sectors ranging from goods and public transport to suppliers of raw materials. Small vendors and local shops will also benefit. Training at the centre would enhance skills of existing industrial workers as well as train new manpower.
This will help build a high-value and skilled workforce for the regional industry. When the centre will function at its full capacity, 750 trainees, technicians and operators, shall be trained annually.
Super Asia and Capital Sports Directors Faisal Afzal and Dr Nowman Idris Butt, Shafiq Ullah of the Pak Fans, the Waheed Industries Limited, Sales of Master Group General Manager Atif Iqbal, Anwar Industries Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Waqas Anwar and Secretary Advisory Committee Project Director Islam Akhtar Khan also attended the Advisory Committee meeting.