Balu Forge Industries has commenced operations of a near-fully automated empty-shell production line at its Belgaum greenfield campus, delivering annual capacity of 360,000 shells and achieving a 55-second cycle time with FANUC robotics and domestic machine partners. 

The line — built with inputs from more than 18 Indian machinery suppliers — advances the company’s move into large-calibre ammunition components and supports export ambitions. 

Management highlights the line’s unmanned capability as a step change for productivity and quality; further phases are planned to expand calibres and downstream machining. 

The commissioning strengthens India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and reduces reliance on imported production lines.