The Role of Skilled Manpower in Outsourced Process Equipment Manufacturing: Why India is the Preferred Destination

Feb 20, 2025
reftecksolutions

With the increasing demand for high-quality process equipment, more and more companies are looking towards outsourcing in order to remain competitive. But you cannot achieve a successful outsourced manufacturing setup without one very important factor: skilled manpower. All thanks to its large talent pool of trained professionals, India has emerged as a prime destination for the same.

From engineers to welders, India employs skilled experts who maintain precision and adhere to international standards. Read on to learn why India's skilled talent is sought after by OEMs seeking cost-efficient and high-quality manufacturing solutions.

India’s Skilled Manpower for Outsource Manufacturing

Why Skilled Manpower is Essential in Process Equipment Manufacturing?

When we talk about manufacturing process equipment, skills are of the highest priority. But you may wonder why? This is due to the fact that in manufacturing, you will be handling crucial components such as heat exchangers, reactors, and storage tanks, which should satisfy strict quality and safety regulations.

In addition, these components are employed in power plants, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals. In this case, the equipment will experience harsh conditions, and therefore the equipment should be resistant to constant wear and tear.

This is where a skilled workforce contributes as they ensure that every component is fabricated to perfection. Take the case of high-pressure welding, for instance—it takes a special kind of expertise to produce welds that will withstand extreme stress. Without proper skills, these components are liable to fail, leading to safety risks, expensive repairs, and delayed projects.

From now on, a trained workforce is not only accountable for the quality of the products during manufacturing. They also need to comply with intricate industry standards such as ASME, API, and TEMA, which establish the benchmark for quality, safety, and reliability.

Challenges in Hiring & Retaining Skilled Fabricators Globally

Many developed markets are struggling with labour shortages, especially when it comes to skilled fabricators like welders and machinists. As a result, the market is facing rising costs, delays, and challenges in maintaining a steady workforce.

Let's break down some of the key issues:

  1. Labour Shortages in Developed Markets:

    Many developed countries are facing a shortage of skilled fabricators, such as welders and machinists. This lack of qualified workers is a growing issue for industries that rely on these specialised skills.

  2. Ageing Workforce and Skill Gap:

    A major factor contributing to the shortage is the ageing workforce. A study suggested that one-fourth of the manufacturing workforce is above age 55. Furthermore, as older workers retire, fewer younger people are entering these jobs, leaving a significant gap in the labour market.

  3. Rising Labour Costs:

    Since fewer skilled workers are available to work, it costs more to employ them. That means producers in the developed world are paying higher wages, and production is becoming more expensive.

  4. Difficulty in Retaining Skilled Labour:

    Even when skilled fabricators are discovered, it is hard to keep them. The nature of the work makes many employees leave, making it challenging to maintain a stable workforce.

  5. Delays and Excessive Costs:

    These challenges cause production delays and extra costs for companies, which makes it difficult to achieve timelines and be competitive in the market.

India’s Competitive Advantage in Skilled Manpower for Outsourced Process Equipment Manufacturing

As discussed earlier, many developed countries face challenges in hiring and retaining skilled fabricators, which drives up labour costs. This is where India stands out as a solution. The country has a large, dynamic workforce that is trained and competent. Furthermore, they are ready to meet the global demand for manufacturing process equipment like heat exchangers, reactors, and storage tanks.

What makes India even more attractive is its cost-effectiveness. While labour costs continue to rise in many parts of the world, India offers highly skilled workers at globally competitive rates. This is a game changer for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) looking to outsource production.

This combination of skilled manpower and affordable pricing has made India the go-to destination for companies in industries like energy, petrochemicals, and manufacturing. Read ahead to explore what makes India a preferred destination:

Certifications & Training Standards in India

India’s skilled workforce stands out due to its strong emphasis on training and certifications. Many Indian fabricators are certified under recognised standards like AWS, ASME Section IX, PED, and ISO 3834, ensuring they meet international quality requirements. This makes them capable of handling complex manufacturing tasks, particularly for industries like energy and petrochemicals.

Expertise in Handling Special Metals

Moving on, Indian manufacturers are also known for their expertise in handling tough materials like duplex stainless steel, Inconel, Hastelloy, and Titanium. Thanks to their experience, they can reduce material waste and achieve high precision, ensuring the quality of every product.

Consistency in Large-Scale Manufacturing

Furthermore, India has a well-organised system for training workers, which means that even in large-scale production, the quality remains consistent. Whether it’s a small or large order, Indian manufacturers can produce products that meet global standards every time.

Managed Manufacturing Services

In addition, by working with experienced suppliers in India, companies can skip the training process and get access to a skilled workforce right away. This makes production faster and more cost-efficient, saving both time and money.

Advanced Quality Control through Testing

Finally, Indian manufacturers use advanced testing methods such as ultrasonic, radiographic, and dye-penetrant testing. These methods help them check product quality without damaging the materials, ensuring that the final product is safe, durable, and of the highest standard.

Why Global OEMs Prefer India for Outsourced Process Equipment Manufacturing

Amid global challenges like trade wars and shifting market trends, India has emerged as the preferred destination for outsourcing process equipment manufacturing. This is due to a unique combination of cost efficiency, a skilled workforce, advanced infrastructure, and compliance expertise that align with the needs of OEMs.

Outsourced Equipment Manufacturing

Cost Efficiency

As labour costs in developed markets continue to rise, India offers a significant cost advantage. The lower cost of production, combined with high-quality output, enables OEMs to maintain competitiveness in a challenging economic environment.

Skilled Workforce

India’s vast pool of skilled workers, including over 1 million engineering graduates annually, is another driving factor. These professionals are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for complex process equipment, which is increasingly necessary as industries adapt to new global market trends.

Advanced Infrastructure

To further support manufacturing needs, India has heavily invested in modern infrastructure and logistics, allowing businesses to meet deadlines efficiently. With the rise of global supply chain disruptions, India’s robust transportation and industrial facilities ensure OEMs can rely on smooth operations.

Compliance with Global Standards

In today’s regulatory environment, adhering to international standards is crucial. Indian manufacturers comply with stringent certifications like ASME, PED, and ISO 3834, offering OEMs assurance that their products meet global quality and safety standards.

Expertise in Complex Materials

Moreover, India excels in working with high-performance materials such as Inconel, Hastelloy, and Titanium. With rising demand for specialised equipment, India’s expertise reduces waste and guarantees precision, making it a go-to hub for critical material handling.

Scalable Production

Lastly, India’s ability to scale production to meet varying demands is an essential factor. Whether handling large-scale orders or customised solutions, Indian manufacturers can efficiently adjust to fluctuating market needs, which is particularly important in today’s unpredictable economic climate.

Final Takeaway

India has emerged as the future centre for outsourced process equipment manufacturing. With its huge pool of skilled manpower, low-cost production, and world-class infrastructure, India is poised to fulfil the increasing global demand for high-quality manufacturing. Certified expertise in advanced materials and compliance with international standards guarantee best-in-class products.

As sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, and manufacturing transform, India's capacity to increase production and provide competitive pricing makes it the perfect partner for OEMs. With technology and innovation at the forefront, India is poised to take the lead in cost-effective, high-quality outsourced manufacturing solutions.

Want to leverage India's talented workforce for your outsourced manufacturing requirements? Collaborate with Refteck Solutions to optimise your supply chain and ensure on-time, cost-competitive delivery. With our international network and experience, we handle the logistics of critical supply chains, ensuring that your process equipment reaches the destination at the right time, with quality and efficiency as a promise.

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