Latest News

From Pilgrim Harp’s India Desk

Economy

• India’s real GDP growth for Q4 for FY2024-25 came in at slightly higher 7.4% against estimated 7.2%.
• India’s economy is likely to grow at 6.2% in 2025 and at 6.3% as per projections put out International Monetary Fund. And at an estimated US$3.9 trillion GDP in 2024, India is in top 5 economies of the world.

Manufacturing

• India’s leading planning & policy agency National Institution for Transforming India will soon launch a National Manufacturing Mission with an aim to increase the percentage share of Manufacturing from current 17% to 25% of GDP.
• This Mission is likely to allocate dedicated resources to effect change within the manufacturing sector to make Indian manufacturing more competitive in international markets.

Developments in India’s aerospace sector

Airbus

• Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the Airbus C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat in India.
  • The C295 program in India will produce more than 85% structural and final assembly of 40 aircraft along with the manufacturing of 13,000 detail parts in India
    • 21 special processes have been certified and 37 India-based suppliers have been brought on board for this program.
• Tata Advanced Systems will also set up Final Assembly Line for Airbus H125 Helicopter in Kolar, Karnataka state in south India.

Boeing

• Boeing employs about 3000 people in India and another 7000 people work with Boeing’s 200 suppliers in India.
• Boeing’s India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC) in Bengaluru and Chennai is centre for complex advanced aerospace engineering supporting Boeing’s global engineering teams.
  • Boeing’s wholly owned engineering and technology campus with future avionics manufacturing and assembly capability is coming up in Bengaluru.
• A Boeing-Tata Group JV produces AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages in Hyderabad for customers around the globe.

Collins Aerospace

• Collins Aerospace has a significant presence in India with 6000+ employees across 3 cities and two manufacturing locations in Bengaluru.
• Collins Aerospace India has both engineering and operations functions across different areas – Avionics, Connected Aviation Solutions, Interiors, Mechanical Systems and Mission Systems Aerostructures, Power & Controls.

Event: June 1-3 2025 – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) at the Bharat Mandapam – Convention Centre in New Delhi, India

Developments in India’s electronics manufacturing

About 65-70% of India’s Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) is made up of manufacturing of mobile phones and consumer electronics. The balance being made up of electronics for automotive, medical, industrial electronics & others. The Printed Circuit Board & Assembly (PCBA) too has a similar distribution

Apple

• India shipped about 3000,000 iPhones to US in April 2025. Most of the iPhones are assembled at Foxconn Technology Group’s factory in southern India.
• Tata Electronics recently bought Wistron Corp. (that controls Pegatron Corp.’s operations), is also a key supplier to Apple. US demand for iPhones is about 20 million per quarter and India is expected to reach that capacity by 2026.

Samsung

• Samsung Electronics has had both manufacturing and R&D in India since mid-1990s and manufactures smartphones, displays and home appliances for domestic market in India as well as exports. Samsung’s R&D centre in Bangalore is the largest outside Korea, with an estimated 5,000 employees (& has filed 7,500+ patents in India & across the globe).

Developments in India’s Semiconductor sector

• Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. is a prominent global player in the electronics manufacturing industry, with fast-emerging capabilities in Electronics Manufacturing Services, Semiconductor Assembly & Test, Semiconductor Foundry, and Design Services.
• Renesas Electronics, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions; Stars Microelectronics (Thailand) Public Co. Ltd, a Thailand-based Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) provider; has signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to establish a Joint Venture (JV) to build and operate an OSAT facility in India.
• Foxconn is investing almost US$50 million in its semiconductor joint venture (JV) with HCL for an OSAT plant in India.

The Latest Trends in Supply Chain Management

Staying competitive in modern manufacturing requires skillful supply chain management. As technology continues to evolve, tools to connect and track materials, manufacturing services, and inventory control are becoming interconnected and making production more efficient. Staying apprised of trends and changes in the supply chain space is critical for keeping your business one step ahead.

Here we’ll look at some of the ways technology and innovation are driving supply chain management and how they impact strategic planning and productivity.

Customization

Customizing manufacturing services like CNC machining and injection molding is a key part of this strategy. Businesses can greatly expedite prototype development and boost production speed, all while keeping precision and quality standards high, just by tailoring their production processes.

The ability to streamline personalized customer orders is important to keeping operations running smoothly. Automation is used in order processing systems to seamlessly differentiate between standard and customized orders. Automated workflows reduce lead times and boost customization by guaranteeing accuracy and speeding up order fulfillment.

Connectivity and the Industrial Internet of Things

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is made up of a network of machines, computers, and manufacturing equipment with internet connectivity. The IoT makes it possible to monitor and adjust production parameters, orders, vendors, and inventory in real or near-real time. This connectivity makes it possible to link facilities and equipment in multiple locations and gain remote access. It is estimated that there will be more than 25.4 billion IoT devices worldwide by 2030, according to Dataprot research.

Examples of how IoT technology is used in supply chain management include:

• Management of warehouses and warehouse operations
• Tracking and managing fleets and logistics
• Inventory control and planning
• Mechanical and digital systems maintenance

IoT’s value is significant and will only continue to grow. On average, 127 devices are connected to the internet every second, according to data from McKinsey Digital. Insights from a 2023 State of Manufacturing Report by Fictiv show 54% of respondents already use industrial IoT (IIoT) devices. Another 33% are in the process of adopting these digital manufacturing technologies.

When integrated with other manufacturing technologies, the benefits of IoT devices are amplified. For example, data gathered from sensors and equipment that monitor production lines and packaging can be seamlessly factored into asset tracking and forecasting. The result is a more visible picture of overall material needs and production, which further informs decisions.

Digitization of Supply Chain Data

More and more manufacturers are adopting e-SCM (Electronic Supply Chain Management) tools to streamline production and track multiple vendors, suppliers, and contract manufacturing partners. Fictiv’s manufacturing research also shows that 60% of respondents have already implemented these technologies, with another 31% in the process of doing so.

There are several benefits of digitized supply chain management:

• Fewer Supply Chain Disruptions: Predictive analysis based on past lead times, material availability, and other data makes it easier to anticipate problems and make alternate arrangements.
• Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Workflow and process automation reminders and the ability to track how long various processes take help identify and resolve bottlenecks at various points throughout production.
• Improved Inventory Management: Real-time tracking allows for precise inventory management, which maintains the proper balance between overstock and shortages, and can help reduce associated costs.

Increased Visibility into the Supply Chain

In our latest State of the Manufacturing Report, improved supply chain visibility is a top priority for 55% of industry leaders surveyed.

How it breaks down by company size:

• Smaller Companies: These companies prioritize improving customer satisfaction and experience while eliminating operational inefficiencies.
• Medium-sized Companies: Recent changes show a stronger focus on strengthening supply chain resilience and agility. This is in response to changing market conditions and lessons learned from recent supply chain disruptions.
• Larger Companies: Even with market fluctuations, larger enterprises stand by their commitment to boosting supply chain visibility to keep operations smooth and to improve customer satisfaction.

As more manufacturers prioritize digital data and the ability to collect and analyze historical data, they gain visibility into the bigger picture of their supply chain and how it impacts their business overall. Features like customized reporting, forecasting, and the ability to keep a database of vendors and contract manufacturing partners keep information front of mind and easily accessible for quick, data-driven pivots.

Cloud-Based Computing Solutions

Cloud computing technology has ushered in a range of digital tools that exist solely as software packages accessed online. These software-as-a-service (SaaS) products can be accessed from anywhere a user has Internet or Wi-Fi connectivity, and are easily updated with new features and capabilities “behind the scenes” by the product developers. Many are subscription-based, which may be more economical and efficient than purchasing, installing, and updating software locally. According to Fictiv, 78% of survey respondents are actively exploring the potential use of technology solutions to improve production, especially in new product development.

Some of the benefits of SaaS products include:

• Efficiency. Because they reside and store data in the secure cloud, these products are dependable and safe for storing and accessing data. Because information can be retrieved, processed, and analyzed easily, companies can make accurate forecasts and identify critical needs efficiently.
• Convenience. SaaS solutions are convenient because they can be accessed online, often with mobile devices as well as a computer, and can usually be scaled or expanded with specialized modules. This makes them flexible for companies with different priorities and needs.
• Competitiveness. SaaS products are updated virtually with software pushes, which means users gain access to new features and capabilities quickly and without having to manually update software or migrate data. This avoids the need to divert time and effort to software management, so focus remains on product development, supply chain management, and productivity.

Learn More with Pilgrim Harp

Supply chain management is a complex and critical aspect of manufacturing for businesses of all sizes. As technology evolves, it brings opportunities to streamline operations, collect and analyze data, and boost productivity. At Pilgrim Harp, we partner with companies worldwide to provide custom CNC-machined, forged, cast, stamped, and injection-molded parts and assemblies.

Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and services, and how we can help support your supply chain.

The Impact of Globalization on Supply Chain Solutions

Globalization has a significant impact on supply chains, presenting both opportunities and complex challenges for businesses. In today’s interconnected world, companies aren’t confined to local markets; they can operate across borders to procure materials, manufacture products, and distribute goods on a global scale. 

Here, we’ll dive into the key challenges and advantages of supply chain globalization, and how Pilgrim Harp’s supply chain management solutions help businesses navigate these complexities while leveraging the benefits. 

Challenges of Globalization for Supply Chains

The following are some of the specific challenges that come with supply chain globalization:

Complexity in Supply Chain Management

Globalization inherently increases the complexity of supply chain management. Managing a global supply chain involves dealing with multiple countries, cultural differences, and diverse regulations. Companies with global supply chains must navigate challenging legal requirements, coordinate across different time zones, and address varying quality standards. This complexity not only hinders efficiency but also makes it harder to mitigate risks and maintain compliance. 

Increased Risk and Vulnerability

Global supply chains are susceptible to numerous risks, including natural disasters, geopolitical instability, and economic fluctuations. Events like trade wars, supply disruptions, or political unrest in one region can have ripple effects throughout the entire supply chain. As such, businesses need robust risk management strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure operational continuity when faced with uncertainties. 

Regulatory and Compliance Challenges

Operating globally means adhering to diverse compliance and regulatory requirements that vary from country to country. This means being able to navigate complex customs regulations, environmental standards, and trade restrictions. Ensuring compliance can be both time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring a deep understanding of international trade laws and practices. 

Cultural and Communication Barriers

Communication difficulties and cultural differences can impact the effectiveness of global supply chains. Misunderstandings, language barriers, and differing business practices can result in inefficiencies or conflict among international partners. Establishing strong relationships and clear communication channels is crucial for overcoming these obstacles and fostering smooth collaboration across borders. 

Advantages of Globalization for Supply Chains

While supply chain globalization comes with certain challenges, it also offers substantial benefits, including: 

Expanded Market Research

Supply chain globalization allows businesses to expand their market reach beyond national borders. Access to international markets enables companies to tap into new customer bases, diversify revenue streams, and decrease reliance on local economies. This expanded reach can fuel growth and enhance overall business prospects. 

Increased Efficiency Through Global Sourcing

Global sourcing allows companies to procure raw materials and components from various parts of the world, often giving them access to:

• Higher-quality materials
• Lower production costs
• Economies of scale

This heightened efficiency helps businesses maintain a competitive advantage in the global market by reducing costs and improving profit margins. 

Innovation and Technology Transfer

Globalization promotes the exchange of ideas, technologies, and best practices across countries. With a global supply chain, companies can benefit from exposure to innovative technologies and practices, which can enhance operations and drive improvements in efficiency. 

Enhanced Collaboration and Partnerships

Globalization encourages collaboration and partnerships between businesses and international stakeholders. By collaborating with global partners, companies can leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources. Strategic partnerships with suppliers and logistics partners from different regions enhance supply chain resiliency and contribute to overall business success.

Supply Chain Management With Pilgrim Harp

At Pilgrim Harp, we understand the complexities and opportunities presented by supply chain globalization. Our supplier management services are designed to help companies navigate the global landscape, helping to streamline your operations while freeing up time to focus on core business activities, such as product development, research, design, and customer service. 

We offer comprehensive sourcing, manufacturing, stocking, and supplier management services for a range of industries, including:

Our experts assist in finding suppliers that meet your specific requirements and manage those relationships on your behalf. We partner with factories that possess industry expertise and adhere to relevant certifications and standards. All products undergo in-process inspection and a final quality inspection at our source factory before being shipped to our Avon Lake, Ohio, warehouse. Additionally, we can work with your existing suppliers to optimize the value you receive from them. With Pilgrim Harp, you benefit from transparent ordering and payment processes with no hidden costs.

Turn to Pilgrim Harp to Successfully Manage a Globalized Supply Chain

While supply chain globalization presents certain challenges, it also provides benefits such as expanded market reach, improved efficiency, and innovation. At Pilgrim Harp, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate the complexities of global supply chains by providing comprehensive supply chain management solutions tailored to your unique needs. 

Contact us today to learn more about how Pilgrim Harp can optimize your global supply chain.