Two-day industrial expo begins at Machanehalli near Shivamogga

Two-day Industrial expo under way at Machenahalli Industrial Area near Shivamogga on Wednesday.

The two-day Industrial Expo-2026 and Vendor Development Meet, organised by the Shivamogga-Bhadravathi Industrial Association, began at Machenahalli Industrial Area near here on Wednesday.

The two-day programme, which ends on Thursday, includes an industrial exhibition, with products of several industries and foundries on display along with details of quality and technology.

Vendors including South Western Railway, Bharat Electronics Limited, Rail Wheel Factory and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are taking part. The organisers have also encouraged students interested in the MSME sector and job-seekers to participate.

Three industrialists - S. Rudre Gowda, former MLC and head of the Shantala Group of Companies; Y.V. Madhukar Jois, head of the Malnad Group of Companies; and H.G. Ramaprasad, managing director of Pearlite Liner Private Limited, were felicitated with the “Kaigarika Rathna” title at the event.

Speaking after receiving the title, Mr. Rudre Gowda said the district’s industrial association had contributed to the development of Shivamogga from the beginning. Forty years ago, the city had no modern facilities and entrepreneurs had few opportunities, he said.

He called upon people to become ambassadors of their own products under the “Vocal for Local” slogan, and told students, who are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, to make good use of the growing encouragement for self-employment. Large companies and industrialists were also giving young people opportunities in Shivamogga, he said.

Association president A.L. Chandrashekhar, District Chamber of Industries and Commerce president B. Gopinath, District Industries Centre joint director Ganesh R., MSME deputy director A. Shivakumar, association secretary Rajesh S.S.T., H.L. Dinesh and Ayanur Santhosh were present.