Balconagar, 18th September 2024 : Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, reaffirmed its dedication to empowering its talented engineering workforce on World Engineering Day. This renewed commitment highlights the company’s role in fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence, further strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing leader.
With its vast and diverse array of engineering roles, covering metallurgy, materials, mining, ceramics, environmental, power, chemical, computer, civil, electrical, safety, and mechanical engineering, Vedanta BALCO is home to a dynamic team of over 1500 engineers. These professionals are integral to the company’s success, driving advancements in product development, research, and operational excellence.
Talking about how engineers are the backbone of the company, Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director, BALCO, said, “Our engineers are at the heart of Vedanta BALCO’s innovation and success. By reaffirming our commitment to the growth and development of our engineering talent, we are not only enhancing our capabilities but also contributing to India’s broader industrial ambitions. These engineers are not only empowering the nation to become a global manufacturing leader but are also advancing their journeys of innovation, skill development, and technical mastery.”
Anuj Sood, an electronics and telecommunication engineer working as a team leader in the shopfloors of BALCO for close to two decades, said, “Having spent 18 years in the potlines, where aluminium is made from alumina powder through the electrolysis process, I’ve witnessed firsthand how BALCO has continually pushed the boundaries of operational efficiency. The complexity of the mechanical systems we work with—ranging from smelting technologies to the precision engineering of the potline equipment—demands not only technical expertise but also a culture of continuous innovation. We try to ensure that our processes stay ahead in the global aluminium landscape.”
Ishan Chaturvedi, a metallurgical engineer who joined the team just a year back, said, “Starting my career at Vedanta BALCO has been an incredible opportunity. The potlines are at the core of the smelting process and being able to work with such advanced systems while learning from seasoned engineers has been exciting. What stands out to me is how BALCO upholds its legacy as India’s iconic aluminium producer by integrating cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to sustainability. I’m looking forward to contributing to the company’s future success while expanding my technical knowledge in this field.”
Nisha Manjhi, a production engineer in process control of the potlines at BALCO, reflects on her two-year journey, “Working in the process control of potlines is both demanding and rewarding. It requires precise monitoring and optimization to ensure the efficiency of the aluminium production process.
As an engineer, I’m constantly analysing data and making critical adjustments to maintain the performance and safety of our systems. Despite the challenges that come with being in this role, especially as a woman, I’ve always been driven to excel by my team. There’s a misconception that women can’t thrive in such environments, but my experience at BALCO has been the opposite. The company values technical skill and innovation above all else, and I’ve had every opportunity to grow and contribute meaningfully to our operations.”
By harnessing the expertise of engineers from a wide range of disciplines, BALCO continues to set new benchmarks in operational excellence, driving its mission to remain at the forefront of aluminium production in the country, contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
