The Union Government has formally initiated the revival of the long-defunct National Heavy Engineering Cooperative Ltd. (NHEC), Pune, with plans to transform the national-level multi-state cooperative society into a centre of excellence for manufacturing advanced equipment for the sugar, dairy, biogas, agriculture and allied sectors.
The decision received unanimous approval from members during a Special General Body Meeting convened in Pune on Wednesday to chart the revival roadmap for NHEC, which has remained non-operational since 2015.
The revival exercise is being undertaken in line with the vision of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to strengthen the cooperative sector and promote cooperative-led industrial development.
The Ministry of Cooperation has appointed Rajeev, Executive Director (Technical), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), as the Administrator of NHEC to spearhead the revival process.
Addressing the meeting as a special invitee, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol underscored the significance of reviving NHEC and its potential contribution to strengthening India’s cooperative ecosystem. He said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” and will help create a self-reliant industrial base for cooperatives.
Mohol interacted with chairpersons and managing directors of cooperative sugar mills from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat and highlighted NHEC’s historical role as a leading manufacturer of sophisticated machinery and equipment for cooperative and private sugar factories across India. He noted that the institution had also exported engineering products to several countries in Asia and Africa.
Speaking at the meeting, NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah outlined the roadmap for NHEC’s revival and the key initiatives planned to restore operations while ensuring long-term sustainability. Members were informed about plans to re-establish NHEC as a national manufacturing hub for advanced industrial equipment serving the sugar, dairy, biogas, agriculture and allied sectors.
To support the revival, NDDB’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Indian Dairy Machinery Company Limited (IDMC), will provide technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities and modernisation support. The project envisages extensive technological upgradation and adoption of advanced manufacturing practices.
The revival gained momentum after NDDB was entrusted with the responsibility of reviving NHEC and appointed as its administrator earlier this year. The long-term objective is to position NHEC as a national centre for manufacturing cutting-edge equipment, reducing dependence on imports and contributing to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Established as a premier cooperative engineering enterprise, NHEC supplied machinery and equipment to major sugar producers, including Balrampur Chini Mills, Dhampur Sugar Mills, Mawana Sugars and Birla Sugar Mills, among others. It also exported products to countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, Indonesia, Thailand and Ethiopia.
Before becoming non-operational, NHEC manufactured a diverse range of engineering products, including sugar plant machinery, cement plant equipment, windmill spare parts, steel plant machinery and other industrial equipment.
