GSSE 2025

Showcasing stainless steel in VT

by Kanishka Ramchandani

When an event like the Global Stainless Steel Exhibition (GSSE) and Summit 2025 marks its third edition, the sustained success story has special significance for the vertical-transportation (VT) industry, as well. The power-packed B2B event held on June 4-6 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, brought together all the stakeholders of the stainless steel (SS) sector under one roof. The expo opened doors to new avenues and business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike, while the summit became a melting pot of innovative ideas and a knowledge hub.

The Importance of SS

With cutting-edge innovations, strategic dialogues and future-forward collaborations, GSSE 2025 showcased the sector’s growth potential, sustainability focus and role in nation-building. The three-day symposium welcomed manufacturers, policymakers, suppliers, buyers and thought leaders from across the SS value chain to witness networking, sourcing, learning and much more.

The event saw participation from many exhibitors and visitors related to the elevator and escalator (E&E) industry and with good reason. SS is extensively utilized in many facets, from the structure of the elevator car to the handrails inside it. Other VT components that use SS include the beams above the car (the crosshead); the sling extending down and the guide rollers or guide shoes attached above and below it; springs inside that help regulate the speed; wire ropes; and the landing operating panel (LOP) and car operating panel (COP). Load-bearing steel shafts are preferred for maximizing usage of limited available space, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Similarly, SS plays a key role in the steps used in escalators and moving walks, as well as the decking and balustrades. From quick and hassle-free installation to eliminating rust, SS is an element that incorporates multiple benefits to all stakeholders involved from real estate and infrastructure developers to the maintenance teams and end users.

The automobile manufacturers and the railway system, along with construction and infrastructure, remain the biggest consumers of SS globally. SS is often used in the treatment and design of the external façade of buildings. It is one of the preferred materials for construction of load-bearing structures, supporting components and fittings, bridges and other utilities such as flyovers, elevated roads, metro lines, etc., most of which are strong demand drivers for the E&E industry. 

GSSE 2025 Brought Together VT Industry Members
The three dynamic days of GSSE 2025 commenced with a welcome address by Anitha Raghunath, director, Virgo Communications and Exhibitions. She then invited the dignitaries to inaugurate the event with the traditional lighting of the lamp.

The chief guest for GSSE 2025, SVR Srinivas (IAS), CEO and officer on special duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project, Mumbai, also made a speech about the changing dynamics in construction and infrastructure and the role of SS. He said:

“GSSE 2025 and the Summit in Mumbai offered a timely platform to assess industry progress and align on future strategies. Embracing Industry 4.0 and green SS technologies is vital to achieving sustainability goals. With major infrastructure developments like metro projects, convention centers, the Vadavan Port and Dharavi redevelopment on the horizon, SS’s role is more critical than ever. Its strength and durability also position it as a key material in defense and aerospace. To seize these opportunities, the industry must prioritize innovation, adapt to evolving needs and lead with sustainable, forward-thinking solutions. GSSE plays a pivotal role in this journey.”

This was followed by a panel discussion with the dignitaries, which included Ratan Jindal, chairman, Jindal Stainless Steel; Pinaki Gupta, scientist-E and head Mumbai Brand Office, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS); Rajamani Krishnamurti, president, Indian SS Development Association (ISSDA); Dr. Kamachi Mudali, vice chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute; and Rolf Schenking, president, Advanced Materials, Outokumpu. Apart from the panel discussion, the speakers also presented thought-provoking ideas in their individual speeches.

In this keynote address, Jindal said:

“We must do more to nurture every link of the SS ecosystem, creating awareness across industry, institutions and communities. SS is not just durable and corrosion resistant, it is lightweight, 100% recyclable and built to last. The story needs to be told louder and wider. GSSE 2025 organized by Virgo Communications has been an excellent platform for the SS industry. The exhibition not only showcased India’s manufacturing strength but also provided opportunities to discuss critical policy issues such as the need to recognize SS as distinct from carbon steel. Sessions highlighting sustainability, renewable energy adoption and BIS standards were insightful, boosting confidence in Indian SS globally. It was heartening to see so many stalls, end-users and industry veterans reconnecting. Virgo has created a robust space to build networks, exchange ideas and strengthen ‘Brand India’ SS. We look forward to future editions.”

Gupta said:

“GSSE 2025 offers a vital platform to highlight the role of standardization in strengthening the quality and capacity of domestic SS production. Standards not only ensure end-user confidence through quality products but also enable seamless trade across borders. As part of BIS, it’s encouraging to see the industry come together to align innovation with compliance and global competitiveness at this summit.”

Krishnamurti shared:

“GSSE 2025 brilliantly showcases the growing importance of SS in building a sustainable and resilient future. As highlighted in the keynote, SS is not just a material it’s a legacy of durability, health and innovation. From infrastructure to green hydrogen and urban development, it plays a pivotal role in India’s transformation into a global leader. The event brings together visionary minds, industry pioneers and policymakers, reflecting the strength of a sector driven by purpose. GSSE is a true celebration of progress honoring both the potential of SS and the people powering its journey.”

Thereafter, the dignitaries unveiled the SS Directory

The Roundtable

GSSE 2025 hosted a one-of-its-kind CEO Roundtable with the theme “Stainless Steel: Future Growth Opportunities and Industry Collaboration,” that brought together top leaders to address challenges and opportunities in the SS sector. Key speakers included Srinivas; Tarun Kumar Khulbe, CEO, Jindal Stainless;

Britta Warnke, senior vice president commercial director – advanced materials, Outokumpu; and Gupta, who discussed global demand, infrastructure use, sustainability, policy impact and the need for a national SS policy.

The experts at the CEO Roundtable comprised Dr. K Nandakumar, deputy chairman Process Plant and Machinery Association Of India (PPMAI), and chairman and managing director (MD), Chemtrols Industries; Vivek Chinoy, vice president, The Institute of Packaging Machinery Manufacturers of India (IPMMI); Chandrakant Salunkhe, chairman, SME Chamber of India; Sangeeta Jain, senior director, All India Association of Industries (AIAI); Chandan Bhansali, president, Metal and Stainless Steel Merchant’s Association (MASSMA); Sanjay Mehta, president, Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI); Sunanda Sengupta, chairman, Indian Refractory Makers Association (IRMA); and Ninad Ramesh Jaywant, Hon. general secretary, Thane Small Scale Industries Association (TSSIA), chairman Bhiwandi Chapter.

Key discussions covered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME)-centric consumption, fragmented distribution, recycling logistics, Federal Transit Administration-related tariffs, a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism’s 10–12% export cost impact and innovation needs like non-stick applications. The panel called for AI-driven supply chains, R&D, sustainable manufacturing and policy reforms. A unified industry voice and collaboration across stakeholders were emphasized to secure the sector’s future.

To maintain a healthy flow of ideas at the Roundtable, GSSE also invited VIP delegates to participate in the discussion. The attendees at the CEO Roundtable included the following:

• Vijay Sharma, director corporate affairs, Jindal Stainless
• Mohit Sharma, assistant general manager – sales and marketing, Laxcon Steels
• Rohit Agarwal, director, Rimjhim ISPAT
• Nitin Garg, director, Avtar Steel
• Chandragupt Prakash Mangal, MD, Mangalam Worldwide
• Rajeev Sherry, MD – India, Outokumpu
• L Vijay Bhandari, director, Minox Metal
• Udit Rathi, promoter, Rathi Steel and Power
• Abhishek Purohit, MD , Shree Ramdev Metalex LLP
• Sripal Jain, director, Salem Stainless Steel Suppliers
• CP Agrawal, CEO, Synergy Steels
• Dilip Chandan, MD, Chandan Steel
• Yash Mehta, CEO, Rajputana Stainless
• Jitendra Agarwal, founder, Stainless Bazaar
• Suresh Goyal, chairman, Sambhv Steel Tubes
• Dr. Deepak Kumar Gaur, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Shyam Metallics & Energy

As the event progressed, visitors to the expo got the opportunity to partake in engaging panel discussions that covered the major challenges that the SS sector is facing. The topics of the panel discussions that GSSE 2025 hosted across three days were as follows:

• Building the nation with stainless steel: Policy initiatives, business opportunities and expanding applications
• SS products: Driving economic growth and innovation in user-industry
• SS in architecture, building and construction applications
• Advancing rural infrastructure
• Transforming the urban mobility landscape: Innovations in rail, freight, EVS and sustainable infrastructure
• Blue economy and SS in marine infrastructure
• Advancements in heavy engineering and energy
• Transforming efficiency with digital advancements
• Skilling the workforce for SS growth
• The next frontier: Future SS applications in food and beverage, dairy and pharma

As industry experts stressed the need for education and advanced training in the SS sector, GSSE 2025 took the initiative of pushing the envelope by organizing a series of workshops in collaboration with IndiaWelds, under the guidance of Founder and CEO Sujata Sahay.

Sahay said:

“GSSE was a landmark event for the SS industry, offering both depth and practical relevance. As IndiaWelds, we were proud training partners, and the workshops received exceptional feedback. GSSE stood out by bringing together the right audience, relevant topics and hands-on discussions from welding quality and skill gaps to corrosion mitigation and infrastructure needs. It wasn’t just an exhibition; it was a movement to bridge knowledge with real-world application. The summit covered everything policy, training, technology and future trends. Hats off to the GSSE team for curating such a meaningful and impactful experience.”

GSSE 2025 successfully cemented its position as a catalyst for growth, innovation and collaboration in the SS sector. By uniting industry leaders, policymakers, manufacturers and MSMEs on a single platform, the event facilitated meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships and future-ready solutions.

With its diverse mix of high-level discussions, workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions, GSSE 2025 not only addressed current industry challenges but also laid the foundation for a resilient, sustainable future. As the SS sector continues to evolve, GSSE will remain pivotal in driving collective progress and fostering a unified vision for India’s industrial advancement and for the VT industry, as well.