HMT opens museum to showcase its journey

The Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) opened a heritage centre and museum in the city on Friday, showcasing its journey from a company making basic machines to manufacturing defence equipment.

The museum seeks to tell HMT’s tale to the public, especially to the younger generation. “From humble beginnings in 1953, the HMT climbed a great height, and its story is also the story of India’s industrial revolution. We want the youth, who are more attracted to information technology, to see this,” said Santosh Deshpande, Joint General Manager (Administration and Public Relations) told DH.

Once known as ‘jewel among the public sector’, the HMT had several subsidiary companies and had large stakes in companies spread across the country. Most of the units have now been closed, as the changing times have stopped even its sturdy wrist watches from ticking.

Deshpande noted that recent developments can’t diminish the company’s contribution to India’s nation-building process. “HMT was once the leader in machine tools, from basic drilling machines to computerised ones as well as the automobile sector. We hope more people visit the museum and get inspired to take things further in basic engineering,” he said.

The museum is situated amid the greenery of HMT Township in Jalahalli in the city. A children’s park, tractor joy ride, as well as a technical information centre, are part of the museum. It will be open from 10 am to 5 pm for the public throughout the week except on Tuesdays and national holidays.