Fabcon India has undergone a remarkable transformation — from its beginnings in steel fabrication in 1977 to becoming one of Asia’s leading manufacturers of food processing and conveying technologies. With nearly five decades of expertise, the company has built a strong global presence driven by innovation, automation, and sustainability, delivering world-class solutions that enhance food safety, quality, and efficiency.
In an exclusive interaction with India Business & Trade (IBT), Mr. Nishant Bansal, CEO & Managing Director of Fabcon India, shares insights on the company’s growth, technological advancements, and vision for the future of India’s food manufacturing sector.
Nishant Bansal: We actually started back in 1977. The business was founded by my father, Mr. Rakesh Bansal, who is an engineer from Aligarh. The name Fabcon comes from two words — fabrication and conveying systems. In the early years, we were engaged in steel fabrication for industries such as railways, power generation, and sugar — what were known as the heavy industries at that time, with limited modernization.
Later, we began manufacturing conveyors for Maruti when it entered India. Maruti officially started operations in 1984, but their plant construction and training programs had begun earlier. We were among the suppliers chosen to make conveyors for them, which marked the beginning of our journey in industrial automation. Initially, we focused on fabricating steel tanks, platforms, and miscellaneous components, along with conveyors for the automobile industry. In the early 1990s, we had the opportunity to connect with the late Shri Manohar Lal Agarwal of Haldiram’s, and that was a turning point — it marked our entry into the food processing sector.
Today, we are proud to have nearly 48 years of legacy behind us. I represent the second generation, having joined my father in 1997 — so it’s been around 27–28 years for me personally. We currently have a team of about 200 people across three manufacturing units, with two additional units under development.
Over the years, we’ve evolved from a fabrication company to a complete food processing solutions provider, exporting to more than 70 countries — including advanced markets like the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany. Innovation continues to be at the heart of our growth and success.
IBT: Innovation is central to your growth. What new technologies or solutions are you currently introducing for the snack food industry?
Nishant Bansal: Yes, continuing from the same thought — evolution and change are absolutely essential. In fact, I believe they are the only constants in any industry. One must keep evolving and adapting to meet the ever-changing demands of the market. We cannot afford to be left behind, and today, India stands shoulder to shoulder with the developed world — whether it’s Europe or the US.
If we look back, namkeens were once made entirely by hand, and the industry was seeking only basic technology. But as the focus on food safety, hygiene, quality, cost efficiency, and automation grew, we evolved alongside these needs.
Today, we are among the leading automated food processing equipment manufacturers in India and Asia, offering technologies that are on par with those used in Europe and America. Many of our European customers are often surprised to see the level of automation we’ve achieved in our own facilities. We use robotics, smart systems, laser cutting, CNC machining, and laser welding. In fact, the only things truly Indian in our operations are our people and the steel we use. Most of our software, components, and systems are sourced from global leaders — whether European, German, American, or Japanese.
Our evolution has always been driven by understanding our customers’ requirements and developing the right technologies — whether in terms of food safety, hygiene, automation, or large-scale production — to help them meet the demands of a dynamic market.
IBT: As automation and hygiene standards rise globally, how does Fabcon ensure its systems meet HACCP and GMP guidelines?
Nishant Bansal: Whether it’s HACCP, GMP, CCP, BRC, or in India’s case, FSSAI — all these standards are extremely important. As consumers, whether it’s you or me, we all want to eat food that is safe, hygienically prepared, and has a good shelf life. With the growing shift towards frozen foods, people today are far more conscious and demanding — not just about taste, but also about quality, color, packaging, and overall safety.
At Fabcon India, we have incorporated all these considerations into our design and manufacturing process. Having exported for nearly 25 years, we are a government-recognized One Star Export House for machinery. Over time, we’ve learned many lessons — especially in the early days when our understanding of global food safety standards was limited. Two decades ago, we realized that the designs acceptable in India were not up to the mark for European or American markets. That experience shaped our evolution.
Since then, we’ve made it a core part of our strategy to ensure that every piece of equipment we manufacture — whether for India, Europe, America, or Africa — meets the same world-class standards. The quality we deliver to PepsiCo or Haldiram must be identical to what we deliver to a small Indian startup. For us, that consistency defines Fabcon India’s integrity and reputation.
Our vision is simple: the food that comes out of Fabcon India machinery should be so safe and hygienic that even I, personally, should have no hesitation in eating it. Regardless of whether it’s produced by a multinational or a local enterprise, we take pride in knowing it’s made using our equipment.
To achieve this, we focus deeply on precision and hygiene — from proper welding and CNC-based equipment formation to investing in advanced Italian tooling that ensures world-class metal pressing. We use state-of-the-art laser cutting and laser welding technologies that deliver European-standard quality.
But technology alone isn’t enough. We have also trained our people extensively, because true quality comes from awareness and discipline. It’s not just about using advanced machines — it’s about every person in the process, from myself to our engineers and workers, understanding the importance of maintaining that world-class standard. Today, our factory operates with the same food machinery requirements and hygiene protocols that are followed globally.
IBT: All your equipment is made in-house using advanced tools like laser cutting and CNC. How does this help in maintaining quality and efficiency?
Nishant Bansal: Just like when you buy a Rolls Royce, you need a driver who’s trained to handle it — or you ensure your driver is trained to drive it properly — the same principle applies to our machines. When we supply a Fabcon India machine, we make sure our customers are thoroughly trained. We provide detailed manuals and guide them through CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) and PMCM (Preventive and Corrective Maintenance) processes. If something goes wrong, they know exactly what corrective and preventive steps to take.
Similarly, the machines we use in our own manufacturing are high-end — sourced from Germany, Italy, and other parts of Europe. We ensure our team is properly trained to operate them, and we maintain Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) with all our suppliers. Their service engineers periodically inspect and service the machines to keep them in top condition.
We always tell our customers: no matter how advanced a machine is, it needs regular care and attention. Listen to your machines — if there’s an unusual sound or vibration, it may indicate a problem. Every component, whether it’s a bearing or oil, has a lifespan. Regular servicing not only extends the life of the machine but also ensures consistent product quality.
At Fabcon India, we follow the same discipline ourselves. We have a dedicated maintenance department that ensures every machine is handled responsibly. We do not tolerate misuse of equipment at our end — and we encourage our customers to adopt the same mindset: train your people well, use the machines correctly, and they will serve you efficiently for years.
IBT: How is Fabcon combining high performance with sustainability in its machinery design and manufacturing?
Nishant Bansal: Sustainability has become something of a buzzword these days — everyone talks about sustainable food, sustainable fuel, sustainable environments. But for us, it’s not just a trend or a gimmick; it’s a genuine commitment. In fact, sustainability has always been part of our culture in India — whether through rainwater harvesting or careful food management. At Fabcon India, we continue that legacy with a strong focus on minimizing waste and optimizing efficiency.
For instance, our use of laser cutting technology plays a crucial role in reducing material wastage. It ensures precise fabrication with minimal rework. In traditional methods, multiple rounds of manual grinding and welding not only created dust and pollution but also consumed excess power and water. By contrast, our modern systems minimize environmental impact at every stage. Both the machines we manufacture and the ones we use in production are designed to be environmentally friendly. Our equipment consumes minimal water for cleaning and operates with high fuel efficiency. We use advanced German and Italian burners, fine-tuned for optimal performance — producing minimal smoke, using less gas, and achieving maximum heat efficiency.
Similarly, the motors and electronic systems we incorporate are of the highest standards — IE3 and IE4 rated — comparable to star-rated appliances for energy efficiency. These top-of-the-line motors significantly reduce power consumption. This not only lowers operating costs for our customers but also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint. In essence, sustainability for us is both environmental and economic. By using less power, less water, and less fuel — while maintaining superior performance — our machines help customers achieve operational efficiency and environmental responsibility simultaneously. Every machine we make, and every machine we use, reflects our ongoing commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
IBT: How do your technologies help drive success in the food processing industry? Which key segments do you serve? Also, please cite some examples of how your solutions have been helpful for your clients in industry
Nishant Bansal: Yes, we are working across the entire food and FMCG spectrum. When I say “food,” it’s not limited to snack foods — it extends to frozen foods, confectionery, ready-to-eat (RTE), ready-to-drink (RTD), and ready-to-cook (RTC) segments.
Take snacks, for instance — beyond the traditional namkeens, we now cater to the frozen food industry as well, which includes items like pizzas, breads, samosas, and nuggets. Samosa, in fact, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing frozen food categories. These are what we call specialty or formed foods — made from ingredients like mashed potatoes that are shaped, partially cooked or fried, and then frozen for convenience.
In the RTE and RTD categories, we see rapid growth in products like coffee premixes — where you simply add hot water to get a ready-to-drink coffee — or ready-to-eat items like bhel puri and pre-cooked vegetables. We design equipment for all these applications.
We are doing extensive work in product lines like samosas and makhanas. Samosas today are consumed both as a snack and a meal, and we provide complete production lines that allow customers to produce frozen samosas, store them, and prepare them quickly by frying or microwaving. Similarly, makhana has become a high-protein, healthy snack, and our machinery supports large-scale production of such emerging products.
A key advantage of our equipment is versatility — customers can produce multiple products using the same machinery. This not only reduces their overall investment but also improves ROI and shortens the breakeven period. For example, where earlier it may have taken several years to recover costs, our customers now often achieve breakeven within two to three years due to higher efficiency and flexibility.
To give you an example, take muesli — a breakfast cereal category that previously relied heavily on imported machinery. Today, we manufacture complete muesli processing systems at our own facilities in India. This allows our clients to produce international-grade products locally, catering both to domestic and export markets.
Through our technology, we are helping Indian food manufacturers gain global exposure, evolve faster, and develop products that meet world-class standards — right here in India.
IBT: What will Fabcon India highlight at Indusfood Manufacturing 2026, and how important is this platform for expanding your international reach?
Nishant Bansal: Today, no matter how big a brand you are, visibility is essential. You have to continuously engage with your customers and showcase your latest technologies and innovations. That’s where platforms like Indusfood play a vital role.
Indusfood, organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) with the support of the Ministry of Commerce, has emerged as an excellent platform for both the food and food processing sectors. Under the leadership of Mr. Singla, TPCI is doing remarkable work to promote Indian industry globally. With Indusfood and Indusfood Manufacturing, they have created what I would call India’s own version of Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai. The event attracts international buyers and delegates, helping position India as a key hub for food and processing technology.
We have also shared our inputs with TPCI on how to further promote Indian SMEs — for instance, by encouraging international visitors to explore both the food segment and the machinery segment in Dwarka.
At Fabcon India, we actively participate in more than 12 trade shows annually, including around eight international exhibitions. We’ve just returned from Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, and we’re gearing up for upcoming events in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, the US, Europe, and Africa, along with major Indian shows like Anuga.
These exhibitions are like a common playground — a space where you meet industry peers, customers, startups, and global partners. They provide an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas, understand new trends, and explore possibilities for collaboration and growth.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Stay ahead in the dynamic world of trade and commerce with India Business & Trade's weekly newsletter.