From Watchmaking to Aerospace: The journey of TEAL

13/02/2025

India’s aerospace ecosystem is strengthening, and while competition exists, TEAL differentiates itself through technical prowess, reliability, and superior manufacturing process design.

Titan Engineering & Automation Limited (TEAL) has undergone a notable transformation, evolving from its roots in precision watchmaking to becoming a leader in aerospace manufacturing.

In conversation with FinancialExpress.com on the sidelines of the ongoing Aero India 2025, Anjan Ghosal, the Business Head of TEAL’s Aerospace Components Manufacturing Division, shared insights into the company’s journey and future prospects.

What began in 2004 as an effort to apply Titan’s engineering expertise to new fields took a pivotal turn when the company received a request from Hamilton Sundstrand (now Raytheon) for a precision-turned part. According to Ghosal “This moment marked the beginning of TEAL’s entry into aerospace manufacturing, and since then, the company has grown exponentially.”

Over the years, “Titan steadily expanded its capabilities, tackling increasingly complex products and investing in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Parallel to the aerospace journey, another team within Titan was developing automation machines for internal use. As this division grew, it was carved out as a separate entity focused on machine-building solutions, catering to industries like electric vehicles, FMCG, and automation,” Ghoshal said.

Recognizing the need for dedicated focus, according to him, “Titan officially established Titan Engineering & Automation Limited (TEAL) in 2017 as a 100% subsidiary. While Titan is a lifestyle brand, TEAL is a precision engineering company specializing in high-end aerospace and industrial manufacturing.”

Today, “TEAL operates with over 100 CNC machines and in-house special processing capabilities. Nearly 90% of its business comes from exports, supplying precision components for aircraft engines, landing gear, aero systems, and defence applications,” he added.

According to him the company has also expanded into semiconductor equipment components, manufacturing crucial parts used in high-end chip-making machines.

Challenges

“The aerospace industry is booming, but challenges persist—supply chain disruptions, skilled labour shortages, and post-pandemic talent shifts. Yet, TEAL continues to invest in expansion, with plans to build a new factory to accommodate rising demand,” Ghosal explained.

Aerospace ecosystem

India’s aerospace ecosystem is strengthening, and while competition exists, TEAL differentiates itself through technical prowess, reliability, and superior manufacturing process design. The company’s focus on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement has earned it prestigious recognition.

According to him, “A testament to this is TEAL’s Platinum Supplier Award from Raytheon, making it the first Asian company to achieve this status out of Raytheon’s 14,000 global suppliers. This distinction underscores TEAL’s excellence in quality, ease of doing business, and innovation.”

What about Artificial Intelligence?

In his view AI holds immense potential in aerospace manufacturing, from streamlining RFQ processing and pricing to process design and execution. “While still in the early stages, TEAL is actively exploring AI applications to enhance efficiency and automation. However, given aerospace’s stringent safety and precision requirements, widespread AI adoption will take time.”

Safran & TEAL

At Aero India 2025, TEAL announced a key partnership with Safran Aircraft Engines for LEAP engine turbine manufacturing. This collaboration reinforces TEAL’s leadership in precision manufacturing and strengthens India’s aerospace supply chain. With over 2,000 LEAP engines on order in India, this partnership marks a significant milestone in TEAL’s journey.

With a strong outlook, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to innovation, TEAL is set to play a crucial role in India’s growing aerospace sector.