From Classroom Concepts to Cutting-Edge Industrial Practices

As part of its commitment to experiential learning and industry-oriented management education, Ahalia School of Management (ASM) organised an industrial visit to Messer Cutting Systems, Coimbatore, on 14 August 2026. A team comprising 27 MBA students and three staff members participated in the visit. The team reached the organisation at approximately 2.30 PM.

The visit began with a brief introduction and interaction by Mr. Prabhakaran from Messer Cutting Systems, who explained the purpose and scope of the industrial exposure. The students were subsequently taken on a guided tour of the work floor, where they witnessed various cutting, welding and fabrication operations. The students observed different cutting technologies, including oxyfuel cutting, plasma cutting and laser cutting, thereby gaining first-hand exposure to modern manufacturing processes. Mr. Gopalakrishnan and Mr. Prabhakaran explained the practical implementation of 5S methodology, Kanban systems and Gemba Walks, highlighting their importance in improving workplace efficiency, productivity and process discipline.

The students were also introduced to the organisation’s visual management practices through various performance and information boards displayed across the work area. These included indicators relating to production, operational performance, sales, inventory, machine utilisation, customer complaints and weekly audit scorecards. The guided industrial tour further covered the metrology laboratory, shot blasting area and sub-assembly sections, enabling stu-dents to understand the interrelationship between different operational functions.

Following the shop-floor visit, the students were taken to the training hall, where a corporate video provided an overview of Messer Cutting Systems, including its history, growth, products, customer base and future outlook. This was followed by an interactive QuestionandAnswer session with Mr. Selvapriyan, who introduced the students to the various management systems and organisational practices followed by the company. The interaction provided students with an opportunity to clarify their observations and relate industrial practices to concepts studied in their MBA programme. The company also graciously provided evening tea and snacks to the visiting students.

Key Learning Outcomes

The industrial visit provided valuable exposure to the practical dimensions of manufacturing and operations management. The major learning outcomes included:

•           Understanding modern cutting, welding and fabrication processes.

•           Gaining practical exposure to oxyfuel, plasma and laser cutting technologies.

•           Understanding the application of 5S, Kanban and Gemba Walk in industrial settings.

•           Appreciating the importance of visual management and performance monitoring.

•           Understanding the role of quality control, metrology and operational audits.

•           Observing the importance of machine utilization, inventory management and production metrics.

•           Developing a practical understanding of management systems and shop-floor discipline.

•           Connecting classroom knowledge with real-world manufacturing and operational practices.