Ambala, Aug 18 (KNN) A month following flood-induced losses, Ambala's scientific apparatus manufacturers are still grappling to restore operations, reported The Tribune.

Alongside financial setbacks and production standstill, manufacturers are increasingly concerned about potentially losing clients to Chinese competitors, adding to the prevailing tension.

Alok Sood, executive member of Ambala Scientific Instruments Manufacturers’ Association, said, “The manufacturers at present are busy getting the machines repaired, buying time from clients and completing documents sought by insurance companies so that the losses could be covered. With machines being under repair and halt in the manufacturing process, the workforce is sitting idle and the manufacturers are finding it difficult to pay salaries to the staff. In a few small units, there have been layoffs.”

“The months of October and November are important for the industry as during these months products are exported, but at present the supply chain is empty and there is no production. The clients will ultimately shift to China as they have to meet prior commitments,” he added.

Ashawant Gupta, chairman, Ambala chapter of Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “The manufacturers are in such a situation where they cannot even tell the client that the manufacturing has stopped due to floods. Though the products were dried but those cannot be sold because the manufacturers are dealing in science and medical equipment and they cannot sell contaminated products.”

“Besides losses, the manufacturers are dealing with unrealistic demands of insurance companies. The companies are asking for documents and bills related to products but the documents were washed away and the computers are lying dead. The companies must show empathy,” he said.

Regarded as Asia's largest science market, Ambala boasts an impressive turnover of Rs 3,000 crore. This industry specializes in crafting laboratory glassware, electronic devices, educational instruments, and various scientific equipment, catering to clients both domestically and internationally.  (KNN Bureau)