In early 2000, an acute energy crisis was persisting in India. Microwave technology was a new emerging technology with better energy efficiency. The founder member of Pradeep Metals Ltd., (Late) Mr. Vedprakash Goyal (B.Sc. (Engg.)) and his son Mr. Pradeep Goyal (B.Tech. IIT- Kanpur & SM in Materials Science & Engg. from MIT, USA) decided to establish an in-house research center “Industrial Microwave Research Center” (IMRC), at R205, MIDC, Rabale, Navi-Mumbai in November 2005.
The aim of establishing this research center was to develop environmentally friendly microwave assisted processes to save energy. IMRC became a prominent research center in India dedicated to exploit most recent innovations and successes achieved in the area of microwave processing of materials. This research facility was established to carry out applied research for real life requirements for Indian industry and to convert existing processes to commercially viable microwave assisted processes. IMRC is also recognized as a R&D Center by DSIR, Govt. of India since 2008.
In the initial stage of IMRC, in February 2006, PML have organized a Workshop on “Microwave Technology for Materials Processing: A Promising Option for Tomorrow”, under the aegis of ASM International, India Chapter and Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, New Delhi in Mumbai. The aim was to discuss and deliberate on the science, technology and applications of microwave processing technology for Indian industries. 24 eminent international experts and 8 Indian researchers presented their research papers and shared their expertise and experience with the participants. 85 delegates participated in this workshop. The workshop was an interactive forum for technology exchange and to learn trends and innovations in the field of microwave processing. Based on the feedback from participants, IMRC planned to cater to the immediate needs of few industries to convert their ideas into actual business proposals and to provide trained manpower.
