IMechE Student Chapter of KDU organized an exciting and insightful industrial visit to Autogroup International (Pvt) Ltd in Kaduwela on 27th March 2025. Mechanical Engineering undergraduates from Intake 40 and 41 got a unique opportunity to bridge academic learning with real-world industry exposure. The visit was carried out under the guidance of Mr. Prabath Dissanayake and Mr. Ruchira Fernando.
A special note of appreciation goes to Mr. Ravindu Suraweera, a KDU alumnus currently employed at Autogroup International. He played a pivotal role in coordinating the visit, ensuring a smooth and productive experience for all participants.
The visit provided undergraduates with an in-depth look into a wide range of automotive engineering processes. One of the major highlights was the demonstration of how the company manufactures interior dashboards using the fiberglass molding process. The group was guided through the entire production cycle, gaining insight into this specialized manufacturing technique. Following this, the undergraduates were introduced to the company’s 3D printing, plastic molding, and injection molding workshops. The staff provided clear and detailed explanations of each step, offering valuable insights into how advanced manufacturing techniques are used in modern vehicle production and customization.
Another fascinating highlight of the visit was witnessing how the skilled team at Autogroup expertly overhauls and rewires entire vehicle electrical systems, ensuring optimal performance. The precision and planning involved gave undergraduates a deeper understanding of the complexity behind vehicle electrical architecture. Additionally, the company demonstrated how they retrofit seat heating and cooling systems, showcasing the integration of mechanical design and electronic controls to enhance passenger comfort.
The tour also featured a visit to the welding station, where undergraduates observed the fabrication of custom rigs and jigs designed for transporting vehicles and various components. This provided valuable insight into the structural considerations and fabrication techniques essential to the logistics side of automotive engineering. The group was also allowed to inspect partially and fully completed vehicles, observing the process of taking precise measurements and conducting fit evaluations. One of the most memorable moments of the visit was the opportunity to closely examine five vehicles that had been expertly converted from Left-Hand Drive to Right-Hand Drive, highlighting the technical precision and adaptability of the company. This process was explained in detail, and two of the vehicles were taken for test rides, giving undergraduates an exciting experience with the conversion process and craftsmanship.
Throughout the visit, the Autogroup staff were incredibly welcoming, eagerly answering questions and guiding the group with professionalism and enthusiasm. The CEO, Mr. Rob Hill also interacted with the undergraduates, sharing valuable insights into the company’s operations and encouraging them to pursue their engineering passions. The visit concluded with a light refreshment.
