Schaeffler expands India footprint with new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu

Schaeffler India Limited (BSE: 505790, NSE: SCHAEFFLER), a prominent player in motion technology, has opened its fifth manufacturing facility in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. The plant is dedicated to the production of powertrain and chassis components, as well as emerging technologies, representing a key advancement in the company’s expansion efforts.

The inauguration event was attended by several senior leaders from the Schaeffler Group, including Mr. Georg F. W Schaeffler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Family Shareholder, Schaeffler AG; Ms. Eranti Sumithasri, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Schaeffler India Limited; Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler AG; and Mr. Dharmesh Arora, Regional CEO Asia Pacific, Schaeffler AG.

The 16,500 sqm facility aims to meet growing market needs in the automotive sector. It will focus on the production of both conventional and electrified powertrain systems, such as planetary gear systems and hybrid transmission components, with an emphasis on serving the Indian market.

Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler AG, stated, “India is a key market for Schaeffler. The new facility is a significant step in our efforts to expand our global manufacturing footprint and further localization in the region. It supports our long-term growth vision and positions us to better cater to the rising market demands and grow with the Indian market.”

Mr. Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and CEO, Schaeffler India Limited, remarked, “The inauguration at Shoolagiri exemplifies our commitment to expanding our capacities and competencies in India, enabling us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers. With the expansion of our production facilities, we are well-positioned to cater not only to the present local markets but also future needs as we transition towards E-mobility. We remain committed to the country’s ‘Make In India’ initiative, while embracing sustainable practices. It also underscores the Schaeffler Group’s focus towards India as a strategic growth driver”.

This facility becomes part of Schaeffler India’s broader infrastructure, which includes four other manufacturing plants and three R&D centers across the country. The company has invested ₹1,700 crore over the past three years, surpassing its initial ₹1,500 crore commitment. This investment supports the development of new product lines for powertrain and e-mobility solutions, as well as bearings for industrial use.

Schaeffler India also expanded into the digital automotive aftermarket with the acquisition of KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd (Koovers), a B2B e-commerce platform, in 2023.

Mr. Harsha Kadam noted, “As the industry continues to evolve against an increasingly complex environment, we remain committed to strengthening capabilities in India with our ever-evolving motion technology portfolio to seize emerging opportunities and retain our competitive edge.”

The new Shoolagiri plant incorporates a range of sustainable features, aligning with the Schaeffler Group’s global environmental strategy. These include natural daylight use, battery-operated material handling systems, rainwater harvesting, zero liquid discharge with reuse systems, energy-efficient machinery, and waste heat recovery. The facility also emphasizes digital operations, ergonomic workspaces, and inclusivity in the workplace.