Oerlikon’s Drive Systems Segment recently inaugurated its third plant at Sanand in Gujarat, India. This is the 10th production facility for the Segment globally. 

“This inauguration marks an important milestone for the further development of Drive Systems Segment in India,” said Dr. Bernd Matthes, CEO of Oerlikon’s Drive Systems Segment. “With the additional production capacity, we continue our growth in India and further upgrade our capabilities in high-tech driven products.”

Oerlikon’s Drive Systems Segment has been present in India since 1999, with production sites of both its brands, Oerlikon Graziano and Oerlikon Fairfield, at Greater Noida and Belgaum, respectively. 

“In less than two years after the ground breaking ceremony, we have commenced production at Sanand,” said Matthes. “With this new capacity we will continue our journey in India and upgrade our capabilities in high-tech driven products strongly supporting our customers in developing new innovative solutions for the domestic as well as international markets.”

Oerlikon’s Drive Systems Segment has grown from strength to strength in India over the last decade and a half. Today it serves domestic as well as export markets, covering not only the agricultural market, but also construction equipment, commercial and utility vehicles as well as industrial applications. The new plant is spread across 35 acres, and will employ more than 1,000 people when in full production.  

“More than a third of the site has been planned to be ‘green,’” said Vivek Prakash, business unit head at at Oerlikon’s Drive Systems Segment India. “We have an energy efficient building resulting in 30% reduction in energy requirements, plus zero discharge of water and 100% rain water harvesting and waste water management. We have built the plant to comply with LEED Gold Standard criteria and will be applying for certification shortly. We aspire to be sustainable in all aspects and emerge as the trendsetter amongst our peers in the region.”