- Technology company reiterates its commitment towards the Indian market
- New plant aims expansion of product portfolio and future growth in region
- Increased focus on localization and global sourcing from India
With a total investment worth nearly Rs. 150 crore (€20 million) ZF Friedrichshafen AG has reinforced its commitment towards future growth potential of the Indian market by setting up its new plant in Chakan, Pune. Spread over an area of 85 000 square meters (21 acres) this facility marks an important milestone in the centennial year of ZF Group. 
“This new plant is an important investment in the centennial year of ZF Group”, said Wilhelm Rehm, Board Member of ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Global Head of material management. “The new facility in India reinforces ZF’s role as a global player and its commitment of expanding in a growth region like India.” Over the years, ZF has been successful in localizing high technology products in India. “Now we will focus on the ‘Make-in-India’ theme and source quality products for its global portfolio”, he added.
Commenting on the development Rudi von Meister, ZF’s President of Asia-Pacific, said: “This multi-product facility will house our Car Powertrain Technology and Commercial Vehicle Technology divisions as well as ZF Services under the same roof. The synergies from this consolidation will enable us to improve efficiencies and help us provide a compelling value proposition to our customers.” Today, Asia-Pacific is the most important market for ZF after Europe and North America. After China, India is the second-largest market in the region and caters to various industry segments like Automotive, Off-highway, Windpower and Marine.
Speaking on the launch of the new facility, Piyush Munot, General Manager of ZF India Private Ltd, said that “ZF established its presence in Pune in 2010 by introducing high performance transmissions, followed by chassis components both for commercial vehicles. Today we enhance this product portfolio by launching passenger car clutch systems. These are specially designed to meet the demanding driving conditions in India. Our strategy will focus on not only bringing advanced technology to India, but in the future to develop products in India for India.”
ZF has been operating for more than three decades in the Indian market. Currently, ZF’s presence in India consists of eight plants spread across Pune, Pantnagar, Gurgaon, Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai, and roughly 3 000 employees. The new facility will have approximately 200 employees. It will also be home to the headquarters of the after-market sales and services, engineering and administration of ZF India Pvt. Ltd.
The event was attended by industry leaders from overseas, customers, business partners, company officials, employees and members of press.
ZF is a worldwide leading technology company in driveline and chassis technology with 122 production companies in 26 countries. In 2014, the Group will presumably achieve a sales figure of more than €18 billion with about 72 000 employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF annually invests about 5 percent of its sales (2014: around €890 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten largest automotive suppliers worldwide.
In 2015, the company will celebrate its centennial. Originally named Zahnradfabrik GmbH, ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH among others. In its early years, the company developed, tested, and manufactured aircraft transmissions. After 1919, the company's focus shifted to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry under Alfred Graf von Soden-Fraunhofen, the first general manager and later head of the company. In this sector, the company registered numerous patents for innovative transmission technology and established itself once and for all as a major technology supplier. The first location outside Europe was founded in Brazil in 1958, launching a globalization drive that still continues. In addition, ZF constantly expanded its range of expertise - also through acquisitions. In 1984, ZF acquired the majority share in LemförderMetallwaren& Co. KG, a move which extended the product portfolio to include chassis technology. In 2001, ZF took over the former Mannesmann Sachs AG to strengthen its value added chain with driveline and chassis components. It adopted the current name of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 1992. Today's product range includes driveline and chassis technology such as transmissions, driveline and chassis components, as well as complete axle systems and modules. ZF products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, rail vehicles, and marine applications. The company also focuses on the wind power and electronic components business. In addition, ZF Services represents the Group on the international aftermarket. In 2014, ZF announced its intention to acquire US automotive supplier TRW.
The shareholders of ZF Friedrichshafen AG are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding a share of 93.8 percent, and the Dr. Jürgen and IrmgardUlderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent. The "Motion and Mobility" slogan clearly states the company's core mission: Right from its foundation, ZF has developed and manufactured innovative products for all people around the globe who want to move things reliably, comfortably, and safely and experience the ultimate in efficient mobility. Quality, technological leadership, and innovative power have always defined the Group's identity – today as much as ever.
For further press information and photos please visit:
www.zf.com
Photo caption:
ZF Plant inauguration - 3rd from L - Mr. Piyush Munot MD ZF INDIA nxt Wilhelm Rehm Member of the Board of Management of ZF Friedrichshafen AG nxt Rudy Von Meister ZF President APAC 
No comments:
Post a Comment