STRENGTHENING GLOBAL PRESENCE

Leveraging and committing to supporting India’s growth, GROB Group, a leading global supplier of production and automation solutions, inaugurated its 6^th production plant in India on May 7, 2024, at Gudipalli, Andhra Pradesh, India. Continuing its tradition of relentless innovation, the family-managed German company expands its plan for India and evolves in the dynamic auto sector.

On May 4, 2022, the mechanical engineering player, GROB Group, laid the groundwork for the multi-million euro project, and almost two years later, it is celebrating the official opening of the new plant. With the inauguration of its new plant as GROB Machine Tools India Pvt Ltd, the Group reaffirms its long-term commitment to India and its objective of capitalizing on the region’s dynamic economic potential while driving technological advancement.

Building for tomorrow

Reflecting on the company’s journey and outlining its growth mission, LJ Naidu, Managing Director, GROB Machine Tools India Pvt Ltd, noted, “With an initial investment of INR 135 crore, covering 8,500 sq mt in the first phase, the plant demonstrates GROB’s commitment to long-term presence and technological advancement in India.”

Plans for future expansion include an additional 45,000 sq mt of construction with an investment of INR 400 crore. Reiterating the projections, and eying ‘India as a huge opportunity for the future’, German Wankmiller, Chairman of the Board & CEO, GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co KG, hinted at overall expansion in India and worldwide, citing the company’s projected continual growth to € 2 billion.

Underscoring India’s growing potential and the country’s conducive environment for development, Christian Müller, Member of the Board & CSO, GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co KG, highlighted the diverse target segments for GROB machines in India, including Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Die & Mold, and more. He mentioned plans to assemble various models initially, beginning with CNC machines, later venturing into the assembly business for e-mobility, and gradually localizing production within two years.

“At the new facility, we will assemble the complete product line from GROB, including the G150, G350, G550, and G750 models. Initially, we will support our basic machines imported from Germany. Gradually, we will localize our CNC machine production more and more. Within the next two years, we aim to have 100 percent ‘Made in India’ machines to cater to the Indian market,” he shared.

Engineering excellence and driving innovation

GROB’s customers include the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, and other renowned companies from diverse sectors. Wankmiller elaborated on e-drive technology for electric vehicles and shared, “We have all the vertical integration from engineering to assembly. We now want to grow our floor space and increase the number of employees. Therefore, we will extend our plans, and this is only the beginning in India.”

The company has allocated approximately INR 22 crore out of INR 135 crore for its spindle refurbishment facility, making it the first facility in India to offer professional spindle repair and refurbishment services.

Universal Machining Centers placed in the newly built tech center of GROB Machine Tools India.

Precision in practice

Speaking on the significance of German precision in manufacturing, Dr S Devarajan, Senior Vice President, Advance Mfg Engineering, TVS Motor Company Ltd, a key GROB customer, mentioned the presence of machining centers and multi-axis machines at TVS’ Hosur plant, highlighting the improved quality, dimensional consistency, and spindle stability that GROB machines offer.

Regarding GROB sales and service, Dr Devarajan expressed confidence in the company’s ability to support the dynamic Indian Automobile industry, especially with the introduction of new models and the advent of EVs. He acknowledged GROB’s continuous growth journey and expressed confidence that its technical center would further enhance their support capabilities, thereby instilling confidence among stakeholders.

Discussing the relevance of GROB’s setup in India, Sachin S Vora, Managing Director, Kranti Industries Ltd, a well-known name in auto component manufacturing, emphasized the importance of faster delivery times for tier two suppliers in auto sector. He expressed optimism about GROB’s role in enhancing infrastructure planning and resource allocation, as well as easier access, faster deliveries, and streamlined technical support with its presence in India.

Towards a sustainable future

Amidst the developing worldwide economy, especially in India, the expansion reflects the increasing need to invest in India’s future. With the idea of collaborative growth, GROB intends to expand production alongside stakeholders, maintaining an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Sovan Tudu Senior Sub-Editor Magic Wand Media sovan.tudu@magicwandmedia.in

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