New plant to drive powertrain, chassis, and e-mobility innovation in line with ‘Make in India’ vision
Schaeffler India Limited, a leading motion technology company, has inaugurated its fifth manufacturing facility in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. The facility will focus on producing advanced powertrain and chassis components, along with technologies supporting the transition to electrified mobility solutions.
The inauguration was attended by senior leadership, 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; Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler AG; and Mr. Dharmesh Arora, Regional CEO Asia Pacific, Schaeffler AG.
Spanning 16,500 square metres, the new facility represents a significant step forward in Schaeffler India’s strategic growth plan to meet rising market demand and expand its local manufacturing capabilities. The plant will support production of planetary gear systems, hybrid transmission components, and other emerging innovations, with a focus on both conventional and electrified powertrains.
Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler AG, emphasized that India remains a key market for Schaeffler. He noted that the Shoolagiri facility represents a critical expansion of the company’s global manufacturing footprint and aligns with efforts to deepen localisation and better serve a growing customer base.
Harsha Kadam, Managing Director & CEO, Schaeffler India, stated that the Shoolagiri facility demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to capacity expansion and customer-centric innovation. With enhanced production capabilities, Schaeffler India is better positioned to meet the needs of both current and future mobility markets while advancing its support for India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The new plant joins four existing manufacturing facilities and three R&D centres operated by Schaeffler India. Over the last three years (2022–2024), the company has invested ₹1,700 crore, exceeding its initial commitment of ₹1,500 crore. These investments have supported the development of powertrain solutions, e-mobility systems, and industrial bearing technologies, enhancing Schaeffler’s overall manufacturing and innovation ecosystem in India.
As part of its digital expansion, Schaeffler India also strengthened its presence in the automotive aftermarket by acquiring KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd (Koovers), a B2B e-commerce platform, in 2023.
Harsha Kadam added that in an increasingly complex and dynamic market, Schaeffler remains focused on evolving its motion technology portfolio to seize emerging opportunities and maintain its competitive edge.
Sustainability Embedded in Facility Design
In alignment with the Schaeffler Group’s global sustainability strategy, the Shoolagiri facility has been built with a holistic framework aimed at long-term environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. Notable green features include:
- Natural daylight utilization
- Battery-operated material handling equipment
- Rainwater harvesting and zero liquid discharge systems
- Energy-efficient equipment with eco-mode
- Waste heat recovery systems
- 100% LED lighting and digitalized operations
- Ergonomic workstations and inclusive workplace design
This integrated approach reinforces Schaeffler India’s commitment to building a world-class, future-ready manufacturing hub that upholds the principles of sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence.
