Rockwell Automation is strategically positioning India as a significant manufacturing hub, following its successful utilization of the country's strengths in IT and software for global operations, according to a senior company executive.
Scott Wooldridge, the president for the Asia Pacific region, informed PTI during the company's automation fair that the US-based automation leader has commenced the development of a factory in Chennai, which will be operational in two phases.
Wooldridge emphasized that India is poised to become a crucial center for both software development and manufacturing for Rockwell, particularly as the nation seeks to enhance the manufacturing sector's contribution to its economy.
The company initiated its manufacturing efforts in India approximately two years ago, and the Chennai facility will serve as an expansion of these initiatives.
It is noteworthy that numerous global firms are adopting a 'China plus one' strategy to mitigate their dependence on China. Wooldridge indicated that production at the new Chennai facility is expected to begin in May of the following year, with plans to employ 230 individuals.
He was quick to emphasize that the emphasis on research and development, where India contributes to the software and hardware needs of Rockwell's global operations, continues concurrently.
According to Dilip Sawhney, the Managing Director for India, the company's total workforce in India has expanded to over 4,000 from 1,000 in the past four years, making it the largest employee base outside the United States.
"We recognize India as a strategic global market and are committed to establishing a credible presence there. Additionally, we view India as a vital element of our global talent strategy," Sawhney stated.
Currently, the company operates campuses in Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru, with ongoing team expansions across these locations, as noted by Woolbridge.
He further mentioned that while the company is embarking on its first manufacturing venture with a facility in Chennai, it has long collaborated with Indian manufacturers such as Mahindra, Tata Group, Apollo Tyres, and MRF.
Sawhney indicated that the initial phase of the Chennai facility will concentrate on the semiconductor industry.
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