German firm sets up service centres in India

Mumbai: With most of the automobile companies announcing production expansion plans, the world’s number one press machine manufacturers German-based Schuler sees good prospect in India. The company is setting up service centres in Pune and Chennai in addition to the existing one in Mumbai.

“The Pune centre is ready and we will be commencing operations in next two months. Then we will go to Chennai,” said Mr Juergen Tonn, CEO, Schuler AG.

The Indian subsidiary of Schuler has got orders from Mahindra & Mahindra for a high-speed press line to be installed at its upcoming Chakan plant. “We have an order book worth Rs 125 crore for the current financial year. The next year we expect to have business worth Rs 180 crore,” said Mr Dilip M. Thaker, Managing Director, Schuler India Private Ltd. “Tata Motors have taken large number of machines and equipment from Schuler. Hero group and Ford also have procured machines from us. We are in talks with companies including Renault-Nissan and GM,” he said. Some of the leading clients include Ashok Leyland, Bharat Forge and Bajaj Auto, he said.

Besides automobile sector, the company is getting orders from other sectors including power and electrical motor industry. Siemens, L&T and Caparo have procured machines from Schuler. The company got an order worth Rs 125 crore from India Government Mints for minting equipment for currency coins.

The company has indicated its medium-term plan to set up a manufacturing facility in India. The company has two manufacturing plants in China and one in Brazil. “India is another emerging market which has a very important role in our growth strategy. We will look at achieving business worth €80 million from India to set up manufacturing plant,” said Mr Tonn.