Reiterating its commitment to the Indian market, Henkel Adhesive Technologies India, a subsidiary of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, 
Germany, recently inaugurated its first innovation centre in the country at Pune. The launch marks the company’s most important investment in the region and further strengthens its focus on emerging markets.
Spread across 27,000 sq. feet, the centre will focus on innovative technologies and solutions that will cater to customers across the automotive and transportation industry in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Strategically located in the third largest auto hub, the Pune centre is designed to become a one-stop solution provider to Henkel’s strong customer base in the region. A dedicated team of product and application experts at the centre will be devising adhesive solutions and optimal application procedures and demonstrating assembly performance under simulated work conditions. More than 800 automotive suppliers and more than 20 companies in manufacturing will directly benefit from the centre.
At the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Jeremy Hunter, President, Henkel India, said: “This strategic investment will help strengthen our footprint in India and will provide our wide customer base an access to global innovation and better solutions. By 2016, Henkel expects to grow sales to 20 billion euros, of which 10 billion euros is expected from emerging markets like India. This innovation centre will nurture a strong mix of global expertise and local knowhow to benefit customers across the whole region.”
Commenting on this landmark announcement, Mr. Shilip Kumar, Business Director, Automotive & Metal SBU, India, Middle East & Africa, said: “R&D has been at the core of Henkel’s leadership in India. We have grown from strength to strength with consistent focus on customer solutions. This step plays an essential role in building our partnerships across industries by helping customers enhance productivity and significantly reduce operational costs.”
This state-of-the-art centre is equipped with customer component testing equipment, dispensing systems, application training, product development and engineering facilities which will provide customers comprehensive adhesive solutions. For the automobile and metal industry portfolio, the laboratory is well equipped with a simulated environment for automotive acoustic structures. The centre also has customized training assistance programs and interactive sessions for customers to equip them with the latest developments and sustainable solutions.
As the world’s No.1 in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, Henkel has a strong footprint of R&D centres across the world. The new India innovation centre will contribute significantly towards Henkel’s strategy 2016. Henkel is generating 45 per cent of its total sales in emerging markets. Almost 55 per cent of its employees are in these countries.