Katcon India Pvt. Ltd., the fully-owned subsidiary of the Mexico-based Katcon Global, is engaged in designing and manufacturing catalytic converters, exhaust systems, silencers, mufflers and all the associated accessories since last 20 years.
In an informal interaction with MOTORINDIA, Mr. Maneesh Manocha, Commercial Manager, Katcon India Private Ltd., outlined in detail the company’s projects under execution and those for future expansion.
He said Katcon started in a small way in Mexcio and North America by supplying products mainly to General Motors (GM). Soon it could form a joint venture in North America with Delphi, a fully-owned subsidiary of GM then. In 2008-2009, Katcon was able to acquire Delphi’s global exhaust business. Starting with just two plants, one in Mexico and the other in Venezuela, Katcon today has seven plants, including the one in India, and three tech centres. They are developing their plants in Brazil, Korea, China, Russia and a tech centre in China.
Katcon’s Indian operations were the result of the acquisition of Delphi catalytic converter lines, and the company is known as Katcon India Pvt. Ltd. The plant supplies catalytic converters to Maruti Suzuki since 1998. So far, the company has shipped more than two million converters, by far the largest in terms of volume as compared to the other producers.
Mr. Maneesh Manocha disclosed that Katcon supplies catalytic converters for Maruti’s export model vehicles as well as to GM – M300 (Chevrolet Beat), both gasoline and LPG versions.
Considering the viability of business from India’s subsidiary, Katcon may set up a new state-of-the-art facility.
He said Katcon carries out its operations jointly with GM, Ford, Renault, Fiat, CNH and Polaris at the global level. Now it is actively working with John Deere for developing tubes and mufflers.
Product quality is guaranteed since Katcon jointly operates with global OEMs like GM. They have applied for quality certification for ISO/TS:16949 and ISO:14001. Its customer-oriented approach, timely delivery and its special focus on quality and cost have contributed much to the company success. Its future plans include foray into India’s fastest growing CV segment as well as development of products for off-highway vehicles, he added.