ZF Lenksysteme extended its commitment to the Indian market by opening its first fully-owned manufacturing facility for steering systems at Phulgaon near Pune. Spread over an area of 10,000 sqm, the plant has an initial production capacity of 70,000 commercial vehicle steering systems and approximately 400,000 passenger car steerings which can be further ramped up, based on market requirements. The future workforce is about 100 employees at full capacity.
Mr. Michael Hankel, Chief Executive Officer, ZF Lenksysteme, said: “This is an important step for ZF Lenksysteme to expand its operations in India. We chose Pune as it gives us an opportunity to be present right at the centre of India’s auto hub. It is home to world’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, the world’s largest forging company and many other leading auto manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Daimler Chrysler, General Motors, Force Motors, etc. Pune is also home to two very prominent automotive research labs, namely, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).
ZF Lenksysteme is a pioneer in steering systems globally and a trend-setter in the field of steering systems for passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles. It is widely regarded as an innovation leader. The company already lists some of the biggest auto manufacturers in the country like Tata Motors, Volvo-Eicher Commercial vehicles, Ashok Leyland, Volvo India, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Ltd. and Force Motors, among others. The plant will help it increase its footprint in India.
Mr. Ronaldo Alves, Chief Executive Officer, ZF Lenksysteme India Pvt. Ltd., said: “We have already established our presence in the Indian automobile industry through our world-class products and constant endeavour for innovation. This facility will help us strengthen our product portfolio in India. Our primary target is to achieve 80% localization in the next few years”.
The company plans to produce its widely acclaimed products like hydraulic steering systems for commercial vehicles as well as electrical power steering systems for passenger cars at its Phulgaon plant.