Global fan and motor technology leader ebm-papst has announced a major expansion of its operations in India with the groundbreaking of a new manufacturing facility in Chennai. The move marks a pivotal step in the company’s long-term strategy for the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APAC & MEA) region, underscoring India’s growing importance as a production and innovation hub.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new plant, located on a 57,600 m² (14.2-acre) site in Chennai, is set to take place on April 4. The first phase of construction, spanning 23,000 m², involves an investment of €36 million (INR 340 crore) and is expected to be completed by end-2026. Once fully operational, the facility will employ around 700 people, significantly boosting the company’s manufacturing capacity and ability to deliver tailored, local solutions across the region.
Atul Tripathi, Managing Director of ebm-papst India, said, “This investment reflects our long-term vision for India. By boosting local production, we are not only catering to the growing demand of our Indian customers but also creating sustainable employment opportunities that contribute to the country’s industrial development.”
The Chennai plant is a key component of ebm-papst’s “Local for Local” glocalisation strategy, aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience and regional agility. “As a technology leader, we are leveraging our glocalization strategy to serve the APAC & MEA region with tailored solutions,” said Dr Klaus Geissdoerfer, CEO of the ebm-papst Group.
Thomas Nuernberger, CSO of the Group and CEO for Air Technology APAC & MEA, added, “By localizing production and strengthening supply chains, we are ensuring that we can respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our Indian customers.”
In parallel with the manufacturing expansion, ebm-papst is investing heavily in digital innovation. In 2023, the company inaugurated a new Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai. Spanning 2,800 m², the facility will host 300 specialists focused on developing digital solutions for intelligent fan technologies and enhancing global business processes.
ebm-papst has had a presence in India since 1996, operating through four sales offices, two manufacturing plants, and multiple warehouses, and currently employs around 375 people. The new investments position the company to scale rapidly in response to rising demand across sectors such as data centres, HVAC, clean rooms, transportation, and industrial ventilation, while further embedding its commitment to sustainability, localisation, and digital transformation.
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