Klüber Lubrication, a global expert in speciality lubricants, and part of Freudenberg Group, has announced an investment of INR 142 crore to expand its Mysore facility. This expansion will nearly double the facility's production capacity and area.
The existing facility, which covers over 17,000 sq meters, produces world-class speciality lubricants, and the expanded facility will be fully operational by early 2027.
Speaking to Mobility Outlook, Hitendra Bhargava, CEO & Regional Management Board Member Asia Pacific, Klüber Lubrication India Private Limited, said, 'We currently manufacture lube varieties that cater to more than 20 different industry verticals. With the new investment, we will enhance the current capability by catering to the more specific needs of the automotive industry with IATF certification and the food sector with food-grade lubricants.
The expanded facility will feature state-of-the-art technology tailored to Klüber Lubrication's specialised needs. As part of this investment, the lube maker will obtain new certifications, such as IATF for automotive customers and ISO 21469 for food-grade lubricants. The R&D infrastructure will also be enhanced, accelerating the market introduction of new products. These improvements aim to strengthen its operations, introduce high-value product lines, and facilitate the seamless relocation of global products to serve its clientele better.
Bhargava said the company has been closely following the automotive industry's electrification and the challenges this brings from a lubrication perspective. The major challenges are more intense operating conditions of mechanical components in a smaller space, requiring a longer lifetime. 'We already offer solutions for new applications like the charging systems, electric brake boosters, and CV joints and transmission systems of EVs, which are quite different from ICE vehicles,' he said.
On localisation, Bhargava said it is a continuous process. ' We have already made good progress in recent years in line with the Make in India initiative, and going forward, our efforts will continue in this direction.'
Bhargava said, 'By integrating a new production hall and world-class infrastructure, we aim to offer state-of-the-art specialty products locally manufactured. This initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan mission, enhancing our proximity and responsiveness to customers not just in India but across the entire APAC region.'
Highlighting the regional benefits of the facility's expansion, theCTO of Klüber Lubrication India said, 'This expansion significantly benefits our customers in Southeast Asia, especially considering recent global supply chain challenges. This investment reflects our confidence in the region and dedication to exceeding customer expectations. We are ready to elevate operations, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the region's development.'
The company's expansion in Mysore also underscores the organisation's focus on sustainability. With solar panels installed on the roof, the plant now derives more than half of its energy from renewable sources.
A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of this project, attended by Freudenberg Chemical Specialities Board Members, including Dr Joerg Matthias Grossmann, Filip Krulis, and Dr Sebastian Weiss, alongside Klüber Board Members Dr Wolfgang Sammer and Markus Murmann. The Klüber India leadership team, comprising Bhargava, Vishal Almal, and Kanakaraju Thangavel, Dr Stefan Seemeyer, Head of Global Product Innovation & Regional Board Member APAC, also graced the event.
Also Read:
Freudenberg Filtration Technologies Readies For Tech, Market Trends