Hodek Vibration Technologies Opens Third Manufacturing Plant in Dharwad to Power Future Growth

Hodek Vibration Technologies Pvt Ltd, a leading manufacturer of torsional vibration dampers (TVDs) for internal combustion engines, inaugurated its third manufacturing plant in Dharwad, Karnataka on Sunday, signaling a major step forward in its expansion and innovation strategy.

The new facility, designed as a lean and green manufacturing hub, is equipped with automation-ready infrastructure aligned with Industry 4.0 standards. “This is not just an expansion of capacity. It’s a strategic move to ensure we are future-ready,” said Abhijeet Khanvilkar, Executive Director of Hodek Vibration Technologies, during the inauguration ceremony.

Founded in 1976 in Pune by Prabhat Karkhanis, who now serves as Chairman of the Hodek Group, the company began by supplying precision-machined components to Cummins India. In 1980, it partnered with Holset UK for a technology transfer to produce viscous and rubber-based TVDs. Over nearly five decades, Hodek has grown into a critical supplier for commercial and passenger vehicle manufacturers across India and beyond, including names like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Daimler, Volvo Eicher, and Force Motors. Other than automotive, the company also caters to railways, marine, military, industrial and power generator sectors.

With the launch of its new Dharwad plant, Hodek now operates three production units — one in Pune and two in Dharwad — in addition to a foundry facility and an R&D center. Hodek remains optimistic about India's domestic market potential. “India is like Europe in itself, with different states acting like individual countries. We don’t need to depend on external markets to grow,” he said. The company aims to grow its revenue from ₹300 crore to ₹1,000 crore in the next 4–5 years.

On the exports front, the company currently supplies parts to 18 countries across five continents, with North America and the UK as its primary export markets. The international sales contribute around 30% of revenue, a figure Khanvilkar said they intend to boost to 50% within the next two to three years.

Hodek is also gearing up to adapt to alternative fuel technologies, particularly EVs and hydrogen. Although traditional dampers may not be required in EVs, the company is developing new components that cater to both electric and combustion-powered vehicles. “Hydrogen engines still require dampers, so it’s just clean fuel. The core mechanical needs remain,” he added.

Looking ahead, Hodek is diversifying beyond traditional dampers to prepare for disruptions in the internal combustion engine market. “We cannot rely only on dampers anymore. We’ve already added a few other products using our R&D capabilities,” Khanvilkar noted. The company is working on parts for electric vehicles. It has developed a sun visor design to enhance driver comfort, which will be manufactured under a new group company, Hodek Innovations.

In addition, the group is also venturing into digital products. Hodek Edge, another subsidiary, has launched a unique renting app called Ispick, aimed at monetising idle household items. “You might have a tennis racket lying around, not being used. Someone rents it for a day — you earn ₹100 on something you weren’t even using. That’s the concept,” explained Khanvilkar. 

Looking ahead, Khanvilkar confirmed that Hodek plans to go public within the next 3-5 years. “We will go public 100%. That kind of growth requires funding, and being transparent isn’t a challenge when you have your house in order.”