Aurangabad-based Dhoot Transmission has signed up with US-based Carling Technologies to set up an equal joint venture, which will manufacture and supply electronic switches in India. 

The JV will cater to demand from the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, commercial vehicle, agriculture and construction equipment business in India and overseas. Representatives from both the companies refrained from disclosing investment planned in the said JV, which is yet to be named.

While Dhoot Transmission, the Rs 500 crore homegrown Tier 1 supplier, is known for manufacturing and supplying wiring harness, the family-owned Carling Technologies is known for its expertise in manufacturing switches. 

"Singhi Advisors, the Mumbai-based investment banking firm, recommended us to go for the JV with Carling Technologies. They are our internal advisors. The JV will be based out of Aurangabad and then later will be expanded to Pune. By May 2018, we will have about 50 employees. In another year (by May 2019) we plan to employ about 600 people. This will be during the expansion phase with headcount from Aurangabad and Pune put together," disclosed Rahul Dhoot, MD, Dhoot Transmission while speaking to Autocar Professional in Pune today.

"We are extremely happy to partner with Dhoot Transmission and consolidate our operational footprint in India. Our partnership with Dhoot will help us gain insights into the market dynamics of the Indian auto industry. Localising our production capabilities will enable us to supply products at affordable price points," said Christopher Sorenson, executive vice president, Carling Technologies. 

The US-based company is understood to mainly cater to the construction equipment sector with its global footprint. Teaming up with Dhoot Transmission will allow Calling to ensure a fast-to-market approach with its localised products in India along with an opportunity to venture into the CV and other segments. 

According to official representatives from Carling Technologies, the company has been present in India for the past 11 years, thereby providing customer support. 

Dhoot Transmission, on the other hand, is understood to get access to the design and manufacturing of switches and other products supplied by Carling Technologies. 

"The JV agreement will enable us to diversify into untapped markets and leverage the technological competencies of Carling to expand our product offerings," said the MD of Dhoot Transmission.