Force Motors’ new plant in Chennai to make engines exclusively for BMW

Force Motors today inaugurated its all-new, state-of-the-art engine assembly plant in Chengalpattu taluka, Chennai. The Rs 200 crore plant, on which work began in June 2014, has been set up in a record seven months and will exclusively cater to BMW India. It may be recollected that BMW India recently cut prices on some of its models as a result of increasing its localisation levels to 50 percent. Force Motors is one of the seven domestic suppliers with whom the carmaker has inked component supply agreements.

The engine plant was inaugurated by Union cabinet minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises Anant Geete.  

The all-new facility is the sole example of an engine and transmission assembly plant outside of the BMW Group, Germany, globally. Force Motors will assemble 4- and 6-cylinder engines for seven BMW models in Chennai – these comprise the 3-Series (4-cyl), 5-Series (4- & 6-cyl), 7-Series (6-cyl), X1 range (4-cyl), X3 (4-cyl and 6-cyl), X5 (6-cyl) and 3GT (4-cyl).

Built in accordance to the German carmaker’s global standards, Force Motors’ plant will assemble and test engines for all BMW cars and SUVs made in India.

The fully air-conditioned facility can produce up to 20,000 engines per annum with capacity expansion possible as per demand. With the IT system of the production facility integrated in real time with BMW’s global production network, all essential production process values can be integrated in BMW’s global data. According to Force Motors,  the plant is equipped with the latest technology for ensuring assembly and joinery processes with computer controlled precision equipment.  

Speaking at the plant opening, Prasan Firodia, managing director, Force Motors, said: “This is an important milestone in the company’s journey. We envision this facility as being instrumental in further establishing Force Motors’ strengths as a preferred supplier of critical and high precision components to top European brands.”