OEM demand for connectors sees Norma AG set up new Talegaon unit

NORMA GROUP AG, a global market and technology leader in engineered joining technology, is setting up a new production facility in Talegaon, near Pune.

With the new plant, which is slated to begin production in August 2012, the Group is expanding its production capacity to keep pace with increased demand for connectors and joining elements in India.

In India, Norma supplies to automotive (passenger and commercial vehicles) and non-auto customers such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Fiat, Volkswagen, Ashok Leyland, Kirloskar Group, Cummins Engineering, and M&M Tractors. The Talegaon plant, which will be spread over 4,500 square metres, will help augment capacity five-fold. It will manufacture all Norma Group product categories: clamp, connect and fluid. This includes plastic fuel lines, transmission oil cooler tube systems and other fluid systems, quick connectors and worm-drive hose clips for charge air and exhaust systems. These products, the company says, help make engines lighter in weight and reduce assembly time.

With the new plant, Norma’s investment in India will reach nearly Rs 40 crore. As part of its growth strategy for India, the company is also expanding its distribution network.

Commenting on the new plant, Werner Deggim, CEO of the Norma Group, said: “India’s dynamic market offers us huge growth opportunities we want to exploit consistently with the new plant to further strengthen our market position. Our stronger local presence brings us closer to our clients in India and gives us the opportunity to serve them according to their individual needs.”

The Norma Group manufactures a wide range of joining technology solutions and offers over 35,000 products to around 10,000 customers in 90 countries. It had sales of 580 million euros (Rs 4,129 crore) in 2011. With 4,500 employees, the Group operates a global network of 17 production facilities as well as sales and distribution sites across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. In 2008 Norma India began production in Pune with a 80:20 JV with Taurus Flexibles, a manufacturer of hoses for CV applications. It acquired the partner’s stake last year.