Automotive supplier Schaeffler today announced expansion of its operations at INA Bearings in Talegaon, Pune. The expansion will include a new manufacturing facility and a new R&D facility within the existing premises. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new manufacturing expansion was held in Pune in the presence of Schaeffler AG’s global automotive leadership team.

The new production facility will manufacture engine and transmission components, serving the domestic and exports markets. The R&D facility will focus on enhancing product development and engineering capabilities driving innovation for customers.

Schaeffler India’s INA Bearings is among the leading suppliers of engine, transmission and chassis components including needle roller bearings and recorded 15 percent growth in CY2016. The Pune plant, currently running at full capacity, employs 700 people and with the new facility it is expected to generate additional employment in the future.

Speaking at the occasion, Dharmesh Arora, CEO, Schaeffler India, said: “We see exceptional opportunities as the economy strengthens in the near to mid-term and the mobility environment continues to evolve for technology suppliers like Schaeffler. This new facility will help us add capacity and enhance our product portfolio to serve our customer needs of future.  This investment is part of our larger strategic growth plan for India rolled out earlier called ‘Mobility for Tomorrow’.”

Schaeffler is in the process of merging its two unlisted entities – INA Bearings India and Luk India – with the listed entity Schaeffler India. The combined entity would make Schaeffler India a leading automotive and industrial supplier, offering a full range of solutions in engine, transmission and chassis components for automotive applications and a wide range of ball and roller bearings, housings and services across all industrial applications.