Pune, Wednesday July 4, 2012: Sogefi, the automotive components company of the Cir group, is consolidating its presence in India, with the launch of a new suspension components manufacturing facility, Allevard IAI in Chakan, Pune on July 4. It has also doubled the size of its filter systems factory in Bangalore.
Sogefi (Cir Group) which designs, develops and produces filtration systems, flexible suspension components, air management and engine cooling systems entered into a 51:49 JV with group company Allevard Rejna Autosuspensions and Imperial Auto India (IAI) in 2010 to manufacture elastic suspension components in India.
Allevard IAI's new facility was inaugurated by Rodolfo De Benedetti, CEO of Cir Group and chairman, Sogefi; Emanuele Bosio, CEO, Sogefi; D K Mehtani, director, Allevard IAI; and S B Sardana, managing director, IAI.
The Rs 25 crore, 12,000 square-metre plant is Sogefi's third facility in India, after its JV plant with MNR in Bangalore for engine filtration, and one in Gurgaon for engine air cooling systems.
The new Pune plant will manufacture stabiliser and torsion bars – two essential parts of suspension systems – for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. These two components form the most critical parts of the suspension system.
To start with, the new plant will manufacture and supply suspension systems for Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Fiat and Piaggio Vehicles. However, in the near future, production is scheduled to start to supply the Indian plants and also those in the Asia-Pacific region of Sogefi's other global clients such as General Motors, Renault-Nissan and Ford.
Speaking on the occasion, Rodolfo De Benedetti, chairman, Sogefi, said: “The growing importance of the Indian automotive market gives this country a central position in Cir and Sogefi’s global strategy. Pune is an ideal location for our new plant because the city provides a strong infrastructure and a rich talent pool of skilled workforce in the automotive sector.”
Emanuele Bosio, CEO, Sogefi, added: “Our new plant represents a key milestone in Sogefi’s long-term vision of investing in fast-growing markets and aligning our manufacturing footprint with the needs of our global customer base.”
The Cir Group's total investment in India amounts to around 10 million euro (Rs 68 crore) and it currently has over 500 employees in three plants.