SKF India (Industrial) Ltd. has completed a significant phase of its localization strategy and announced plans to invest ₹800-950 crore by 2030 to expand its manufacturing capabilities in India.
The Swedish bearing manufacturer has commissioned new production facilities for medium deep-groove ball bearings (DGBBs) above 150 mm outer diameter in Ahmedabad, medium spherical roller bearings (SRBs) ranging from 180-320 mm OD in Nilai, Malaysia, and UC-range ball bearing units in Pune. These facilities are now operational and serving customers across India and Southeast Asia.
The localization effort aims to reduce import dependency and improve supply chain responsiveness for key industrial sectors including railways, renewables, infrastructure, metals, cement, food and beverage, mining, and automation. Products manufactured at these facilities use the same technology and quality standards as SKF's European operations.
"With new bearing manufacturing channels now operational in Ahmedabad, Pune, and Nilai, we've moved from intent to impact," said Mukund Vasudevan, President for India & Southeast Asia and Managing Director of SKF India (Industrial). "These capabilities allow us to align production with customer needs, bring advanced technologies closer to industrial hubs, and unlock efficiencies that drive long-term value."
The planned investment of ₹800-950 crore will include a new state-of-the-art facility in Pune, scheduled for completion by 2028. The expansion will focus on increasing capacity, enhancing technology integration, and advancing sustainability initiatives.
The strategic importance of the Indian market was highlighted during a recent visit by Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SKF Group, who toured key facilities and met with employees. The visit underscored India's role in the company's global growth strategy.
SKF is integrating advanced technologies into its operations, including AI-enabled inspection systems, intelligent lubrication platforms, and predictive maintenance tools. The company is also implementing circular economy principles through remanufacturing initiatives.
The new manufacturing channels are designed to embed efficiency, precision, and sustainability into production processes while reducing lead times and improving product availability for customers in the region.