Sterling Tools partners with China’s GLVAC to manufacture high voltage components for Electric Vehicles in India

Sterling Tools Limited, India’s second-largest automotive fastener manufacturer, has announced a partnership with Kunshan GLVAC Yuantong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (GLVAC YT), a subsidiary of China's Kunshan GuoLi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (GLVAC). Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Sterling Tech-Mobility Limited, Sterling Tools aims to localise the production of advanced High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) contactors and relays in India, essential for managing current flow in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Sterling Tools anticipates this partnership could generate approximately Rs. 250 crore in revenue by FY30. To support this, the company plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, with an estimated investment of around Rs. 40 crore. This facility will produce and assemble HVDC contactors and relays, contributing to import substitution and supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. By manufacturing these components domestically, Sterling Tools intends to offer Indian OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and other companies access to advanced technology, building a localised ecosystem for the electric and hybrid vehicle sectors.

HVDC contactors and relays are key components in electric and hybrid vehicles, responsible for controlling high-voltage electricity between the battery, motor controller or inverter, and other power systems. These components enhance operational efficiency and safety by managing current flow and providing isolation, thereby reducing risks of electrical faults, fires, or explosions.

Anish Agarwal, Director of Sterling Tools Limited, noted the importance of integrating advanced safety measures within the expanding electric and hybrid vehicle markets. He emphasised that Sterling Tools is committed to strengthening safety in EV and HEV systems. He added that manufacturing HVDC contactors and relays at the new Bengaluru facility will make these components more accessible and affordable for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in India.

Li Qinghua, General Manager at GLVAC YT, described India as a key market, adding that the partnership with Sterling Tools aligns with the objective of supporting the country’s electric mobility efforts. Combining GLVAC’s technical expertise with Sterling’s manufacturing capabilities, the partnership aims to deliver high-quality EV components to the Indian market, contributing to a sustainable future in the EV industry.

Through its subsidiary, Sterling Tech-Mobility, Sterling Tools plans to increase local production of electric vehicle components and electrical systems, strengthening India’s EV supply chain while reducing import reliance. With the Indian EV market expected to grow significantly, this partnership positions both companies to capitalise on emerging opportunities in green mobility.