Logistics automation leader establishes collaboration-led facility focused on robotic automation, autonomous systems, and AI, strengthening Pune hub as company's second-largest technology centre globally after the Netherlands.
05 Feb 2026 | 217 Views | By Sarthak Mahajan
Vanderlande, a global leader in logistics process automation, has officially opened its India Innovation Centre in Pune, marking a milestone in the company's expansion of engineering capabilities in the region.
The facility is designed as a space where engineers can collaborate on end-to-end solutions, with a focus on robotic ...
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Vanderlande, a global leader in logistics process automation, has officially opened its India Innovation Centre in Pune, marking a milestone in the company's expansion of engineering capabilities in the region.
The facility is designed as a space where engineers can collaborate on end-to-end solutions, with a focus on robotic automation, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and digital-physical integration for applications across warehousing, airports, and parcel sectors.
The launch positions Vanderlande India's Global Capability Centre as the company's second-largest technology hub worldwide, following its headquarters in the Netherlands. The move reflects the company's ongoing commitment to expanding high-value engineering roles and innovation capacity from its Indian operations.
Located on a two-acre campus in Pune, the Innovation Centre integrates research and development, system testing, and training functions under one facility. The environment enables teams to work across the full engineering lifecycle, from initial design through implementation and testing of the company's automation systems.
Astrid van Druten, Chief Financial Officer at Vanderlande, emphasized the centre's strategic importance. "The India Innovation Centre underscores our confidence in India's expanding role to Vanderlande's technology journey," van Druten stated. She added that the facility aligns with the company's focus on continuous improvement and innovation as automation becomes increasingly essential for customers.
Manish Patil, Managing Director of Vanderlande India, described the inauguration as representing the company's confidence and continued investment in its Indian operations. "The centre embodies our ambition to support innovation, build global capabilities, and make a positive impact on Vanderlande's worldwide operations," Patil said.
Vanderlande India has grown from a small support office to a 1,300-member Global Capability Centre spanning research and development, software development, engineering disciplines, and shared services. The Innovation Centre represents the next phase of this evolution, transitioning from execution to innovation-focused operations.
Founded in 1949, Vanderlande employs more than 11,000 people globally and reported turnover of €2.3 billion in fiscal year 2025. The company's systems operate at over 600 airports, including 17 of the world's top 20, processing more than 4 billion bags annually. In the parcel sector, Vanderlande's infrastructure handles over 52 million parcels daily for major operators.
Vanderlande has been part of Toyota Industries Corporation since 2017.