Opens New Liquid Manufacturing Line at Tumkur Plant
In an exclusive interview with MOTORINDIA, Thomas Fischer, Chairman, MANN+HUMMEL, discusses the significant impact of their new manufacturing line in Tumkur, Karnataka, India inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Rajendra Kulkarni from Tata Motors, Mr. Ramkrishna Reddy from Ashok Leyland and Mr. Vinay Jadhav from Cummins India. This strategic expansion enhances MANN+HUMMEL’s ability to take on more Original Equipment (OE) projects and deliver superior service to their automotive aftermarket customers through multi-brand offerings, including MANN FILTER, WIX FILTERS, and FILTRON. The new facility strengthens their capabilities, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of their clientele across both sectors. N. Balasubramanian and Abhilash. U with this exclusive report.
The Indian market is becoming increasingly vital for MANN+HUMMEL (M+H), driven by significant growth in commercial, Industrial and passenger vehicle sectors. “India is very important for us because the market is growing so strongly and steadily, and we see a huge upswing in all three segments – Commercial, Industrial and Passenger Car – we operate in India. India offers a lot of opportunities for M+H and that’s why we continue to focus and invest in the region. We are the leaders in filtration globally and we want to achieve the leadership position here in India”, said Thomas Fischer, Chairman, MANN+HUMMEL, emphasizing the company’s focus on local production to cater to the region’s expanding demands. This strategic focus aims to align with the country’s rapid industrialization and urbanization trends, which have catalysed a surge in filtration demand.
New Liquid Manufacturing Line
The inauguration of the new liquid filtration production line in Tumkur, Karnataka, is a significant milestone for M+H’s growth ambitions in India. “ We are excited to announce that our expanded liquid filtration product portfolio now enables us to provide a comprehensive range of filtration solutions to our customers across all segments,” explained Sudeesh Karimbingal, Managing Director – India, MANN+HUMMEL. This expansion is crucial for supporting their ambitious goal to triple their revenue by 2030, addressing both OEM and aftermarket needs. The new line not only increases capacity but also integrates advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure high-quality production, meeting the stringent requirements of modern engines.
The new plant in Tumkur is not just about increasing capacity but also about enhancing capabilities. “We are looking to develop local solutions as much as possible with local suppliers to minimize costs while maintaining global standards,” explained BH Kim, Senior Vice President – Operations APAC, MANN+HUMMEL. This local focus ensures that M+H can respond quickly to market changes and customer needs.
Focus on Innovation and R&D
When asked about M+H’s focus on technology, innovation and R&D to maintain its global filtration market leadership, Mr. Fischer remarked, “Innovation and speed are critical to maintaining leadership in the industry. Speed is a big element because when you are late into the market, your technology doesn’t help.” M+H’s manufacturing approach incorporates global standards with local innovations, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to market demands. “In the operations side, we are looking for new technology to develop new processes every day.” He emphasized that manufacturing teams are increasingly involved in innovation, ensuring quality improvement and cost efficiency.
R&D capabilities in India play a pivotal role in M+H’s strategy. “We have extensively built up a shared service centre here in India called Global Business Technology Services which has 400+ engineers catering to the global requirements with a best-in-class testing laboratory with advanced testing facility” Mr. Fischer highlighted, noting that a significant portion of their global engineering workforce is based in the country. This local expertise enables M+H to adapt products for the Indian market and beyond, enhancing their competitive edge. “ Our local R&D capability provides us with a significant competitive advantage, allowing us to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions to our customers”, stated Sudeesh. This R&D hub also collaborates with global teams, ensuring that innovations are seamlessly integrated into products tailored for the Indian consumer.
Dynamics in the Automotive Landscape
As we are witnessing transformation in power-train systems. M+H is equipped to support various technologies, from traditional combustion engines to fuel cells and battery electric vehicles, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. “ We offer a comprehensive range of filtration solutions designed to meet the needs of all propulsion systems, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability across various applications and industries, including advanced cabin air filter systems that will gain more significance going forward,” Sudeesh mentioned. This versatility in product offerings positions M+H as a crucial player in the transition to greener technologies.
Future Plans
The future looks promising for M+H, both in India and globally. “Our business in India will triple in the next years and we are targeting to double on a global base,” Mr. Fischer noted. India, along with the Europe, North America, and China, forms one of the four pillars of M+H’s global strategy. “There are a lot of Indians all over the world. If you look at the eastern side of Africa, trading is basically in the hands of Indian or Indian-based companies or people,” Mr. Fischer highlighted, suggesting that these connections could enhance their market reach.
Sudeesh added “As our chairman said, we have set a target of tripling our India business by 2030.” This growth will be driven by expanding product lines and leveraging local R&D to meet diverse market needs, solidifying India’s position as a key pillar in their global strategy. “Tumkur along with Bawal will be one of our key plants. Investments in expanding capacities for existing products and introducing new product lines are already in motion, with plans to fully utilize available space by 2026. Discussions for further expansion are also underway,” underscoring M+H’s commitment to long-term growth in the Indian market.
M+H’s comprehensive strategy encompasses all business units, including OE, aftermarket, industrial, life sciences and environment. “OEM business is a very important pillar of our growth. Aftermarket and OES segments will also generate a lot more demand for our products in the service market,” Sudeesh stated. Their aggressive multi-brand strategy in the independent aftermarket is expected to significantly drive growth, with tailored offerings for various market segments.
To sum up, M+H’s latest investment in India is not only a testament to the country’s growing importance in the global automotive landscape but also a strategic move to harness local innovation, manufacturing excellence, and market knowledge to drive future growth.
