Gestamp is dedicated to creating vehicle parts that are not only safer but also more environmentally friendly, with a strong emphasis on modularity, says Glyn Jones, Country Manager, Gestamp India, in this insightful conversation with Ashish Bhatia.
Q-India is no longer just a cost centre; it’s being repositioned as a manufacturing and export hub. How does Gestamp view its role in this transformation?
A: You’re right. For us, India is not just a market to serve, it’s fast becoming a strategic base for global exports and local innovation. We’re increasing our capacity here and making India integral to our global supply chain. The idea is to co-develop solutions with OEMs in India, keeping global scalability in mind. The growth potential is significant, and we’re here to stay for the long run.
Q-You’re showcasing gigastamping at the facility. What does this mean for OEMs and Gestamp’s value proposition?
A: Gigastamping allows us to produce large vehicle body parts in a single step. This reduces part count, improves accuracy, and enhances design flexibility. From an OEM perspective, it helps them cut down on their tooling investments and enables faster time-to-market. In India, we’re among the first to implement this advanced technology, offering global capabilities locally. It’s one of the ways we’re helping OEMs address both complexity and cost.
Q-When it comes to drivetrain choices, OEMs today are torn between ICE, electric, and hybrid. How does Gestamp support this uncertainty?
A: Flexibility is the cornerstone of our approach. If an OEM wants to design a battery-electric vehicle or stick with ICE or develop something that accommodates both we step in early to support platform decisions. For example, we can engineer a shared subframe that accepts both engine types. This reduces tooling, shortens assembly time, and brings significant cost savings. It’s about future-proofing the design with modularity. This strategy isn’t limited to India; it’s a global practice. With uncertainties around platform strategies, our experience across regions helps us provide proven, cost-effective solutions.
Q-You mentioned the gigastamping line helps reduce investment at the OEM’s end. Could you elaborate on this value addition?
A: Absolutely. Traditionally, multiple parts and processes are needed to make a structural assembly. With gigastamping, we consolidate several steps into one. For OEMs, this means fewer robots, less manpower, and a smaller production footprint. They also gain in consistency and quality. And of course, this helps lower their carbon footprint too. So it’s a win-win; it’s efficient for us and beneficial for them.
Q-Gestamp operates over 150 plants globally. How consistent is your technological footprint in India compared to, say, North America or Europe?
A: That’s a great question. Our philosophy is: no tech compromise, no matter the region. Our India plant is equipped with the same advanced machinery, processes, and standards as our plants in Europe or the U.S. Since 2006, we’ve been consistently investing in India. The introduction of gigastamping is just the latest milestone in that journey.
Q-So Indian OEMs are increasingly warming up to high-tech solutions like this?
A: Very much so. Especially now, with the rise of Industry 4.0 and IoT integration, OEMs are aligning their production models with global best practices. As they modernise their facilities, they’re actively looking for Tier-1 partners who can match that standard, and we’re ready with both technology and experience to support them.
Q-Does this in turn ensure the desired deployment of your advanced material and processes such as hot and cold stamping?
A: We maintain the same high-tech standards across our global footprint. With over 150 manufacturing plants worldwide, whether it’s Gestamp India, Gestamp North America, or Gestamp Europe, our technology remains uniform. Since 2006, we’ve been investing in cutting-edge technologies in India. For example, our gigastamping facility is based on direct feedback from clients. It helps reduce OEMs’ investment in infrastructure while offering them next-generation solutions. This enables them to lower their own footprint without compromising quality.
Q-What difference has this awareness made in your OEM interactions?
A: First and foremost, we’re all in this together, OEMs, Tier-1s, suppliers, we’re an ecosystem driving change collectively. At Gestamp, we’re implementing Industry 4.0 across all regions, including India. Clients are experiencing firsthand the efficiency gains from Industry 4.0 technologies in our operations. That gives them the confidence to invest in the same. We see Indian homegrown OEMs increasingly embracing these tools, narrowing the technological gap with global players. It’s a win-win.
Q-There’s a growing shift towards replacing multiple subassemblies with long-format components. How are you enabling this evolution?
A: Let’s take the example of our door-ring concept, which we’re showcasing today. Traditionally, a vehicle needed at least eight subassemblies for the door frame. We’ve now consolidated this to just two modules, one for the left, one for the right. This transformation drastically reduces assembly processes at the OEM end. Instead of eight components and steps, it’s now two. That leads to cost savings, smaller footprints, fewer robots, and lower carbon emissions. It streamlines everything and aligns perfectly with OEM sustainability goals.
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With gigastamping, we consolidate several steps into one. For OEMs, this means fewer robots, less manpower, and a smaller production footprint.”
“In India, we’re among the first to implement this advanced technology, offering global capabilities locally. It’s one of the ways we’re helping OEMs address both complexity and cost.”
“With uncertainties around platform strategies, our experience across regions helps us provide proven, cost-effective solutions.”
“We see Indian homegrown OEMs increasingly embracing these tools, narrowing the technological gap with global players. It’s a win-win.”
“Traditionally, a vehicle needed at least eight subassemblies for the door frame. We’ve now consolidated this to just two modules, one for the left, one for the right.”
“The vision of 2030, where India’s vehicle output is expected to touch 7 million units, is credible and achievable.”
“Traditionally, a vehicle needed at least eight subassemblies for the door frame. We’ve now consolidated this to just two modules, one for the left, one for the right.”
For the fiscal year FY25, how would you assess your performance in India? Was it flattish, or did you meet your internal objectives?
A: From an India perspective, we knew that Q1 and Q2 would be subdued due to the election cycle. So that was expected. But overall, we remain highly positive about India’s long-term growth. The vision of 2030, where India’s vehicle output is expected to touch 7 million units, is credible and achievable. That’s largely because of the government’s structured strategy and effective execution of schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI). OEMs have confidence to invest further in India, and “Make in India for the World” is no longer just a vision; it’s a direction everyone’s aligned with.
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