Freudenberg opens two state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Morinda, marking its largest investment in expanding the manufacturing footprint in India, writes Richa Tyagi.

Germany-based global technology conglomerate, Freudenberg Group, has officially inaugurated two advanced manufacturing facilities in Morinda, in Punjab covering a total built-up area of 40,700 sq.m. These state-of-the-art plants are operated by Freudenberg-NOK India Pvt. Ltd. (FNI) and Vibracoustic India. The strategic move consolidates the company’s operations from its existing plants in Basma and Mohali, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and supporting Freudenberg’s long-term growth plans in India. Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of Freudenberg Group remarked, “Our investment in the new facilities in Morinda reflects Freudenberg’s strong commitment to the Indian market and the ‘Make in India’ vision. This expansion not only aligns with our global growth strategy but also boosts our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, innovation, and quality. As we celebrate 175 years of Freudenberg’s legacy of excellence, we are proud to further strengthen our presence in India.”

Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of Freudenberg Group

Freudenberg’s investment of over Euro 42 million in the Morinda facility marks the company’s largest financial commitment in India to date. The new plants are equipped to serve both domestic and international markets, reinforcing Freudenberg’s dedication to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The facilities will cater to key sectors such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, ensuring the company remains competitive by optimising material flows and leveraging modernised equipment. Sivasailam. G, Managing Director at Freudenberg Performance Materials India and Director & CEO of Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India, added, “The inauguration of our new manufacturing plants in Morinda showcases our long-term commitment to sustainable growth in India.”

Advanced technology

Dr Sohi acknowledged the significant changes in the automotive industry and the increasing role of electronics. However, he stressed that while driver assistance systems and autopilot technology have advanced over the years, the sector experienced setbacks due to disappointing real-world performance. Despite these challenges, Freudenberg has focused on its core competencies in mechanical products, which continue to be essential in an increasingly digital automotive world. Even as electronic content and software become more prevalent in vehicles, Freudenberg’s products, such as dynamic air springs, remain irreplaceable by software. Whether customers opt for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, or battery-electric vehicles, Freudenberg has tailored products for each. These products, rooted in mechanical functionality, are vital components that cannot be replaced by digitalisation or software. Dr Sohi further highlighted Freudenberg’s flexibility in adapting to different powertrain technologies.

Freudenberg’s philosophy revolves around maintaining consistent quality and technology across its global facilities. The new facility being developed will feature the same technology as their plants in Germany, North America, China, and Japan, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and the latest testing technologies. Looking ahead, Freudenberg aims to establish this new facility as a hub for R&D and technical development on a global scale. Currently, the site supplies products to nearly all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), generating revenue of approximately Euro 75-80 mn. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to reach revenues of Euro 100-120 mn.

Despite a global downturn in the automotive market, Sohi remains optimistic, forecasting steady growth of five-eight per cent over the next four to five years, reflecting the strong economic growth of the Indian market, which has expanded at an annual rate of 7-7.2 per cent over the last seven years. Dr Sohi highlighted that approximately 40 per cent of the company’s revenue comes from the automotive sector, while the remaining 60 per cent is derived from various industries, including a diverse range of market segments. This balanced revenue distribution strengthens Freudenberg by ensuring it is not overly reliant on one sector or region.

Sustainability as a core

Sustainability is a core focus of the new facilities. Energy-efficient machinery and eco-friendly practices, such as photo voltaic cells that supply 15 per cent of the plant’s energy needs and water-recharging stations, have been incorporated to reduce the environmental footprint.

Local talent development

The factory is contributing significantly to local employment. “The company has strategically located the plant to retain talent from other plants and is collaborating with local universities to recruit local engineers,” said Sohi. Freudenberg’s expansion in Morinda is set to generate significant job opportunities, with plans to grow the local workforce by 20 per cent, adding approximately 200 new positions. The site will also serve as a global engineering hub, attracting top talent from regional universities, particularly around Chandigarh. Sivasailam added, “By bringing our operations together in this advanced facility, we aim to create new job opportunities and nurture local talent. This investment helps us better serve our customers across different industries, offering high-quality products and solutions made in India for both domestic and international markets.”

Freudenberg Group is celebrating 175 years of success, with 52,000 employees across about 60 countries and nearly Euro 12 bn in sales, overcoming various crises, wars, and economic challenges. The company operates in around 40 different market segments. Over the past 175 years, Freudenberg has built a legacy of industrial growth, guided by its values and responsible practices. The new expansion is a critical step to secure the future.

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