Japan’s technology major Horiba opens tech centre in Chakan to offer engine testing facilities for auto makers
Pune, 30 November 2016: Automotive testing systems major HORIBA inaugurated today its India Technical Centre at Chakan MIDC Phase 2 near Pune in Western India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the 7000 sq mtrs facility which will be a comprehensive location for product demonstration and testing; a workshop for product customization and assembly; an office space and a training center for HORIBA India.
Kenji Hiramatsu, Japanese Ambassador to India, Atsushi Horiba, Chairman of HORIBA International and Jai Hakhu, Chairman and Managing Director of HORIBA India Private Limited were present at the occasion along with Shiroor MP Shivajirao Aadhalrao Patil and MLAs Suresh Gore and Sanjay Bhegade.
This new HORIBA India Technical Center is established with an investment of Rs.100 crore and will be the ninth base of Japan’s diversified technology company HORIBA and will provide engineering services which promptly and directly reflect the customer needs of its important base in Asia.
The Centre comprises test facilities equipped with HORIBA’s automotive test systems and a showroom of HORIBA Group’s scientific instruments. While installing the Mexa-One series of emission measurement systems, engine performance measurement systems, particle size distribution analysers and other products, the centre will develop applications and customised products that meet customer needs and will enhance the company’s sales and marketing in the Indian market. The Centre presently has 45 highly technically qualified employees.
Major products to be handled include MEXA-ONE emission measurement systems, DYNAS3 AC machines for use in engine test stands and LA-960 laser particle size analyzers. Atsushi Horiba told media persons that the Technical Centre will offer an efficient engine testing facility for automobiles manufacturers located in the Pune auto cluster. In addition to physical infrastructure for engine testing the company will also offer trained manpower for customers to undertake the testing process.
“Most of these automobiles manufacturers are already our customers for measuring and testing equipment and this additional service will firm up our relationship with them,” Horiba said. He further added that the new facility will also be a base for research and development for the company and help add value to the company’s products to increase their localisation level.
Jai Hakhu said that the facility is capable of testing emissions as envisaged in Euro VI emission norms which India has decided to adopt by year 2020. This is the fifth such centre for HORIBA globally. He further stated that, it will be an enabler to leapfrog the sales of the company’s equipment and devices.
“HORIBA India’s turnover is at Rs.190 crore and the company intends to double it by 2020. The new Technical Centre will have a major role in achieving this aim,” Hakhu said. He said the company’s medical devices factory at Haridwar is reaching its full capacity and the company is considering setting up of another plant in a suitable location to serve better the South India market.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said Maharashtra has the right atmosphere for industrial investments and the state government is willing to offer all the necessary infrastructure and facilities that the investors would need. Many high technology projects shaping with co-operation of India and Japan have major connections with Maharashtra so more Japanese investments across sectors in the state is expected, Fadnavis said. He exhorted Horiba to set up its second manufacturing facility in his home town Nagpur and also suggested that Horiba should consider setting up a similar technical centre in the automobile zone in Aurangabad.
HORIBA India Private Limited was established in 2006 and currently has 281 employees in four operating bases including a medical devices factory at Haridwar in North India. Automotive testing business which includes emission measurement systems, mechatronics devices, test automation and intelligent transport systems is the company’s largest business segment globally, contributing 37 percent to its turnover of over $ 1.4 billion.
About Horiba India Private Limited – Started in 2006 as a separate legal entity Horiba is engaged in 5 business verticals like Automotive Test Systems, Process and Environment, Medical Equipment, Semiconductor and Scientific equipment. With India Head Quarter in New Delhi, Horiba India has been growing steadily at an average growth rate of about 15% every year. With a workforce of about 277 employees Horiba India’s sales revenues were about Rs.190 Cr as on December 2015.
About Horiba Limited, Japan – Headquartered at Kyoto- Japan, Horiba was established in 1953. Listed at the Tokyo stock exchange, Horiba’s Business operations are spread across the globe. With Sales revenues of USD 1400 plus Horiba has an employee strength of over 6800 employees. Automotive segment contributes largest to its sales revenues to the tune of about 37%. Globally it commands 80% market share of emission measurement systems. Apart from automotive Horiba is also engaged inprocess and environment, medical equipment, semiconductor and scientific equipment.
