Wärtsilä inaugurates Indian plant extension

Wärtsilä has taken another big leap towards growth in India by inaugurating a new extension to its plant in Khopoli, Maharashtra. The plant manufactures auxiliary units and modules for engine driven power stations. The new extension will primarily cater to the requirement of Wärtsilä Group to supply auxiliaries all over the world. The focus will be on Wärtsilä 20, Wärtsilä 32 and Wärtsilä 34 engine installations. In the last few years, Wärtsilä has invested approximately EUR 8 million in its Khopoli unit, and further investments are possible in the future.

Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration, Lars Hellberg, Group Vice President, Wärtsilä Industrial Operations, Wärtsilä Corporation said, “Wärtsilä’s proven technology enables the transition to a more sustainable and modern energy infrastructure in India. The new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will work with the latest technology and semi-automation principle, where skilled manpower and modern manufacturing methods will both have equal opportunity.”

Wärtsilä in India started manufacturing auxiliary units and modules at its plant in Khopoli in 2004. Auxiliary units and modules are the peripheral accessories to the diesel generator room in the power plant. These process the oil, fuel, water and air that enter the diesel engine. Currently there are some 1,100 people working for Wärtsilä in India out of which Khopoli employs approximately 160 and, following the plant extension, this number is expected to increase by approximately 30 people. In addition to Khopoli, Wärtsilä is also present in India with sales and services activities in Navi Mumbai, Noida, Kolkatta, Secunderabad, Mangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Vizakapatnam and Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Rakesh Sarin, Managing Director of Wärtsilä India Ltd, said, “Competitive cost and quality helped us win export markets, but the unit in Khopoli had reached a stage where the existing manufacturing facility was inadequate to cater to the demand. With this expansion, Wärtsilä India is now poised for a big leap in the export market with the inauguration of its new facility.”