American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. marked the opening of its new Chennai Manufacturing Facility (CHMF) in southeast India. The new operation produces front and rear axles for commercial vehicles for Asian distribution. AAM is a global manufacturer of driveline and drivetrain systems, as well as related components and modules, and chassis systems for trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, and crossover vehicles.
"We are extremely pleased to celebrate the grand opening of AAM`s third regional manufacturing operation in India," stated John J. Bellanti, AAM executive vice president, Worldwide Operations. "The Chennai Manufacturing Facility will allow us to leverage AAM`s track record of world-class quality, delivery, reliability and outstanding warranty performance while furthering AAM`s global expansion in emerging markets."
The Chennai plant is the third production plant for AAM in India. The others are at Pune, where it produces axle assemblies for heavy commercial vehicles produced in India and abroad; and at Pantnagar, where it produces axle assemblies for light trucks, passenger cars, and SUVs for the Indian market. The latter plant is a former joint venture with Sona Koyo Ltd., now wholly owned by American Axle.
The group also has an engineering center at Pune, where it develops products and IT services for its regional customers.
"Profitable growth in India is a key component of AAM`s global business strategy," according to managing director - AAM India, Anand M. Ganguly. "Chennai Manufacturing Facility reflects AAM`s commitment to India while allowing us to provide advanced-technology products for current and potential new customers throughout the region. The facility is strategically located in close proximity to our OEM customers."
American Axle has forging and other manufacturing plants worldwide, including in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, as well as Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, and the U.K.
