GKN Driveline opened a new precision forging operation at Oragadam, India, to supply parts to its nearby CVJ Systems plant. That operation produces 1.2 million side shafts annually for Indian automakers. The 538,000-ft2 forging plant is near Chennai in Tamil Nadu state.
The new plant represents an estimated $10.6-million investment. Its production processes are based on proprietary forging technologies, according to a statement.
"This state-of-the-art forging facility is our first wholly owned forging facility in the Asia Pacific region and reinforces our commitment to our India-based customers," explained GKN Driveline Asia Pacific managing director Marc Vuarchex. "Since the early 1980s we have viewed India as an extremely important market for us. We now employ over 800 people in the country."
GKN Driveline is the largest operating unit of GKN plc, and produces component parts and systems for manufacturers in the automotive, agricultural, construction, mining, and aerospace sectors. Its primary products are driveshafts and gears that it develops in collaboration with vehicle manufacturers. The product range includes constant velocity joint systems (CVJ), all-wheel drive systems, and transaxle systems.
Ravindra Ojha, managing director of GKN Driveline in India, said the business is growing at a 15% annual rate in that country, and the new investment helps to ensure that it will continue to match its customers growth in the region.
