GKN Driveline Expands in South India

CHENNAI, India--GKN Driveline has opened a new state-of-the-art production factory at Oragadam near Chennai, in Tamil Nadu.

Located 30 miles from Chennai, GKN Driveline’s 32,800-square-foot Oragadam plant will employ 200 people with an annual production capacity of 660,000 sideshafts for customers based in South India.

GKN plc Chief Executive Sir Kevin Smith, speaking at the plant’s grand opening, said: “GKN is proud to be at the heart of India’s growing automotive industry. We have been doing business here for more than 100 years and have watched with pride as India has taken its place as one of the world’s fastest growing economies.”

Sir Kevin Smith noted: “Locating a major facility in the Chennai area will enable us to more efficiently serve our customers in South India.”

Located on a 15-acre site, GKN Driveline’s Oragadam facility has a high, two-ply insulated roof to improve ventilation and help reduce the temperature in the factory. The building also features an open interior design with a minimum number of support columns for improved visibility throughout the plant. As an added safety feature, fork lifts and other motorized vehicles will not be allowed on the shop floor.

Ravindra Ojha, managing director for GKN Driveline’s operations in India, said that the company has invested more than $23 million in the new facility.

“Our business in India has grown at an annual rate of more than 15 percent over the past five years,” Ravindra Ojha noted. “We expect to sustain that exceptional rate of growth over the next few years as well.”

GKN Driveline employs 650 people at three factories in India. Near Delhi in the north, it has facilities in Faridabad and Dharuhera. Production at a third plant in Gummidipoondi near Chennai has been transferred to the new Oragadam facility.

Ravindra Ojha added: “Over the years, GKN Driveline has forged strong partnerships here based on our ability to reliably supply quality products to our customers.

“Throughout the world, we have demonstrated an ability to provide car manufacturers with driveshafts for the smallest ultra low-cost vehicle up to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive model.”

GKN Driveline is a global enterprise with 21,000 people working at 40 locations in 30 countries. The company recorded sales of $4 billion (INR 15,000 crores, £2 billion, €2.6 billion) in 2007. Recognized as the auto industry’s leader in the design and production of driveline components, GKN Driveline provides driveline solutions for the smallest ultra low-cost vehicle up to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive model. The company has a commanding share of the global market for CVJ (constant velocity joint) sideshafts.

Further information is available on the Internet at www.gkndriveline.com.