From left: Prachi Gite, Director, Taural India; Bharat Gite, Founder and CEO, Taural India; Lothar Thoni, Founder & CEO, Thoni Alutec; Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Pioter Skowron, COO, Thoni Alutec.

Marking a substantial expansion of its production footprint, Taural India has commissioned a new advanced aluminium sand casting facility in Supa, Maharashtra. This strategic development, inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, establishes a second manufacturing hub for the company following its initial plant in Pune, reinforcing the region's profile in sophisticated industrial casting.

Encompassing 30 acres, the facility is engineered to meet exacting global standards, employing automation, digital controls and rigorous quality systems. It is dedicated to producing intricate, high-precision aluminium components destined for critical sectors including aerospace, defence, railways, energy, mobility and industrial infrastructure. This investment significantly boosts the company's capacity to cater to domestic and international market demand.

The project delivers considerable socio-economic benefits, anticipating the creation of over 1,200 direct jobs alongside numerous indirect opportunities in local supply chains and support services. By anchoring advanced manufacturing in a Tier II location, the initiative fosters skilled employment in regional communities, alleviating urban migration pressures and supporting balanced industrial growth across the state.

Originating from a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, the plant's journey from commitment to operational reality within a single year highlights Maharashtra's effective project execution capabilities. This timely development strengthens the state's position as a competitive manufacturing destination and aligns with national objectives to integrate more deeply into global value chains.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Taural India’s journey stands as a powerful example of how Indian entrepreneurs can build globally competitive, world-class manufacturing enterprises rooted in innovation, partnerships and purpose. Facilities such as Supa also play an important role in driving growth beyond metro cities and supporting the state’s long-term economic ambitions.”

Bharat Gite, Founder and CEO, Taural India, said, “This facility represents the next phase of our manufacturing journey in India. It strengthens indigenous aluminium casting capability, creates skilled employment in regional markets and demonstrates that Indian enterprises can build and scale high-precision manufacturing at global standards while contributing meaningfully to local communities.”

Lothar Thoni, JV Partner, Taural India and Owner, Thoni Alutec, said, “India is increasingly central to global manufacturing strategies. Facilities like Supa show how global engineering standards and local execution can come together to build sustainable manufacturing capability at scale, a model that international manufacturers can confidently invest in.”

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing component manufacturers in the country, has appointed Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India, as President for the 2026–27 term.

The industry body also named Anjali Singh, Executive Chairperson of ANAND Group and Gabriel India, as President-Designate. 

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Sriram Viji and Mrs. Anjali Singh to their new roles. Their rich industry experience and strategic vision will guide ACMA as the sector navigates geopolitical uncertainty and the evolving mobility landscape. I am confident that their leadership will strengthen our engagement with Government and industry partners to diversify supply chains, improve access to critical raw materials and enhance India’s global competitiveness.” 

Sriram Viji, President, ACMA, said, “It is an honour to lead ACMA as India strengthens its position as a trusted partner in global automotive value chains. Our priority is to deepen local capabilities and accelerate investment in advanced technologies, R&D and innovation, while embedding sustainability across the industry. As electric, connected and new-energy mobility create fresh opportunities, we must move beyond adapting to change to shaping it. Together with our members, we will work to position India as a global hub for high-value manufacturing and next-generation mobility solutions.”

German automotive supplier MAHLE has established an e-compressor production facility in Coimbatore, which it claims makes it the first company to manufacture the component in India.

The German firm has invested EUR 7 million in the site to produce e-compressors, which regulate thermal management, battery life, charging speeds and driving range in electric vehicles.

The production line has a capacity of over 300,000 e-compressors annually to supply domestic and international vehicle manufacturers. The launch creates 50 jobs, aligning with the Indian government's ‘Make in India 2.0’ manufacturing initiative.

The Coimbatore facility already produces starter motors, alternators, controllers and traction motors for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Following the setup of an R&D facility in 2023 for product validation, MAHLE has outlined plans for women to represent 75 percent of the plant's total workforce by 2027.

The company entered India in 1958 through a piston manufacturing joint venture and now has expanded its operation across 15 locations in the country with 5,900 employees.

Ivan Lenehan, Vice-President, MAHLE Powertrain and Charging, India, China & East Asia, said, “India continues to play an increasingly important role in the global mobility transformation. This facility strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets and reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”

Milind Mhaiskar, MD, MAHLE Electric Drives India, said, “This production facility underscores our focus on localisation and customer-centric innovation. The success of this project reflects the dedication of our teams and our collaborative approach with business partners.”

Delhi NCR-based fluid transmission provider Imperial Auto has appointed Sandeep Bathla as its new Chief Global Operations Officer.

In his new role, Bathla will oversee manufacturing operations and direct programs to update automation, expand production capabilities and streamline supply-chain networks across company facilities. He will report to Vikram Wagh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Auto.

Bathla brings over three decades of industry experience to the role and previously served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at Plasser India, following management roles at Blue Star, Motherson Sintermetal Technology and Eicher Tractors. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Kurukshetra and a PhD from European International University, Paris.

Vikram Wagh said, “As Imperial Auto continues to scale its operations and strengthen its position in global markets, building a future-ready and high-performing manufacturing organisation will be critical. Sandeep brings extensive experience across manufacturing and the automotive industry, along with a strong understanding of operational excellence. His leadership will be instrumental in enhancing our manufacturing capabilities, improving responsiveness and creating greater value for our customers.”

The executive change aligns with Imperial Auto's plans to expand its international manufacturing footprint and engineering capabilities.

Tier 1 automotive supplier Lumax Auto Technologies, part of the DK Jain Group, has further strengthened its management team by onboarding Ambarish Kumar Gupta as the new Vice-President – Operations.

Gupta comes with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, with senior roles across financial operations.

The industry executive has worked with the likes of Forvia Faurecia, Marelli, Brose, Magna Steyr, Infosys, L&T Technology Services, BlueBinaries Engineering & Solutions and PGUB Management Consulting, among others.

In his new role, he will be responsible for advancing futuristic automotive electronics, strengthening operations and making the company future-ready.

Gupta will also support Lumax Auto Technologies’ innovation, technology and operational excellence roadmap.