Venkat Rajaram, Cygni Energy, Founder & CEO, along with Vipul and Gautam.

Hyderabad-based Cygni Energy has unveiled Phase I of its fully automated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) gigafactory at E-Mobility Valley in Maheshwaram, Hyderabad, signalling a major leap in India’s electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy manufacturing landscape. The company is investing INR 2.5 billion over two phases to ramp up capacity from 4.8 GWh to 10.8 GWh over the next 12–24 months.

With a sharp focus on electric mobility, energy storage systems, and next-generation battery chemistries, Cygni is positioning itself to meet growing domestic and international demand for sustainable energy solutions. The company is also actively developing sodium-ion and sulphur-based batteries to complement traditional lithium-ion chemistries, alongside investments in thermal safety, recycling and advanced energy management algorithms tailored to Indian conditions.

Venkat Rajaraman, Founder & CEO, Cygni Energy, said, “In the long term, as part of India’s 100 GWh roadmap, we expect to become self-sufficient in cell manufacturing. We are also seeing a convergence of newer chemistries like sodium and sulphur. Sodium-ion batteries, in particular, are expected to play a critical role in India’s EV journey –given their lower cost of USD 6 per kWh versus USD 24 for lithium. While lithium demand currently exceeds sodium by 3x, India’s early-stage advantage allows us to leapfrog.”

“We cater to three markets – BESS, commercial and industrial storage, and electric vehicles. We have been manufacturing EV battery packs for a long time, earlier from a rental facility and now from our own factory. Today, we have a gigawatt-scale order pipeline for two- and three-wheeler EVs and large-scale storage systems. We’re also working with IIT-Madras' Centre of Battery Engineering and Electric Vehicles (C-BEEV) to co-develop future technologies. EVs contributed nearly 50 percent of our revenue till FY2025.”

The new facility spans 160,000 square feet and is engineered with automated Poka-Yoke-enabled lines and end-to-end traceability for high-quality battery module production. Till date, the company has raised USD 6.4 million in 2018 and USD 12.5 million in 2022 to fund its expansion.

The first phase investment of INR 1 billion supports an initial 4.8 GWh capacity. An additional INR 1.5 billion will be invested to reach 10.8 GWh under Phase II. The company expects to generate INR 26 billion revenue from Phase I, which it aims to double post-expansion.

Cygni’s batteries are designed for EV and grid-scale applications. The company has delivered over 500 MWh of batteries and claims to have a confirmed 1 GWh order pipeline, with growing traction in electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and small commercial vehicles (SCVs). Most of the 80-plus components in its battery systems – such as busbars, cell holders, thermal and mechanical elements – are now locally sourced, reflecting India’s evolving EV ecosystem.

Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana and CEO of the Industry & Investment Cell in the CMO, inaugurated the facility alongside Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Chairman of IIIT-Hyderabad, and Srini Raju, Founder of iLabs Group.

Jayesh Ranjan, said, “The inauguration of Cygni’s battery manufacturing gigafactory in Telangana marks a transformative step toward sustainable energy, manufacturing excellence, and innovation. This facility not only strengthens India’s commitment to clean energy but also creates jobs, fosters local talent, and builds a robust ecosystem for the future of energy storage solutions.”

Cygni expects to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and is planning additional 2 GWh cell-to-pack automated lines as part of its future roadmap. With government support and rising EV adoption, the company is well-positioned to be a catalyst in India’s energy transition

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CNH Industrial has conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for a new manufacturing facility at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) in Uttar Pradesh, near Jewar airport.

The event was attended by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, alongside CNH Chair of the Board of Directors Suzanne Heywood, Chief Executive Officer Gerrit Marx and India Region President Narinder Mittal.

The new facility spread across 100 acres will produce tractors and engines for India and export markets, holding an annual production capacity of 100,000 tractors at full scale. The first phase of operations is scheduled to commence by mid-2028, complementing CNH's existing plants in Greater Noida, which manufactures tractors and engines and Pune, which produces balers, combine harvesters and sugarcane harvesters. The factory will incorporate robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence quality systems alongside renewable energy, water recycling, logistics, and waste recovery infrastructure.

Gerrit Marx, CEO, CNH, said, “India is playing an increasingly strategic role within CNH’s global manufacturing and technology ecosystem. The groundbreaking of our new facility at YEIDA marks an important step in expanding our manufacturing footprint and strengthening our ability to serve customers in India and around the world. This investment reflects our confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities, engineering talent and long-term growth potential, while further strengthening the country’s role in CNH’s global operations.”

Narinder Mittal, President, CNH India Region, said, “We are committed to bringing world class technology and innovation to Indian farmers, supporting mechanisation and economic growth. Building on the legacy of our first tractor plant in Greater Noida, this new facility will strengthen and expand our existing footprint, leveraging proximity to our current operations and the state’s strong connectivity and industrial ecosystem. We are proud to contribute to the nation’s industrial growth and economic development, while strengthening our commitment to ‘Make in India’ for domestic and global markets.”

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American manufacturer of petroleum and speciality chemical additives Afton Chemical Corporation recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a driveline and industrial additive manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, India.

The plant will be operated by Afton's partner, LSR Speciality Oils and is scheduled to begin commercial production in the first half of 2028.

The facility expands Afton Chemical's production footprint in India, building upon existing manufacturing operations for engine oil and off-road additives, while complementing capacity investments at the company's Singapore site. Once operational, the Maharashtra plant will supply additives to markets across ASEAN, Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America and the Middle East.

Brian Paliotti, President, Afton Chemical, said, "Afton Chemical has been a trusted global supplier in the lubricant and fuel additives industry for more than 100 years. Providing our customers with a secure, reliable supply of high-quality products remains one of our highest priorities. This new facility will strengthen our manufacturing network, enhance supply chain resilience, and improve service for customers around the world."

Chris Dudding, Vice-President of Supply, Afton Chemical, said, "As our industry continues to evolve, Afton remains committed to investing in the assets, capabilities, and partnerships needed to remain a trusted long-term supplier of performance additives. This investment reflects our confidence in the future of the industry and our commitment to helping customers succeed for decades to come."

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Honda Motor Co., has announced a USD 3 billion investment to build an automobile manufacturing plant in Central Ohio, increasing its US automobile production capacity to approximately 1.3 million vehicles per year and creating more than 2,000 jobs. Production at the new facility, located between the existing East Liberty and Marysville plants, is expected to begin in 2029 pending regulatory approvals.

The new facility will feature a planned annual production capacity of 240,000 units, capable of assembling hybrid, petrol and battery-electric vehicles. The project forms part of a series of manufacturing investments across operations in Ohio, Alabama and Georgia designed to expand production of hybrid-electric vehicles and powertrains, expanding Honda's total North American vehicle assembly capacity to 1.9 million units annually.

The expansion supports the Japanese automotive major’s global plan to introduce 15 hybrid models by 2030. Additional network initiatives include retooling the Alabama Auto Plant to produce a V6 hybrid engine, retooling the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio for a four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine and expanding hybrid system assembly at transmission facilities in Ohio and Georgia to increase Ohio hybrid system output by 250 percent. Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario, will also undergo retooling for hybrid model and engine assembly.

Bob Nelson, Executive Vice-President of American Honda Motor Co., said, "As Honda approaches 50 years of building products close to our customers in America, we are making one of the most significant commitments in our history to position Honda for the next 50 years. These investments strengthen America’s role as a cornerstone of Honda’s global future and reflect our confidence in our more than 30,000 Honda associates and the strength of American manufacturing. By expanding our comprehensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, we will be better positioned to serve our customers and contribute to the economic vitality of the communities where we operate."

Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio, said, "Honda's leadership could have chosen to build this plant anywhere in the world, but they chose Ohio because there are so many advantages to being here. For almost half a century, Honda and Ohio have grown together, and generations of families have built their careers on Honda's manufacturing lines. Today's announcement isn't just an investment in a new facility - it's an investment in Ohio's people and Ohio's future."

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Hindustan Zinc Limited has signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at the ZnAL Confluence 2026 in Jaipur to advance the development of its proposed Zinc Industrial Park at Khankhala in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan.

The MoUs were executed with industrial partners including Gainwell Commosales, Epiroc Mining India, Sai Deepa Rock Drills, Shree Nakoda Infrasteel, Suryakiran Earthmovers, J.G. Chemicals, EPCM Service & Supply, Jasta Alloys, Jammu Pigments and Ampex Energies.

The participating entities intend to set up manufacturing, engineering and service operations connected to zinc and allied value chains. The proposed park, developed in collaboration with the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO), provides developed industrial land, access to a share of Hindustan Zinc's metal output, and research capabilities from the company's Centre of Excellence.

The park infrastructure supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with investment entry levels starting from INR 50 million, covering sectors such as galvanising, die-casting, zinc alloys, zinc oxide and wire manufacturing.

Amarendu Prakash, CEO and Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said, "Zinc Park is a strategic initiative that reflects our long-term vision of building a globally competitive downstream ecosystem for zinc-based industries in India. The growing confidence of industry partners, across manufacturing, engineering and services, shows the strength of the proposition. Through assured ecosystem support, renewable energy integration and strong collaborations, we aim to enable MSME growth, create local employment and strengthen domestic manufacturing."

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