Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation, is making significant strides to establish India as a key manufacturing hub. After leveraging India’s strengths in IT and software for its global operations, the US-based company is now focused on expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country. Scott Wooldridge, President for the Asia Pacific region at Rockwell Automation, revealed that the company is in the process of setting up a new factory in Chennai, which will be commissioned in two phases.
In an interview on the sidelines of the company’s automation fair in Anaheim, Wooldridge emphasized that both software development and manufacturing will play critical roles in India’s growing importance to Rockwell Automation. “We see India becoming a very important hub for Rockwell, both for software and manufacturing,” he said. This announcement comes at a time when India is actively seeking to boost its manufacturing sector as a percentage of its overall economy.
The Chennai plant marks a significant step in Rockwell’s long-term strategy to enhance its presence in India. The company had made initial moves towards establishing manufacturing operations in India about two years ago, and the new facility will build upon those efforts. Wooldridge noted that the plant in Chennai will serve as an extension of Rockwell’s vision for India, contributing to the country’s growing role in the global supply chain.
Rockwell’s investment in India aligns with a broader trend among multinational companies adopting a “China plus one” strategy. This approach, aimed at diversifying production and reducing reliance on China, has led many companies to seek alternative manufacturing bases in countries like India. With its skilled workforce, strategic location, and government incentives aimed at boosting manufacturing, India presents a promising destination for global companies looking to expand their production capabilities outside of China.
As Rockwell Automation looks to integrate more of its global operations in India, the move is expected to contribute to the country’s economic growth, creating new jobs and opportunities in the manufacturing sector. This investment also underscores India’s increasing significance as a global manufacturing hub in the automation and technology industries.
By investing in local manufacturing, Rockwell is positioning itself to better serve its customers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, while capitalizing on India’s competitive advantages. The company’s commitment to expanding its operations in India is a testament to the country’s evolving role in the global industrial landscape.
