In a major boost to India’s manufacturing landscape, German fan and motor giant ebm-papst Group is set to significantly scale its operations in the country. Its Indian arm, ebm-papst India Pvt Ltd, is investing ₹340 crore to build a new production facility near Chennai, a move aimed at meeting growing local demand and reinforcing its global supply network.
New Manufacturing Facility to Strengthen Local and Global Supply
The upcoming Chennai plant will be the company’s third manufacturing unit in India, and is expected to increase production capacity by at least four times. The project, part of a long-term expansion strategy, includes a 14.2-acre site acquisition and the development of a 23,000-square-metre facility in its first phase. The plant is scheduled for completion by end-2026 and will employ around 700 people once fully operational.
A groundbreaking ceremony is slated for April 4, 2025, with senior leadership from the ebm-papst Group in attendance.
Focus on ‘Local for Local’ Strategy
Speaking on the expansion, Klaus Geissdoerfer, CEO of the ebm-papst Group, shared insights into the company’s recent performance and strategic vision.
“Our global sales reached €2.408 billion in FY 2023–24, with strong investments of over €140 million in R&D and nearly €10 million in sustainability initiatives,” he said. He emphasized the company’s “glocalization” approach—producing locally to serve local markets efficiently in the APAC and MEA regions.
Thomas Nuernberger, Chief Sales Officer of the Group and CEO of Air Technology for APAC & MEA, underlined the importance of local manufacturing. “By strengthening supply chains and manufacturing within India, we can react swiftly to our customers’ requirements and ensure faster delivery,” he noted.
Chennai Global Capability Centre Powers Digital Transformation
Alongside manufacturing, ebm-papst is also betting big on digital innovation. In 2023, the company launched a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai spanning 2,800 m². The facility currently houses around 300 experts working on digital technologies, smart fan systems, and process optimizations for the global market.
Atul Tripathi, Managing Director of ebm-papst India, highlighted the speed at which the GCC has scaled operations. “We started the GCC just two years ago and have already grown significantly. Plans for a second phase of expansion are already in the pipeline,” he shared.
Nearly Three Decades of Growth in India
ebm-papst made its foray into India in 1996 and began local manufacturing in 2005. By 2010, the Indian operations became a wholly owned subsidiary. Today, the company operates two factories, four sales offices, and multiple warehouses across India, employing around 375 people even before the new Chennai plant comes online.
Positioning India as a Strategic Hub
With this expansion, ebm-papst is clearly positioning India as a strategic manufacturing and innovation hub, aligned with both domestic needs and international demand. The company’s blend of local production, digital capability, and sustainability investments positions it for long-term growth in a competitive global market.
