Rockwell Automation Eyes India as a Key Manufacturing Hub Amid Global Expansion

New Delhi, Dec 10 (KNN) Rockwell Automation, the US-based leader in industrial automation, is significantly increasing its focus on India as a crucial manufacturing hub, according to a senior company official.

Scott Wooldridge, President for Asia Pacific at Rockwell, revealed that the company is expanding its operations in India with the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Chennai.

Set to open in two phases, the plant will create over 230 jobs by May next year and contribute to Rockwell’s broader strategy of tapping into India's strengths in both software development and manufacturing.

Wooldridge emphasised that India’s role in the company's global operations is growing rapidly, driven by the country’s emerging significance as both a production and software development base.

The move comes as India strives to enhance the contribution of manufacturing to its economy, which currently stands at around 15% of GDP.

Rockwell's investment is aligned with the 'China plus one' strategy, where companies seek to reduce reliance on China by diversifying their supply chains.

The Chennai plant represents an extension of Rockwell’s operations, following initial steps into manufacturing in India two years ago.

The first phase will focus on the semiconductor sector, while the second phase will address the expanding demand for data center infrastructure.

Wooldridge clarified that although Rockwell does not build data centers, it manufactures critical components used within them, underscoring the growing relevance of the digital economy in India.

India’s talent pool also plays a significant role in Rockwell’s strategy. With a workforce now exceeding 4,000 employees, up from just 1,000 four years ago, India hosts the company’s largest employee base outside the US.

Rockwell continues to expand its presence with campuses in Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru, alongside fostering partnerships with Indian companies such as Tata Group and Mahindra.

Furthermore, Rockwell Automation is contributing to India’s sustainability goals, focusing on initiatives such as solar panels, electric vehicle battery production, and water sector solutions to support the country’s rapid urbanisation and environmental ambitions.

(KNN Bureau)