On May 20, 2024, Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) inaugurated its new manufacturing campus in Rohtak, India. The new plant represents a $18 million (Rs. 150 crore) investment and will initially manufacture transit rail components and subsystems followed by other Wabtec product lines in the coming years.
Several Wabtec executives were on hand for the grand opening including Pascal Schweitzer, President – Transit Business, Sujatha Narayan, Senior Vice President and India Regional Leader, and Ajay Mani, Managing Director – Transit India.
“India is an important growth market for Wabtec, especially for the transit business,” said Schweitzer. “The new site will further improve Wabtec’s ability to deliver enhanced value through our diverse product offerings for both Indian and global customers.”
The factory, set on 10,000 square meters will start off producing axle-mounted disc brake systems, distributor valves, brake calipers, and actuators, as well as friction material for freight cars, metro coaches, and locomotives for Indian Railways and metros. This campus is expected to host many products in the coming months and years that serve the rail, mining, and industrial segments, a testament to Wabtec’s commitment to the Indian market and the “Make in India” initiative.
“We intend to grow this site with plans to invest an additional $10 million (Rs. 80 crores) over the next few years,” said Narayan. “We currently employ 300 people and as the business grows, we do intend to add another 200 employees with a keen focus on diversity hires.”
Wabtec’s Transit business in India offers diverse solutions through its manufacturing sites in Hosur and Rohtak, which includes brake systems, couplers, pantographs, relays, air-conditioning systems, passenger access doors, and friction solutions. The company’s large engineering presence in Hosur and Bengaluru also provides engineering and service support for Wabtec operations around the world.
Wabtec is one of the largest rail equipment manufacturers in India, having supplied more than 600 locomotives to Indian Railways and with an installed base of subsystems in over 18,000 LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches and locomotives. The company currently employs 3,000 people in India.
About Wabtec
Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) is revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations. The company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine and industrial markets. Wabtec has been a leader in the rail industry for over 150 years and is the worldwide leader in the decarbonization of freight rail
