ZF Lenksysteme inaugurates steering system plant in India

One of the biggest names in the automobile steering systems business, ZF Lenksysteme, has inaugurated its first fully-owned manufacturing plant in India. Spread over 10,000 sqm the plant is located at Phulgaon, Maharashtra. ZF is looking at increasing its presence in India by locally supplying steering systems to OEMs in India. 

The plant will have an initial capacity of 70,000 steering systems for commercial vehicles and 4lakh steering units for passenger vehicles on an annual basis. The plant will employ 100 people when operating at full capacity and is adequately equipped to increase production depending on future market demand. ZF intends to produce hydraulic power steering units for commercial vehicles and electronic power steering units for passenger vehicles in India. 

Speaking on the company’s decision to open shop in India, Michael Hankel, Chief Executive Officer, ZF Lenksysteme, said," This is an important step for ZF Lenksysteme to expand its operations in India. We chose Pune as it gives us an opportunity to be present right at the centre of India’s auto, it is home to world’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, the world’s largest forging company & many other leading auto manufacturers. Pune is also home to two very prominent automotive research labs, namely Automotive Research Association of India and Central Institute of Road Transport”.

ZF Lenksysteme is currently supplying steering in India to Tata Motors, Volvo, Force Motors, Volvo-Eicher Commercial vehicles, Ashok Leyland and Diamler India Commercial Vehicles.