Epiroc AB, the Swedish mining and infrastructure equipment giant headquartered in Stockholm, has taken a significant step in its global expansion strategy by breaking ground on a state-of-the-art production and research facility near Nashik, India. Combined with recent upgrades to its Hyderabad plant, this move marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s Make in India initiative and its ambition to strengthen its foothold in the Indian market while supporting global customers.
Vision: Blending Swedish Precision with Indian Momentum
Helena Hedblom, President & CEO of Epiroc AB, highlighted the strategic importance of the new facility:
“The new facility in Nashik is a key step in further expanding our presence in the growing and very important Indian market, and it will also support our customers globally.”
Arunkumar Govindarajan, President of Epiroc India, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing local growth potential:
“We are excited about this further expansion in India, where we see significant growth potential… The new facility also supports our ‘Make in India’ initiatives.”
Strategic Investments Across Multiple Dimensions
Nashik: Building India’s Premier Mining Hub
- Investment: ₹350 crore for a 42-acre site in Gonde, near Nashik.
- Infrastructure: The facility will include production and prototyping buildings, R&D labs, offices, and a test track for equipment trials.
- Scale: A planned 175,000 m² campus, creating 200 new direct jobs, augmenting the existing ~280-employee Nashik workforce.
- Timeline: The facility is set to be operational by late 2026, with phased development to follow.
Hyderabad: Scaling Manufacturing Capabilities
- Facility Expansion: An additional 5,280 m² added to the existing plant to enhance production of rock reinforcement and drilling tools.
- Output & Employment: Production commenced shortly after the expansion, with ~35 new jobs added to a workforce of ~300.
- Purpose: The expanded facility will cater to both domestic demand and global markets with increased production capacity.
Strategic Financing: Long-Term Investment Commitment
Epiroc has outlined a robust financial roadmap for India:
- ₹500 crore investment by 2025.
- ₹1,000 crore by 2030, reflecting a sustained commitment to local manufacturing, R&D, and workforce empowerment.
Roadmap for India: A Symphony of Localization, Innovation, and Sustainability
| Pillar | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Localized Manufacturing | Production of key equipment, including half of the machines for a $280M Hindustan Zinc order. |
| R&D and Innovation | Investments in Nashik and Hyderabad to drive automation, safety, and productivity solutions. |
| Automation & Sustainability | Leveraging Rig Control System (RCS) and electrification technologies to align with global sustainability goals. |
| Long-Term Commitment | A structured roadmap positioning India as a central hub in Epiroc’s global network. |
What Lies Ahead
- Accelerated Localization: Enhanced production to serve India’s mining and infrastructure sectors, with potential for exports.
- R&D Ramp-Up: Focus on automation, electrification, and remote operation technologies.
- Strengthened Partnerships: Deeper collaboration with partners like Hindustan Zinc and increased participation in India’s industrial transformation.
- Phased Expansion: A strategic approach to sustain momentum through 2026 and beyond.
Epiroc’s expansion in India seamlessly blends Swedish engineering excellence with the dynamic energy of Indian enterprise. With cutting-edge facilities in Nashik and Hyderabad, underpinned by a robust investment roadmap and visionary leadership, Epiroc is poised to establish India as a global hub for innovation and manufacturing in the mining equipment sector. This strategic move not only strengthens Epiroc’s presence in India but also positions the company to meet global demands with precision and sustainability.