Rockwell Automation, a US-based leader in industrial automation, is focusing on transforming India into a significant manufacturing hub after leveraging the country’s IT and software strengths for its global operations, according to Scott Wooldridge, President, Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation shared this vision at the company’s automation fair, revealing that Rockwell is in the process of establishing a new manufacturing facility in Chennai, which will be operational in two phases.
“Both for software development and manufacturing, we see India as becoming a very important hub for Rockwell,” Wooldridge remarked, underscoring the nation’s strategic role as it seeks to boost the contribution of its manufacturing sector to the economy.
The Chennai plant marks an extension of Rockwell’s efforts in India, which began around two years ago. The new facility, set to employ 230 people, is expected to start production by May next year. Wooldridge emphasised that while manufacturing is expanding, the company continues to prioritize research and development in India, where software and hardware are developed for its global operations.
The company’s employee base in India has grown significantly in recent years, reaching over 4,000, up from 1,000 just four years ago. Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director,Rockwell India, highlighted that India is now home to the largest employee base outside the US. “India is a strategic global market for us, and we are building a credible footprint here. Equally, India plays a crucial role in our global talent strategy.
The company currently operates campuses in Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru, with further team expansions underway across the country. Wooldridge noted that while Rockwell is making its first foray into manufacturing with its own facility in Chennai, it has long collaborated with Indian manufacturers such as Mahindra, Tata Group, Apollo Tyres, and MRF.
The first phase of the Chennai facility will focus on the semiconductor sector, while the second phase will cater to the growing data centre industry, driven by rising digital investments in India. “We don’t make data centres, but we provide the equipment that supports them,” Wooldridge explained, adding that the same approach applies to semiconductor fabs.
Rockwell also aims to contribute to India’s economic growth by supporting the country’s sustainability and environmental goals. The company is involved in projects related to solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, and water management systems for urban areas experiencing rapid growth.
Wooldridge noted that India’s manufacturing sector needs to increase its contribution to GDP to at least 20% from the current 15%, which would create more jobs in the country. He emphasised the importance of adopting smart manufacturing techniques to make production more agile and connected, a transformation that Rockwell is helping facilitate.
