Coimbatore: German automotive supplier MAHLE has commenced production of e-compressors at its Coimbatore facility, becoming the first company to establish an e-compressor manufacturing facility in India.
The company has invested EUR 7 million in the new facility, which has the capacity to produce more than 3 lakh e-compressors annually at full capacity. The facility will also create around 50 new jobs, further strengthening MAHLE’s local manufacturing footprint.
E-compressors are a key component of electric vehicle thermal management systems and play an important role in battery life, fast charging and driving range. The new production line is designed to meet international manufacturing and quality standards and will cater to both domestic and global customers.
The facility forms part of MAHLE’s efforts to expand its electrification portfolio and support the Indian government’s Make in India 2.0 initiative. The Coimbatore plant already manufactures starter motors, alternators, traction motors and controllers for two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
MAHLE also established an R&D facility in Coimbatore in 2023 to develop local expertise in product validation and strengthen its engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
The company said it is targeting a 75 per cent women workforce by 2027 across the plant, with an aim to create a more inclusive workplace and employment opportunities in the region.
“India continues to play an increasingly important role in the global mobility transformation. This facility strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets and reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions,” said Ivan Lenehan, Vice President, MAHLE Powertrain and Charging, India, China & East Asia.
Milind Mhaiskar, Managing Director, MAHLE Electric Drives India, said the facility underscores the company’s focus on localisation and customer-centric innovation, adding that its successful completion reflected the efforts of its teams and business partners.
MAHLE entered the Indian market in 1958 through a joint venture for piston manufacturing. Since 1997, the company has expanded into areas including valvetrain components, filtration, engine peripherals, thermal management, electronics and mechatronics.
Today, MAHLE has a presence at 15 locations in India with around 5,900 employees and works with major automotive manufacturers in the country.
