Japanese multinational Air Water, a leading producer of industrial gases, will set up its second manufacturing unit in Karnataka near Bengaluru, Industries Minister MB Patil announced on Thursday. The company already operates its first plant in Vijayanagar.
In addition to the new facility, Air Water has also expressed interest in establishing a biogas production unit in the state, using raw materials such as cow dung and iron pulp. “This unit will help meet the growing local demand for biogas,” Minister Patil said. The announcement comes as part of his official visit to Japan with a high-level state delegation.
During discussions with Konoike, a Japanese industrial services and engineering company, the delegation explored potential joint ventures and growth opportunities. Konoike conveyed its interest in identifying local partners for developing industrial solutions, and the minister assured full support in facilitating collaborations.
As part of its official visit to Japan, the Karnataka delegation toured the Health, America, and Japan pavilions at the Osaka World Expo 2025, where it explored opportunities for collaboration across diverse industries. The visit highlighted the state’s focus on building global partnerships and attracting advanced technologies to strengthen its industrial base.
During the discussions, several Japanese companies confirmed fresh investments in Karnataka. Shinko Nameplate announced plans to establish a ₹100 crore facility near Bengaluru for the production of decorative plastic parts used in vehicles. Similarly, Toyota Group’s Cataler Company committed to expanding its Bidadi operations by 2030, with an additional investment of ₹140 crore, reinforcing its long-term presence in the state.
In addition, Saginomiya, a manufacturer of advanced automatic control equipment, expressed interest in setting up a new unit in Karnataka. These announcements reflect the growing confidence of Japanese firms in the state’s industrial ecosystem and underscore Karnataka’s position as a preferred investment destination for global companies. The delegation included S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner, Industries Department, among other senior officials.
