Brother Machine Tools India has achieved a significant milestone by delivering its first-ever “Make in India” Speedio machining centre, produced at its state-of-the-art facility in the Japanese Industrial Park, Tumkuru. This historic event reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the “Make in India” initiative and addressing the evolving needs of Indian manufacturers with locally produced, high-quality machining solutions.
In 2022, Japanese machine builder Brother Machine Tools decided to establish a facility in India focused on machine repairs. However, within a year, the management expanded its vision to include assembling and manufacturing “Make in India” machines. The factory in Tumkuru, Karnataka, was completed by September 2024, demonstrating exceptional efficiency. On December 20, 2024, a historic moment unfolded as the first Speedio Compact Machining Centre was delivered to Viraj Oak of V.Oak Engineers Pvt Ltd.
The handover ceremony, held at the Tumkuru facility, was led by Jun Watanabe, Director and Plant Head, and Eric Namikata, Managing Director of Brother Machinery India. “India is a substantial market, and that’s why we decided to have a factory here,” said Eric Namikata. “We truly appreciate our Indian customers and are committed to contributing to the Indian manufacturing industry.”
Brother Machine Tools has a rich legacy that began as a tool room for the production of Brother Sewing Machines in Japan. Over time, the company expanded its expertise in precision engineering, eventually diversifying into the manufacture of high-performance machining centres. With decades of innovation, Brother Machine Tools has become a global leader, renowned for its compact yet powerful solutions catering to various industries. This historic delivery in India is the latest chapter in Brother’s journey of technological excellence and market expansion.
A Vision for Localised Excellence
The Speedio S700Bd1, with “B” representing Bharat, signifies Brother’s commitment to localising production while maintaining the global quality standards synonymous with its brand. The ceremonial handover of the machine to its first customer, V OAK ENGINEERS PVT LTD, symbolises the culmination of relentless efforts to operationalise the Tumkuru factory within a remarkably short timeframe.
Reflecting on this achievement, Jun Watanabe, Director and Plant Head of Brother Machinery India, stated, “Today, our first Speedio machine made in our Tumkuru factory is being dispatched. We are proud to deliver the same quality as in Japan, following identical manufacturing processes. I am confident these machines will benefit Indian customers and boost their productivity.”
Brother’s localised production marks a significant shift for the Indian manufacturing industry, ensuring faster deliveries, reduced downtime with local repair services, and invoicing in Indian Rupees, addressing crucial pain points for Indian customers.
Brother Speedio Means Speed and Growth
The first Speedio S700Bd1 was handed over to Viraj Oak and Virendra Oak, Directors of Thane-based V OAK ENGINEERS PVT LTD, who expressed excitement about being the first recipients of this “Make in India” machine. “It feels extraordinary to be the first customer of Brother Machine Tools India,” said Viraj Oak. “As the name suggests, Speedio will help us achieve our goals faster and take our business to the next level. This machine embodies speed, precision, and reliability.”
Brother’s Tumkuru facility is dedicated to Indian manufacturing and positions the company as a significant enabler in India’s journey to becoming a global manufacturing hub. Eric Namikata emphasised, “Our investment is about creating a long-term impact on India’s manufacturing ecosystem.” The facility will also provide repair and service solutions to minimise machine downtime and ensure uninterrupted operations for Indian manufacturers, a critical factor in a highly competitive market.
Brother Empowering Indian Manufacturing
Brother Machine Tools’ commitment to quality is evident in its operations. Jun Watanabe emphasised that the Tumkuru factory maintains the same rigorous standards as their Japanese plants, ensuring consistent performance and reliability. This approach guarantees that customers in India receive the same level of excellence, whether the machine is made in Japan or India.
The establishment of Brother’s facility in Tumkuru is part of a more significant transformation in the region, quickly emerging as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The company’s decision to produce locally and provide tailored solutions aligns with the government’s push to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative. Eric Namikata noted, “We see Tumkuru as a key location for our growth strategy, and we are excited about the opportunities this facility will bring to Indian manufacturing. The transition in this region reflects the broader shifts in the Indian manufacturing landscape.”
As Brother Machine Tools ramps up production in Tumkuru, the facility is expected to cater to the growing demand for precision machining solutions across automotive, aerospace, and general engineering industries. The Speedio S700Bd1, with its compact design and advanced capabilities, is a game-changer for manufacturers looking to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
With faster deliveries and localised services, Brother Machine Tools sets new benchmarks for excellence in the Indian manufacturing sector. The successful delivery of the first “Make in India” Speedio machining centre marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company in India. The company’s commitment to quality, speed, and customer-centric solutions ensures that it will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian manufacturing.
