Copeland, a compressor manufacturer owned by Blackstone, has ambitious plans for its operations in India, particularly focused on increasing its export share. Currently, India serves as a significant export hub for the company, with approximately 60% of its total production destined for international markets.
The firm, which produces a variety of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, has recently committed ₹500 crore to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, as well as to establish a new research and development center and an IT center in Pune. Additionally, Copeland operates an engineering center in Satara, which supports its manufacturing operations in India, while the new R&D center is designed to bolster its global growth strategy.
Expansion Plans
The upcoming manufacturing facility will specialize in advanced scroll compressors, complementing its existing product line that serves all major original equipment manufacturers in the air conditioning sector. “India presents substantial market potential and is witnessing notable growth in the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) sector,” stated Sandeep Gupta, Vice President and Managing Director of Copeland India. “Our customers demand reliability and support from local manufacturers, making our operations a crucial element of their supply chain,” he added.
The current manufacturing site in Pune will see an expansion of 7,350 square meters over the next five years, increasing its production capacity, which currently stands at 1.5 million units annually. This expansion will also open North America as a new export market for Copeland, which has primarily focused on Asia and South America for its exports.
While Gupta noted that the share of exports from India is set to rise post-expansion, he did not provide specific figures. He emphasized that this investment marks the company’s most significant commitment in nearly two decades.
Copeland has a long history in India, having previously been part of the Emerson group for over thirty years, starting as a joint venture with the Kirloskar group. Last year, private equity funds managed by Blackstone acquired a majority stake in the company from Emerson, which completed the sale of its remaining interest in June this year.
