Henkel has unveiled a cutting-edge Application Engineering Center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its leadership in the electronics industry through its Adhesive Technologies division. In addition, the company will establish a new adhesive materials manufacturing plant for the electronics sector at its multi-technology site in Kurkumbh, near Pune.
These developments highlight Henkel’s ongoing commitment to innovation, localization, and fast-tracking product development in response to the growing demands of the region’s electronics market. As India’s electronics sector is expected to experience significant growth, driven by initiatives like Make in India and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, Henkel’s expanded presence will play a crucial role in supporting this dynamic growth.
“India is firmly establishing itself as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, and Henkel is excited to strengthen its ‘Make in India’ pledge, becoming a key partner in this transformation,” said S Sunil Kumar, Country President – India, Henkel. “The new facilities in Chennai and Kurkumbh align with this growth, enhancing regional self-sufficiency and supply chain resilience. This is an important step in our journey to better serve our global customers and expand our presence in the region, driving innovation, fostering long-term partnerships, and delivering value to our customers.”
Located in Tamil Nadu, a key hub for global electronics manufacturing, the 17,000 sq. ft. Chennai center will accelerate the introduction of new products (NPIs) and shorten time-to-market for customers. The center features five specialized labs focused on advanced adhesive solutions and thermal management materials, critical for improving the durability, reliability, and design of smartphones, wearables, and other electronics.
Equipped with advanced dispensing systems, vacuum impregnation technologies for waterproofing, and high-precision material analysis tools, this facility enables rapid prototyping, concept testing, and product validation. The new center complements Henkel’s existing innovation sites in Germany, the US, China, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, further enhancing Henkel’s role as a global innovation partner for electronics manufacturers.
Wen Zhou, Corporate Vice President – Electronics, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, explained that these investments are a logical continuation of the company’s growth in India and its support for the electronics market’s evolving supply chain needs. “Henkel meets our customers where they operate,” said Zhou. “We’ve had a strong presence in India for years, and as our customers expand their operations, we are enhancing our local capabilities to provide faster NPI and product validation support.”
The new Kurkumbh plant will bolster it’s capabilities in high-performance adhesive and coating solutions, reinforcing its focus on localization and addressing the demands of India’s expanding electronics sector. The plant will leverage Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize operational efficiency, enhance product quality, and reduce downtime.
The company is a global leader in the adhesive, sealant, and functional coatings markets. Its Consumer Brands division also holds dominant positions in the laundry, home care, and haircare categories. The company’s top brands include Loctite, Persil, and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of over 21.5 billion euros and an adjusted operating profit of approximately 2.6 billion euros.
Henkel’s preferred shares are listed on Germany’s DAX index. Sustainability is integral to Henkel’s operations, with a clear strategy and specific targets. Founded in 1876, the company employs a diverse team of around 48,000 people globally, united by a shared purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.”
In India, it operates through two legal entities: Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary) and Henkel Anand India Private Limited (a joint venture with Anand Group). The adhesive technologies division mainly focuses on B2B operations, while the consumer business is represented in the haircare category.
Henkel’s adhesive technology business in India includes four manufacturing sites, two innovation centers, a customer experience center, a flexible packaging academy, and an application center for the Sports & Fashion division. The hair business operates five Schwarzkopf Professional academies. The company employs over 1,300 people in India.
