Rockwell Automation, the U.S.-based automation giant, is enhancing its presence in India by developing the country into a major manufacturing hub alongside its established IT and software operations. The company is investing in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chennai, set to launch in two phases, according to Scott Wooldridge, President of Rockwell’s Asia Pacific region.
The Chennai facility will begin production by May next year, creating 230 new jobs. Initially focused on the semiconductor sector, the facility’s second phase will expand to support the burgeoning data center industry in India. “India plays a dual role for Rockwell—as a critical global market and a hub for talent and innovation,” said Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director for Rockwell India.
Rockwell’s employee base in India has surged from 1,000 to over 4,000 in just four years, making it the company’s largest workforce outside the U.S. The company operates across campuses in Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru, with plans to expand further.
Beyond its own operations, Rockwell has been collaborating with Indian manufacturers such as Mahindra, Tata Group, Apollo Tyres, and MRF. It aims to drive smart manufacturing techniques to bolster India’s manufacturing contribution to GDP, currently at 15%, toward the government’s target of 20%.
Rockwell is also advancing India’s sustainability goals, including work on solar panels, EV batteries, and water management systems to address the challenges of rapid urbanization. Through its initiatives, Rockwell Automation is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s industrial and environmental transformation.
Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, is dedicated to enhancing productivity, sustainability, and efficiency across industries worldwide. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company provides innovative solutions that combine hardware, software, and advanced technologies to enable smart manufacturing and connected enterprises.
With operations in over 100 countries and a workforce of more than 25,000 employees, Rockwell Automation partners with businesses to address complex challenges in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. In India, the company is rapidly expanding its footprint with state-of-the-art facilities, strategic collaborations, and investments in talent development, underscoring its commitment to supporting industrial growth, digital innovation, and sustainable practices globally.