ZF Group has officially opened its 19th plant in India, setting up a new manufacturing unit in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, with an investment of €20 million (approximately ₹192 crores). This 10,000-square-meter facility will produce advanced axles and transmissions for the construction equipment and railway sectors.
The facility is part of ZF’s broader “Make in India for India and the World” strategy, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing while also supporting global demand. It is the company’s 11th production site in Tamil Nadu and will serve both domestic and export markets.
The newly launched Coimbatore facility will produce ERGOPOWER M transmissions, specially developed for construction machinery. These transmissions are equipped with automatic powershift technology, which helps boost machine performance and improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%. This design aims to support the productivity demands of modern construction operations while also reducing operational costs.
In addition, the plant will manufacture MULTITRAC axles for heavy-duty construction equipment. These axles are known for their compact and lightweight build, yet they offer high torque capacity and structural strength. They are fitted with wheel speed wet multi-disc brakes, which reduce braking losses and enhance overall efficiency. The design includes various ratio, brake, and differential lock options to meet diverse operational requirements.
For India’s urban rail network, the facility will also produce EcoMet transmissions. These gearboxes are built with a modular architecture, allowing compatibility with different metro systems without the need for additional development. This flexibility makes them cost-effective and versatile, helping to streamline metro manufacturing and maintenance while supporting the growth of public transportation infrastructure across the country.
Dr Peter Laier, Board Member at ZF Group and Head of Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology, emphasized the importance of this expansion “This facility reflects our long-term commitment to India as a strategic base for engineering and manufacturing. It supports our goal of being closer to customers and strengthens our presence in a fast-evolving market.”
Akash Passey, President of ZF Group India, added “India plays a central role in our growth strategy. This new facility not only supports rising demand within the country but also showcases India’s manufacturing capabilities to the global market. We see it as a key contributor to innovation, job creation, and economic progress.”
Andreas Moser, Executive Vice President of Industrial Technologies at ZF Group, noted “With India’s ongoing infrastructure development and rapid urban growth, the timing is right. This plant will help meet rising demand in the construction and transportation sectors, both locally and internationally.”
ZF Group operates 161 production sites across 30 countries and employs over 161,000 people worldwide. In 2024, the company reported €41.4 billion in sales. Its Industrial Technology division covers a wide range of applications including agriculture, construction machinery, rail transport, marine systems, and renewable energy solutions.
