ZF Rane Automotive India Pvt Ltd, a has inaugurated a new inflator manufacturing plant and sled test facility in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu. This facility, part of the company’s occupant safety business, is a significant step towards expanding local production and enhancing testing capabilities.
The plant was officially opened by Vinod Sahay, President of Aerospace &Defence, Trucks, Buses & CE at Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), and R. Velusamy, President of Automotive Technology & Product Development at M&M. Several key executives from ZF, Rane, and their supplier partners were present at the event.
Located along the Trichy-Chennai national highway, the facility is approximately 40 km from Trichy and 300 km from Chennai. The company has invested ₹100 crore in the facility, which will initially focus on manufacturing driver and passenger airbag inflators, with an annual production capacity of 3 million units. Additionally, the sled test facility will enhance the company’s testing infrastructure, cutting down on product development time.
This expansion aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, as the company aims to boost local manufacturing. Harish Lakshman, Chairman of Rane Group and Managing Director of ZF Rane Automotive India, emphasized the facility’s role in meeting market demand while maintaining high-quality standards. He also highlighted the importance of integrating global technologies to meet customer needs.
Rudolf Stark, Executive Vice President of ZF LIFETEC, underscored the significance of this investment in strengthening ZF’s position in the passive safety systems market. He stressed that maintaining in-house inflator production is crucial for ensuring quality and meeting growing industry demands.
