Hilti opens modern production plant in India

By OEM Update Editorial January 11, 2024 12:08 pm IST

With its new plant in India, the Hilti Group has built a modern production facility that meets the highest standards of technology and efficiency. Sustainability aspects and the well-being of around 300 team members working in the plant also play an important role in the new building

The new Hilti plant in Vadodara, India, was put into operation in August 2023 after two years of construction and now has been officially opened. “I am extremely pleased that we are able to inaugurate a first-class technology production plant that meets environmental standards as well as the concerns of our team members. We offer modern workplaces and produce high-quality products while bringing development and production together under one roof,” said Hilti Manufacturing India CEO Giridhar Jambunathan at the opening ceremony.

The site in India continues to be an integrated competence center for diamond products like saw blades, core bits and cup wheels within Hilti’s global production network. Next to production and offices, the 12,600 square meter site also houses development and design departments as well as product testing areas. About 300 team members currently work at the plant, which has been laid out towards further growth to allow for any future expansion.

In terms of sustainability, Hilti focused on reducing energy consumption and installing a low-energy cooling system. The photovoltaic panels on the roof generate electricity that is used to power one third of the plant’s energy needs. At the same time, they prevent the building from overheating by casting shadow.

An innovative system for indoor climate and humidity control has already been installed in other Hilti plants due to which the energy consumption used for cooling is around 80 percent lower than in comparable buildings with conventional climate regulation. To achieve this result, over 70 kilometers of water pipes and chilled beams were installed in the building.

Hilti aims to obtain a DGNB gold certification of the German Sustainable Building Council for the new plant in India to underpin their efforts toward creating a more sustainable building. This certification is regarded as a global benchmark among certification systems for sustainable buildings. The holistic certification process evaluates criteria for sustainable production, innovation, and employee well-being.

Carl Hoffmann, Head of Global Manufacturing Electric Tools & Accessories, emphasized the long-term orientation of Hilti in Vadodara: “This plant is a perfect example of Hilti’s commitment to combining sustainability aspects with a modern working environment. We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to take this big step after the long-standing presence of Hilti in India. It is a promising location with well-trained specialists who create an excellent basis for innovation with their materials know-how and expertise in manufacturing processes.”