Wabtec inaugurates new Rail Components Manufacturing Facility in Rohtak, India

Rohtak, India (Metro Rail Today): Wabtec Corporation, a global leader in rail technology solutions, has inaugurated its new manufacturing campus in Rohtak, Haryana. This new facility marks a significant milestone for Wabtec in India, representing an investment of $18 million (approximately Rs. 150 crore). Initially, the plant will focus on producing transit rail components and subsystems, with plans to expand to other product lines in the coming years.

The grand opening was attended by several prominent Wabtec executives, including Pascal Schweitzer, President of the Transit Business, Dr. Sujatha Narayan, Senior Vice President and India Regional Leader, and Ajay Mani, Managing Director of Transit India. Their presence underscored the importance of this new facility to Wabtec's global operations and its strategic growth in the Indian market.

“India is an important growth market for Wabtec, especially for the transit business,” stated Schweitzer. “The new site will further improve Wabtec's ability to deliver enhanced value through our diverse product offerings for both Indian and global customers.”

Set on a 10,000-square-meter campus, the Rohtak facility will commence operations by manufacturing essential components such as axle-mounted disc brake systems, distributor valves, brake calipers, and actuators. Additionally, it will produce friction material for freight cars, metro coaches, and locomotives, catering to Indian Railways and metro systems. Over the coming months and years, the campus is expected to broaden its production to include a wider range of products serving the rail, mining, and industrial sectors.

“We intend to grow this site with plans to invest an additional $10 million (Rs. 80 crore) over the next few years,” said Dr. Sujatha Narayan. “We currently employ 300 people, and as the business grows, we do intend to add another 200 employees with a keen focus on diversity hires.”

Wabtec's investment in the Rohtak campus is aligned with the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative, aiming to boost local manufacturing and employment. The new facility will not only enhance Wabtec's manufacturing capabilities in India but also contribute significantly to the local economy through job creation and technology transfer.

Wabtec’s Transit business in India already operates through its manufacturing sites in Hosur and Rohtak. These sites produce a variety of solutions including brake systems, couplers, pantographs, relays, air-conditioning systems, passenger access doors, and friction materials. Furthermore, Wabtec’s engineering presence in Hosur and Bengaluru provides crucial engineering and service support for global operations, reinforcing its stronghold in the Indian market.

Wabtec is one of the largest rail equipment manufacturers in India, with a notable record of supplying over 600 locomotives to Indian Railways and having its subsystems installed in more than 18,000 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches and locomotives. The company’s current workforce in India stands at approximately 3,000 employees, reflecting its substantial presence and influence in the country.

As a pioneer in the rail industry for over 150 years, Wabtec Corporation is committed to revolutionizing the way the world moves. The company is at the forefront of providing equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries. Wabtec’s expertise also extends to the mining, marine, and industrial markets. Notably, Wabtec is leading the decarbonization of freight rail, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The inauguration of Wabtec’s new manufacturing campus in Rohtak signifies a strategic expansion of its operations in India, reinforcing its commitment to local manufacturing, job creation, and technological advancement. This facility will play a crucial role in Wabtec’s global strategy, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality, innovative products to both Indian and international markets. As Wabtec continues to grow, its investments in India will drive forward the vision of “Make in India,” fostering economic development and positioning India as a key player in the global rail industry.