Hutchinson is embarking on a transformative journey in India—a market marked by rapid change and fierce competition. In an exclusive interview with N. Balasubramanian, two senior executives, Frédéric Le Du, Senior VP Asia, Hutchinson, and Joshua Mullens Solomon, Managing Director, Hutchinson and Co. (India) Pvt. Ltd., discussed the company’s ambitious expansion plans. Their conversation revealed how Hutchinson is leveraging increased capacity at its plant at Oragadam in the outskirts of Chennai, state-of-the-art technology, and a collaborative approach to meet local market demands. This strategic move not only marks an increase in production capacity but also an evolution toward a more agile, locally responsive organization.
Expanding Production Capacity
The discussion opened with a focus on Hutchinson’s significant capacity expansion in India. Frédéric Le Du explained: “Our expansion is threefold, we now operate a 10,000 square meter facility focusing on anti-vibration, transmission, and sealing solutions. This move is driven by robust business in these segments – particularly with our key customers and we see strong potential to expand beyond these accounts in India.”
Joshua Mullens Solomon added: “Our strategy goes beyond physical expansion; it’s about integrating cutting-edge technology. We are upgrading the automotive market with world-class products that differentiate us – especially in suspension systems and drivetrain solutions. Our advanced engineering capabilities, combined with predictive simulation and a one-plant concept, allow us to seamlessly transfer global processes to India.”
These refined statements underscore that Hutchinson’s growth is not just about increased capacity but also about harnessing technology and global best practices for the local market.
Advancing Through Simulation and Engineering Excellence
Central to Hutchinson’s strategy is the use of advanced simulation and engineering capabilities, closely associated with industrial standards. Frédéric stated: “We employ a global system known as the Hutchinson Excellence System as the standard across all our operations. This system is fully deployed in Asia and now in India, ensuring consistent quality everywhere we operate.”
Joshua elaborated: “Our engineering capabilities, underpinned by robust predictive simulation tools, allow us to anticipate and resolve issues without extensive trial and error. This, combined with our one-plant concept, enables us to rapidly adapt and maintain high standards in the Indian market.”
These quotes highlight how Hutchinson’s technical expertise and systematic approach ensure operational excellence and swift innovation.
Co-Developing Tailored Solutions
Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective, Hutchinson is committed to co-developing products with local OEMs. Frédéric explained: “We engage directly with OEMs to understand their specific pain points and challenges, and then develop tailored solutions to address them. This collaborative approach is central to our strategy in India.”
Joshua reinforced this by stating: “Given that force-fitting technology rarely works in India, we develop customized solutions that are truly suited to local conditions. Along with advanced technology, our value-added work helps optimize the overall cost for our customers.”
These longer, refined quotes reflect Hutchinson’s commitment to collaboration and customization – ensuring that their products are both innovative and economically viable.
Navigating Market Volatility
The Indian automotive market is inherently volatile due to its dynamic structure and rapid changes. Frédéric remarked: “The market is inherently volatile; new car launches continuously shift dynamics and affect competitors. Managing these fluctuating volumes requires a carefully tailored strategy.”
In response, Joshua expressed confidence: “I am confident that our advanced technology, solution optimization, and deep engineering expertise will enable us to excel despite industry challenges and truly lead the market.”
Both executives acknowledge the challenges posed by market fluctuations while emphasizing their robust strategy to navigate and overcome them.
Building a Team That Drives Change
A cornerstone of Hutchinson’s success is its people. Joshua noted: “Our team is our greatest asset. With a history spanning over 170 years, our employees bring decades of experience, and our unified, one-team approach is a key differentiator.”
Frédéric added: “We facilitate cross-training by sending our Indian employees to Europe or US and bringing our international experts here. This exchange ensures that our teams remain aligned with global best practices while deeply understanding local nuances.”
Hutchinson’s commitment to continuous learning and cross-cultural exchange strengthens its ability to innovate and respond to local challenges.
Future Prospects and Export Opportunities
While Hutchinson’s current focus is on consolidating its domestic market presence, both executives see significant potential for future exports. Joshua summarized the strategy: “Our approach is encapsulated by the phrase ‘India for India and India for the globe,’ reflecting our focus on perfecting solutions for local conditions before expanding internationally.”
While concluding, Frédéric stressed the need for market alignment: “We possess the solutions and expertise; our next step is to align the market with these innovations. This alignment will enable us to scale operations and eventually explore export opportunities.”