How MBP PVT combines local manufacturing with European pneumatic engineering to improve commercial vehicle assembly
Localisation in the commercial vehicle supply chain is often discussed in terms of domestic content, import substitution and shorter supply chains. For manufacturers, however, its real value is ultimately measured on the production line—in terms of efficiency, quality, consistency and ease of assembly.
MBP PVT, which began building its Indian operations in 2022, is positioning itself at this intersection. Based in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the company manufactures brass push-to-connect pneumatic fittings locally, combining Indian production capabilities with engineering expertise developed by MB Pneumatyka in Poland.
Local manufacturing, closer support
Manufacturing in India eliminates complexities associated with overseas sourcing, including sea freight, import clearance and longer lead times. More importantly, it brings technical support, product trials and engineering expertise closer to vehicle manufacturers and their production facilities.
MBP PVT manufactures brass push-to-connect (PTC) fittings used in pneumatic systems, including commercial vehicle braking and air-suspension applications. Unlike conventional ferrule fittings, the push-in connection design simplifies tube installation and reduces the number of assembly steps involved.
Beyond supplying components, the company also works with manufacturers on selecting suitable fittings and optimising their integration into vehicle pneumatic layouts.
European engineering, Indian manufacturing
MB Pneumatyka brings more than four decades of experience in pneumatic components to the partnership. The company is IATF 16949:2016 certified and has long-standing relationships with global automotive and commercial vehicle players, including Knorr-Bremse, SAF-Holland and ZF.
Its engineering practices, production processes and inspection standards have been transferred to the Jamnagar facility.
The Indian operation has been developed under the leadership of General Manager Dinesh Kothiya, whose local manufacturing experience has played an important role in establishing the production capability. When the partnership began in 2022, Kothiya was running Ajita, a Jamnagar-based machining business manufacturing metal components according to customer specifications.
The collaboration brought together local machining expertise and manufacturing infrastructure with product knowledge and production training from MB Pneumatyka.
Demonstrating value on the shop floor
The impact of the solution has been demonstrated through customer applications in India.
At TII Scheuerle, MBP PVT fittings were evaluated across 46 variants and tested on three pilot chassis. Along with the change in fittings, the company worked on optimising pneumatic routing and improving accessibility. The result was a reduction in total pneumatic assembly and leakage-testing time from 20 hours to 12 hours per trailer.
For BPW Trailer Systems India, the relationship with MBP PVT is also linked to the value delivered to customers. As Nagaraj Ubale, Managing Director, BPW Trailer Systems India, notes: “Our confidence in MBP comes from exactly that process. Every recommendation we make must add tangible value to the customer’s business. With MBP, it does.”
PMI Electro Mobility also adopted the fittings across electric bus braking and air-suspension circuits. According to the application results, pneumatic assembly time was reduced from four hours to two hours per bus. The push-to-connect design eliminated the need for tools such as torque wrenches and spanners, helping reduce assembly steps and dependence on operator skill. Staged trials conducted without Teflon tape also reported no leakage-related rework.
The benefits have also been experienced beyond vehicle manufacturing. Dharmesh Jagani of Rudra Tech Engineers, Vadodara, who previously used MBP fittings before starting his own service trailer business, says his experience with the products influenced his decision to continue using them. Having worked earlier with traditional pneumatic fittings, he found the push-to-connect solution easier, faster and more reliable for his applications.
Supporting the next phase of mobility
India’s electric bus ecosystem is set for significant expansion through initiatives such as PM E-DRIVE and PM-eBus Sewa. While vehicle powertrains are undergoing a transformation, pneumatic braking and air-suspension systems continue to remain integral to commercial vehicle architecture.
As production volumes increase, improving the efficiency of assembling these systems will become increasingly important.
MBP PVT’s approach combines local manufacturing in Jamnagar with established pneumatic engineering and process expertise. For Indian commercial vehicle manufacturers, the opportunity extends beyond sourcing a locally manufactured component—it is about accessing engineering support and production solutions that can help simplify assembly and improve shop-floor efficiency.
With localisation becoming increasingly important across the commercial vehicle ecosystem, solutions that combine Indian manufacturing with proven global engineering capabilities could play a growing role in shaping the next phase of vehicle production.