ZF Group, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers and technology companies, has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to India with the inauguration of its 19th manufacturing plant in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The new facility is dedicated to serving the construction and railway sectors and underscores ZF’s strategic focus on localisation, innovation, and global integration.
Spread across 10,000 square metres, the state-of-the-art plant reflects ZF’s commitment to its ‘Make in India for India and the World’ philosophy. It marks a major milestone in the company’s journey to enhance manufacturing excellence in India while serving both domestic and international markets.
To meet rising demand in India’s robust construction equipment segment and deliver advanced solutions to its customers, ZF Group has invested €20 million (approx. ₹192 crore) in this new facility. The plant will be instrumental in localising world-class technologies and expanding ZF’s footprint in India’s rapidly evolving mobility sector.
“India is a Strategic Market for ZF”
Dr Peter Laier, Member of the ZF Group Board of Management and Head – Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology, said, “As we proudly inaugurate ZF’s new manufacturing plant in Coimbatore, it marks another step in ZF Group’s commitment to India’s dynamic manufacturing landscape. India is a strategic market for us, not only for its engineering and manufacturing capabilities but also for its fast-growing domestic market. This facility supports our global strategy of growing closer to customers and reaffirms ZF’s dedication to innovation and growth in this pivotal region.”
Driving Growth from India to the World
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India, stated, “India stands as a pivotal manufacturing hub, embodying ZF’s unwavering commitment to national growth and development. Our strategy – ‘Make in India for India and the World’ – highlights the immense domestic potential while positioning India as a centre of global manufacturing excellence. By harnessing this potential, we aim to deliver innovative solutions that set global benchmarks.”
Mr Andreas Moser, Executive Vice President – Industrial Technology, ZF Group, added, “India’s construction industry is witnessing rapid growth driven by urbanisation and infrastructure development. The industrialisation of the ERGOPOWER transmission and MULTITRAC axle series at our Coimbatore plant will support both domestic and export markets. Together with our main production hub in Germany, this facility will help meet the future capacity requirements of the global construction equipment industry.”
Technological Edge: ERGOPOWER, MULTITRAC and EcoMet
The Coimbatore plant will manufacture ZF’s ERGOPOWER M transmission – an automatic powershift transmission optimised for a wide range of construction machinery. Known for its benchmark performance and quality, the ERGOPOWER M features an optional efficiency package that can deliver up to 15% fuel savings and enhanced productivity.
Also being localised at the facility is the MULTITRAC series of axles, engineered for heavy-duty construction applications. These axles offer a compact, lightweight design with high strength and torque capacity. Their modular configuration supports multiple ratios, brake types, and differential lock options. The inclusion of wheel speed wet multi-disc brakes helps reduce braking losses, thereby improving overall efficiency.
In addition to off-highway solutions, the plant will localise ZF’s EcoMet transmission for India’s growing railway market. The EcoMet gearbox sets new standards in performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for metro rail applications. Its modular design allows customisation for a wide variety of metro train types without incurring extra development or manufacturing costs.
ZF’s railway technology portfolio spans over a century and includes driveline and chassis systems, along with digital offerings under its connect@rail platform. Localisation in India marks a natural progression in ZF’s “local for local” strategy, reinforcing its strong presence in key global rail markets including Europe, North America, and China.
Strengthening ZF’s Global Vision from India
The Coimbatore plant exemplifies ZF Group’s long-term commitment to India as a hub for engineering, manufacturing, and innovation. It will play a vital role in fulfilling domestic demand while contributing to ZF’s global supply network.
This latest investment not only aligns with India’s growing mobility and infrastructure aspirations but also strengthens ZF Group’s global competitiveness – all while remaining firmly grounded in its customer-centric, localised approach.