Wabtec Corporation, a supplier of braking systems to the Indian Railways, has inaugurated its new manufacturing campus in Rohtak, Haryana. This state-of-the-art facility represents an US$18 million (Rs 150 crore) investment and marks a significant milestone in Wabtec’s expansion in the Indian market.
Several key Wabtec executives, including Pascal Schweitzer, President – Transit Business, Sujatha Narayan, Senior Vice President and India Regional Leader, and Ajay Mani, Managing Director, Transit India, attended the grand opening ceremony.
“India is an important growth market for Wabtec, especially for the transit business,” said 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.”
The 10,000 sq m factory will initially produce axle mounted disc brake systems, distributor valves, brake calipers, and actuators, as well as friction material for freight cars, metro coaches, and locomotives for Indian Railways and metro systems. The campus is set to expand its product lines to serve the rail, mining, and industrial segments, showcasing Wabtec’s commitment to the Indian market and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
“We intend to grow this site with plans to invest an additional $10 million (Rs 80 crore) over the next few years,” added 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 Transit business in India is supported by its manufacturing sites in Hosur and Rohtak, which produce a range of solutions including brake systems, couplers, pantographs, relays, air-conditioning systems, passenger access doors, and friction solutions. Additionally, Wabtec’s significant engineering presence in Hosur and Bengaluru provides global engineering and service support.
Wabtec has a strong foothold in the Indian rail industry, having supplied over 600 locomotives to Indian Railways and maintaining an installed base of subsystems in more than 18,000 LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches and locomotives. The company currently employs 3,000 people in India, underscoring its commitment to the region’s industrial growth and innovation.