Siemens opens a new factory for network automation components in India

Toward the end of January 2012, Siemens Infrastructure & Cities opened a new manufacturing plant at its location in the State of Goa, India, to produce network automation components. In the first stage of expansion, Siemens has invested around EUR20 million. The current workforce is roughly 90, but the number of employees is scheduled to rise to about 500 in the long-term. The factory in India is equipped with state-of-the-art production facilities, and has an infrastructure with lean processes based on the high quality standards of the main Siemens plant in Berlin. The factory will turn out network automation products for the construction and expansion of power distribution networks for utilities, industry, infrastructure projects and cities.

From this work, Siemens will supply products specially developed for the growth markets in emerging economies all over the world. The goal is to develop and manufacture product families specifically tailored to meet the needs of these target markets. In the first stage, it will manufacture printed circuit board assemblies, overcurrent protection devices, and remote terminal units (RTU) that have been developed in India. These components will be destined initially for the Indian market, but later on for the world market as well. Siemens will also make test switches, electromechanical relays and control cabinets in this new facility.

In a second stage, it is planned to develop and manufacture additional components for the automation of power supply networks. The factory therefore houses not only manufacturing facilities, but also development and product-life management for electronic and electromechanical components, protection devices and remote terminal units. Jan Mrosik, CEO of the Smart Grid Division of the Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector, stated: "We are currently a leading supplier in the field of network automation in India. With our new plant in Goa, we are consolidating our position and at the same time expanding our local presence in the country."