Hengst Filtration, through its filtration solutions, contributes to environmental protection, resource efficiency, and improved quality of life. By purifying air and liquids, these solutions reduce pollutant emissions and enhance indoor air quality. Headquartered in Germany, the company is well-known globally for its products. With more than 3,500 employees at 23 locations worldwide it has 500 patents in its kitty. With the new plant in Bengaluru, Hengst has now set its eyes on India to expand its market share. This strategic move aims to address the surging demand for filtration systems in the automotive, hydraulics, healthcare, and industrial sectors within the country. With an initial investment of R17 crore allocated towards machinery, IT infrastructure, and warehousing, the company is set to capture the Indian market using the Indian manufacturing facility as a hub for both domestic business and exports.
Global and local
The new manufacturing plant in Bengaluru, spread across 36,000 sq ft, will manufacture a diverse range of products across multiple verticals, exemplifying Hengst’s long-term growth strategy for India. This plant stands as a beacon of sustainability, constructed using reusable plastics to reduce carbon emissions. Looking at Hengst’s global operations, it was started by Walter Hengst as a family business. The company is in its 65th year of operations. As many as 65 years ago, Hengst saw filtration as important for the environment and his vision was to spread the business worldwide. Even today, the family runs the business. In the last 20 years, from 2003 to 2023, growth has steadily increased, with an 8 per cent compound annual growth rate (CACR). The India business will further fuel Hengst’s growth.
“India represents a significant growth opportunity for Hengst Filtration. The country’s expanding economy, coupled with its growing demand for filtration systems across industries, makes it an ideal fit for our expansion plans. We are confident that our innovative solutions that bundle filtration for industry and the environment will be well-received by our Indian customers,” says Christopher Heine, Group CEO, Hengst Filtration.
Currently, Hengst’s products are supplied to leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, VE Commercial Vehicles. With a variety of filtration products in its portfolio, Hengst is now aggressively looking to tap new customers in India across all segments. It is also talking to several leading companies. The other potential sector Hengst is looking to tap is the healthcare sector, where there is a huge opportunity available in India. The company’s strong sales and marketing team are working hard to push its products through the distributor’s channel. It also plans to expand its sales and distributors network across the country.
“We are excited about our latest and most significant expansion into this pivotal market, poised to contribute to reducing emissions in the production environment and enhancing air quality for the people of India. Our substantial investments, totalling around two-million euro, underscore our unwavering dedication to India’s progress. From automotive to medical technology, our mission is unequivocal: to mitigate emissions, safeguard machinery, and elevate air quality. Each of our products acts as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a cleaner, greener planet. With our diverse portfolio deeply intertwined with India’s thriving sectors, we’re fully dedicated to nurturing its trajectory of growth. The inauguration of our new facility at Yelahanka symbolises our steadfast commitment to establishing a robust foothold in the Indian market,” said Sandip Mehta, MD, Hengst India.
“India boasts exceptional manufacturing prowess and a skilled workforce, which will not only enable us to cater to the domestic market but also to expand into international markets. We anticipate making a significant impact through our partnerships in India and leveraging the nation’s potential for global outreach. We will continue to look at opportunities in India, grow our brand, grow our business, and together we will continue this journey, purifying our planet,” adds Mehta.
“Several international companies are setting up plants in India, including Hengst. Thanks for being part of India’s growth story,” said Rajesh Nath, MD, VDMA India Services while presenting the Business Climate Survey 2023. According to the survey, India’s economy has been growing at a steady pace.
With India opening up opportunities across sectors for domestic and international players, Hengst is well-positioned to capture this long-term business goal.
S M BOOTHEM
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