Perkins plant in Aurangabad to be ready by 2015

The facility will have an intial capacity to produce 3,000 units a year

The proposed engine manufacturing facility of Perkins India, a part of construction and mining equipment major Caterpillar, at Aurangabad is expected to start operations in 2015.

Speaking to reporters while launching its new 424B Backhoe Loader designed for Indian market, Ramesh Tipirneni, country manager, Caterpillar India, said "our $150 million Perkins engine manufacturing facility in Aurangabad is expected to come up next year."

He said that the facility will have initial capacity of 3,000 units per annum, which will be increased to 5,000 units a year later. The perkins engine are expected primarily to cater to the genset applications.

According to Caterpillar website, Perkins India, a leading supplier of off-highway diesel and gas engines in the 4 - 2000 kW (5 - 2800 hp) market, is expected to manufacture its 4,000 series engine in the facility. At 2500 kVA, the 4000 Series is the largest and most powerful engine built by Perkins. Once opened will employ more than 450 people, producing engines for Perkins electric power customers in the Asia Pacific region, added the company document.