Henkel inaugurates innovation centre in Pune

Henkel Adhesive Technologies India, a subsidiary of Germany-based Henkel AG & Co KGaA, has inaugurated its first innovation centre in the country at Pune, Maharastra. The launch marks the company’s most important investment in the region and further strengthens its focus on emerging markets.
 
Spread across 27,000 sq ft, the centre will focus on innovative technologies and solutions that will cater to customers across the automotive and transportation industry in South Asia, Middle East and Africa. Strategically located in the third largest auto hub, the centre at Pune is designed to become a one stop solution provider to Henkel’s strong customer base in the region. A dedicated team of product and application experts at the centre will be devising adhesive solutions, optimal application procedures and demonstrating assembly performance under simulated work conditions. More than 800 automotive suppliers and more than 20 companies in manufacturing will directly benefit from the centre.
 
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Jeremy Hunter, President, Henkel India, said, “This strategic investment will help strengthen our footprint in India and will provide our wide customer base an access to global innovation and better solutions. By 2016, Henkel expects to grow sales to Euro 20 billion, of which Euro 10 billion is expected from emerging markets like India. This Innovation centre will nurture a strong mix of global expertise and local know how to benefit customers across the whole region.”
 
Shilip Kumar. Business Director, Automotive & Metal SBU, India, Middle East & Africa, commented, “R&D has been at the core of Henkel’s leadership in India. We have grown from strength to strength with consistent focus on customer solutions. This step plays an essential role in building our partnerships across industries by helping customers enhance productivity and significantly reduce operational costs.”
 
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For the automobile and metal industry portfolio, the laboratory is well equipped with a simulated environment for automotive acoustic structures. The centre also has customised training assistance programs and interactive sessions for customers to equip them with the latest developments and sustainable solutions. As the world’s number one in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, Henkel has a strong footprint of R&D centres across the world. The new India Innovation Centre will contribute significantly towards Henkel’s strategy 2016. Henkel is generating 45 percent of its total sales in emerging markets and 55 percent of its employees are in these countries.