German firm Henkel recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of its 20,000 square metres adhesives factory in Kurkumbh, near Pune.

 

The new plant will come up as part of Henkel’s global strategy to expand its capacities and grow business in the emerging markets.

 

Expected to become operational in early 2017, the new plant will be India’s largest adhesives plant. It is expected to employ about 500 people.

 

Currently, Henkel generates 44 per cent of its total sales in the emerging markets. With the new site, Henkel will reinforce its position as the leading solution provider for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.

 

The multi-technology plant will allow Henkel to work closely with its customers in developing solutions. It will serve various customers in the automotive and metal industry, and in other industrial sectors.

 

Henkel already runs a Innovation Centre in Pune. Set up in 2013, the centre focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies for the automotive and transportation industries and serves South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

 

Henkel has nearly 50,000 employees from more than 120 nations worldwide on its payroll. (RKS)