Force Motors to build a new plant to cater BMW

Force Motors is emerging as the leader in producing powertrain for premium European car manufacturers in India.  The Pune-based company already has a contract with Mercedes-Benz under which it produces engines, axle and some other components for the German firm’s luxury vehicles. Force Motors currently has two manufacturing plants - one in Prithampur, Madhya Pradesh where it produces its own MUVs, SUVs and commercial vehicles. In the Pune plant, Force Motors produces its brand of small commercial vehicles and tractors, but more importantly it assembles and tests engines for Mercedes-Benz. Pune is an ideal location for this job as Mercedes-Benz has its plant in Chakan which is on the outskirts of the city.

ZigWheels contacted Force Motors in Pune and the company confirmed that it is now planning to build a new manufacturing facility in Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu where it plans to do similar operations as it has in Pune. When contacted Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors said, “We are investing about Rs 100 crore on a new plant where we will assemble power-units for a large international OEM (original equipment manufacturer), which has its manufacturing base in Tamil Nadu.” 

Though the company is refraining from disclosing the international OEM’s name as of now, we are certain that it will be none other than BMW India. The Chengalpet plant is strategically located for Force Motors as BMW India has its assembly plant about 55km away in Chennai which is just an hour’s drive. BMW assembles a host of its car models in India including the BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1, the BMW X3 and the MINI Countryman.

Speaking about Force Motors’ new plant, Firodia added that the Chengalpet plant will have engine assembly and testing facility similar to the Pune plant, and hopes to begin operations by January 2015, provided the company gets necessary permissions and approvals by the government.