Klüber Lubrication expands plant in Mysore, India
Klüber Lubrication, a global leader in specialty lubricants based in Munich, Germany, has unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its operations facility in Mysore, India. The company announced an investment of INR142 crores (USD17 million) to enhance the plant’s capabilities, aiming to make it fully operational by early 2027.
The expanded facility will feature advanced production technology tailored to Klüber Lubrication’s specific needs. The investment will enable the company to attain new certifications such as IATF for automotive customers and ISO 21469 for food-grade lubricants. Additionally, it will bolster the R&D infrastructure, enhancing the speed to market for new products.
IATF certification is an international quality management standard specifically for the automotive sector. The standard was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), and it harmonises the different assessment and certification systems in the global automotive supply chain. ISO 21469 ensures that lubricants used in machinery do not contaminate the products they come into contact with, thereby ensuring consumer safety and product integrity.
Hitendra Bhargava, CEO and regional management board member for Asia Pacific at Klüber Lubrication, highlighted the transformative impact of the expansion. “By integrating a new production hall and world-class infrastructure, we aim to offer state-of-the-art specialty products manufactured locally. Ultimately, this initiative is in sync with the self-reliance India mission (Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan) launched by the Government of India. This investment helps us to be closer and faster to our customers not just in India, but in the entire APAC region.”
Enhancing regional supply chain
Kanakaraju Thangavel, CTO of Klüber Lubrication India added on the regional impact of this expansion, “This a big benefit to our customers in south-east Asia, especially considering the supply chain challenges the world has seen in the last few years owing to geo-political disruptions. This investment reflects our confidence in the region and our dedication to exceeding customer expectations. We are ready to elevate operations, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s development.”
Sustainability focus
The Mysore plant expansion also emphasises sustainability, with more than half of its energy needs met by solar panels installed on the roof. Klüber Lubrication has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, having won the prestigious EcoVadis gold medal for sustainability for the third consecutive year in 2024, placing it among the top 5% of companies worldwide.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion was attended by esteemed board members of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities and Klüber Lubrication, along with the Klüber India leadership team. The event marks a significant milestone in Klüber Lubrication’s journey towards enhancing its manufacturing footprint and reinforcing its market leadership in specialty lubricants.
