Siemens to set up Rs 150 cr transformer unit in Thane

Siemens Ltd will set up a greenfield power transformer factory at its Kalwa complex, near Mumbai. The company has earmarked Rs 150 crore for the new factory, as part of its investment-led growth strategy.

The new factory is expected to be commissioned by 2006 end, said J Schubert, managing director, Siemens Ltd.

Spread over an area of 40,000 sq metre, the new factory will employ 500 people. It will be the company's eighth manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, fifth in the Kalwa complex and third within its power transmission and distribution division.

The factory will produce transformers for the domestic and export market upto 800 KV and 600 MVA ratings for AC and DC technology and special application transformers e.g. traction furnace applications.

The government of Maharashtra cleared the project in record four weeks, through a single window approach.

"The establishment of the transformer factory will enable us to provide entire range of products in the power transmission and distribution business as a single window solution provider. We expect significant business opportunities from utilities including SEB's, central transmission utilities and state transmission utilities," Schubert said.

About 20-40 per cent of the transformers manufactured annually will be exported to neighbouring countries .