Wartsila India to set up gear box unit at Khopoli

Wartsila India, the Indian arm of global major in gas and diesel engine-based power generation, is planning to set up marine reduction gear boxes manufacturing unit at Khopoli in Maharashtra. The company has plans to export the product to its European associates.

Banmali Agrawala, managing director, Wartsila India said the company had realised India's strength in bid casting and bid forging work and is keen on capitalising on it.

"India has developed special skills in bid casting and forging that match international standards. Wartsila is one of the leading players in marine power, and there is tremendous scope for exports in the small marine parts segment in India," said Agrawala.

Wartsila India plans to start production of three new gear types in the power range of 500 kW to 1800 kW at Khapoli to cover the lower power end of the Wartsila product range.

The shipping industry worldwide is booming, and Wartsila has already entered LNG transportation world over. India, which is also gradually increasing its import and dependence on LNG, offers great prospects for the company.

The company is also planning to introduce new products for ship propulsion systems and power engines.

Wartsila Propac would involve engines with propulsion systems while Warsila Auxpac would involve ship power systems within the next three years.

Wartsila plans to manufacture these systems in China. For the purpose it has signed a joint venture with Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research Institute, a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, to set up a unit that will manufacture Wartsila marine auxiliary engines.

The new products in the Wartsila Auxpac package will include a comprehensive range of medium- and high-speed generating sets. The Auxpac generating sets will have different capacities to suit general cargo vessels, container ships, product tankers and VLCCs. The product will be offered as a pre-commissioned standard package.

Wartsila India is planning to focus more on exporting products for marine power and propulsion systems from India. According to Agrawala, India has an edge in cost-effective production, and taking advantage of this, Wartsila will export small- and medium-size components from the region to Europe.