Pilkington Automotive is planning to set up a manufacturing unit in Vizag with an investment outlay of about INR 7.0 billion (Euro 125 million). This would be Pilkington’s first manufacturing venture in India.
The move is significant, as the entry of Pilkington would signify a challenge to Asahi Glass’ dominant leadership position in the country. Asahi has an 86% share of the automotive glass market in India with other players like Saint Gobain and Hindustan Glass supplying to a very few niche models only. The entry of Pilkington may help change the equation.
The company is planning to set up the manufacturing plant in the port city of Vizag to get the advantage of cheaper gas-based power, expected to be available in the next couple of years at the facility, automotive glass being a power-intensive industry.
More details about the venture are still awaited and the JV partner, if any, has not been revealed.
Deepesh Rathore / Tilak Swarup
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