UK-based body structure manufacturer Stadco has opened its first R&D centre in South Asia, setting up in Chennai to provide design and engineering services for cars and light commercial vehicles.
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According to the supplier’s director of emerging markets, Peter Spackman, the new facility will focus on developing computer aided design and computer-aided engineering analysis and early-phase production.
“The engineering centre will offer all of the services provided by Stadco’s engineering operations and will be fully supported by technical expertise from the UK,” he said.
The company plans to develop a prototype manufacturing operation and a manufacturing unit in India in the second phase of operations but no timing has been set.
Starting with just 15 engineers, Stadco will add some staff from the UK and increase headcount above 100 over the next 18 months.
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By GlobalDataProduct development director Paul Jaggers said the company was already operating in India and had a good working relationship with customers. The opening of a technical centre is a natural progression and part of plans to further develop activities here.
Stadco also operates in South America and has recently announced plans for Russia. Its core capabilities are aluminium and steel stampings, assemblies, painting and product facility design.
Rolling out more than 70m parts from its various units, it employs around 1,200 people and posted a turnover of around GBP150m last financial year.
Kevin Jacobs
