Toyoda Gosei Company, a key affiliated supplier of components and modules to Japanese automaker Toyota Motor, announced that it plans to build a new plant in the Indian state of Maharashtra, as it looks to expand its presence in the country’s automotive supply chain.

The new INR 5.8 billion (US$ 60 million) facility, to be built in the Maharashtra Bidkin Industrial Area by Toyoda Gosei South India Pvt Ltd, is scheduled to begin production of large interior and exterior components, including bumpers and instrument panels, from the first half of 2029. The plant will also produce airbags, steering wheels and smaller plastic components, employing around 570 people directly.

Toyoda Gosei already operates seven component manufacturing facilities across India, including in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, supplying parts mainly to Japanese OEMs in the country. The company said that the new plant will help it meet growing demand as Japanese vehicle manufacturers continue to expand their production capacity in the country.

Toyoda Gosei confirmed that the new plant will feature “efficient manufacturing using the latest large molding machines, which can automatically change molds and other setups, and production management systems that utilize IoT and DX smart automated processes that minimize investment costs by combining collaborative robots and Karakuri technology.”

Toyoda explained that Karakuri is a traditional Japanese technology powered by simple mechanisms such as levers and springs. The company confirmed that its Thai subsidiaries have developed “smart automated processes” that are now being rolled out globally.