Significant Investment to Propel Make in India Initiative
HORIBA India, a subsidiary of Kyoto-based HORIBA, Ltd., a global leader in analytical and measurement solutions, has inaugurated one of India’s largest medical equipment and consumables manufacturing facilities in Butibori, Nagpur. This strategic move aligns with the Indian government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, marking a significant milestone in HORIBA’s commitment to enhancing local manufacturing capabilities.
With an investment of approximately INR 200 crore (3.8 billion JPY), this facility aims to serve over 30,000 diagnostic labs and hospitals across the country. It represents HORIBA’s third major investment in India, reinforcing the company’s dedication to fostering employment opportunities in tier-2 cities and contributing to India’s growing economy. HORIBA, Ltd. boasts a global business revenue of $2.3 billion.
Key Features and Capabilities of the Nagpur Facility
Covering 50,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art facility includes production units for blood diagnostics, clinical chemistry equipment, and medical consumables (reagents). It also houses the HORIBA India Technical Institute, which offers biomedical learning programs in partnership with Nagpur University, and the HORIBA Experience Zone, showcasing the full range of HORIBA healthcare equipment. Additionally, the facility features an international training center and a central warehouse.
The facility currently employs 100 individuals, with plans to nearly double the workforce in the next five years. This expansion underscores HORIBA’s long-term vision to increase localization, aiming for 80-90% in the future, thereby reducing turnaround times and minimizing costs.
Inauguration Event Celebrates Indo-Japanese Collaboration
The inaugural event, themed “Celebrating HONMAMON,” a Japanese term for authenticity and excellence, was attended by prominent figures including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, and HORIBA executives. Mr. Atsushi Horiba, Chairman and Group CEO, HORIBA Ltd., expressed the company’s dedication to innovation and excellence, emphasizing the facility’s role in strengthening Indo-Japanese business relations and advancing India’s Bio & Healthcare sector.
Dr. Jai Hakhu, Board of Directors, HORIBA Ltd., Japan and Chairman, HORIBA India, highlighted the facility’s potential to support the government’s initiatives by promoting local production. Dr. Rajeev Gautam, Corporate Officer, HORIBA Ltd., Japan and President, HORIBA India, reiterated HORIBA’s commitment to India’s growth, showcasing the Nagpur facility as the beginning of their long-term vision to expand across various sectors in India.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans: Boosting Skilling and Employment in Tier-2 Cities
The Nagpur facility is set to become an export hub for neighboring countries, starting with a target of 50% localization. With a vision to evolve into a one-stop solution for India’s healthcare needs, HORIBA plans to expand its focus to the Materials & Semiconductor and Energy & Environment sectors in the future.
The establishment of the HORIBA India Technical Institute aims to provide comprehensive training and development, enhancing the skill set of local talent and supporting the broader community through education and job creation. This initiative is poised to make significant contributions to the region’s economic development and the overall growth of India’s manufacturing sector.