HAIER EXPANDS MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN PUNE, PLANS TO INVEST RS. 490 CRORE

MUMBAI, JUNE 22, 2016: Haier, the global leader in Home Appliances & Consumer Electronics and World’s Number 1 brand in Major Appliances for the 7th Consecutive Year*, today announced the initiation of the expansion of their Manufacturing Facility in Pune, by hosting an official Ground Breaking Ceremony conducted in the factory premises in Ranjangaon, Pune. The new development aims to boost the employment opportunities at Haier by 167% by end of 2017. The event was addressed by Mr. Eric Braganza, President Haier Appliances India and Mr. Song Yujun, Managing Director, Haier Group. Also present at the event was Guest of honour, Mr. Zheng Xiyuan, the Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai, India.

The event was conducted to initiate the expansion of Haier’s manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra after the company signed a MoU last year with Maharashtra Government to invest Rs. 490 crore in line with Central Government’s “Make in India” initiative. The investment is aimed to scale up the production capacity of existing categories in the factory like refrigerators, while also introducing manufacturing operations for new product lines like, washing machines, air conditioners, LED panels, and water heaters.

With this development, the company also plans to generate employment opportunities in the state and increase the existing workforce from 1100 to 2900. Further, the company will also set up a Research & Development center in the city to enhance the innovation and production excellence in the country articulating the brand’s philosophy of ‘inspired living’. The expansion will likewise serve as an open door for the vendors and OEMs, bringing about an expanded business with increased local production and lesser imports of products.

The company also won the prestigious ‘Make in India Awards for Excellence’ under the consumer durable category in the year 2015 for contribution to the growth of the country’s economy.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Eric Braganza, President Haier India said, “It is a moment of great pride for the company to officially expand the 1st manufacturing facility of the brand in the country by hosting the Groundbreaking Ceremony. Focusing on the company’s commitment to begin manufacturing in the country in alignment with the Make in India stance, products across all categories will be manufactured at the factory. Further, continuing the legacy of making innovative and revolutionary products and in accordance with the expansion of the manufacturing facility, Haier aims to gradually reduce the dependence on imports and increase exports from the country to aggressively contribute to the growth of the Indian economy. ”

Mr. Song Yujun, MD, Haier India being optimistic on the growth in India says, “Globally, Haier Group has been a pioneer in home solutions and appliances technology and has enjoyed a great market share across the world. The growth demonstrated by Haier India in the recent few years has been phenomenal and we’re really optimistic about the company’s position in the country. The expansion of Haier’s manufacturing facility in Pune further strengthens the group’s focus on India.”