Coimbatore, India, August 27, 2024 — ZF Wind Power, a global leader in wind gearbox technology, has reached a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first plant in India to produce 50 gigawatts (GW) of wind gearboxes. This achievement underscores ZF’s dedication to advancing India’s renewable energy sector and solidifies its position as a pivotal player in the global wind energy landscape.
Located in Coimbatore, the ZF Wind Power facility stands as the largest wind gearbox manufacturing plant outside of China and the only fully integrated gearbox production facility in India. The plant’s cutting-edge capabilities serve both domestic and international markets, reflecting ZF’s commitment to “Make in India for India and the World.”
With an investment of €230 million up to December 2023, ZF has continuously expanded its Coimbatore operations, enhancing its production capacity to meet the growing demands of the wind energy sector. The plant’s annual capacity is set to increase from 9 GW to 12 GW, supported by the installation of a state-of-the-art 13 MW test rig, further reinforcing ZF’s leadership in innovation and sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Board of Management at ZF Group, expressed his pride in this milestone: “Achieving 50 GW of gearbox production at our Coimbatore plant is a testament to our long-term vision and commitment to the Indian market. We are not just meeting the current demands but are also strategically positioned to support India’s ambitious goal of doubling its wind power capacity by 2030.”
Akash Passey, President of ZF Group in India, highlighted the significance of this achievement for the Indian market: “We are thrilled to be the only plant in India to reach this remarkable milestone. Our focus on sustainability, quality, and innovation has enabled us to maintain our leadership in the Indian wind gearbox market. Our ongoing investments, including the INR 750 crores committed earlier this year, are designed to leverage the market’s potential and ensure we continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
Felix Henseler, CEO of ZF Wind Power, emphasized the importance of local production in a globalized market: “By maximizing our global manufacturing footprint while minimizing the ecological impact, we are committed to a sustainable future. Our investment in the Coimbatore plant is a clear demonstration of our dedication to flexibility and responsiveness in meeting dynamic customer demands.”
Deepak Pohekar, Executive Director and Head of ZF Wind Power Coimbatore, credited the plant’s success to its world-class infrastructure and talented workforce: “Our facility, spanning over 120,000 square meters, is not only a production powerhouse but also a center for research and development. The ability to adapt to both local and global demands, driven by our team’s commitment, has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.”
This milestone aligns with ZF’s broader sustainability goals, including its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. The Coimbatore plant continues to integrate advanced technologies to minimize its environmental footprint, contributing to a greener future for the industry and the world.