Indian automotive manufacturer Mahindra has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and battery assembly facility at its Chakan plant in Pune, India. This new facility is designed specifically to support the production of the company's upcoming Electric Origin SUV range and represents a significant investment in sustainable technology and production methods.
Located within Mahindra's Chakan manufacturing hub, which is significant for being one of India's largest greenfield projects, the new facility operates as a fully integrated ecosystem. Remarkably, this hub is noted for its water-positive status and reliance on 100% renewable energy sources, aligning with the global shift towards environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
The Chakan plant boasts an expansive footprint of approximately 88,000 square metres and incorporates more than 1,000 robots and numerous automated transfer systems to streamline operations. This advanced technology is complemented by various intelligent systems, including a fully automated press shop, an AI-driven body shop, and one of the country's most advanced robotic paint shops, all aimed at optimizing both quality and efficiency during production. Real-time insights into manufacturing processes are facilitated by an IoT-based nerve centre that monitors operations continuously.
According to the company’s statement, Mahindra’s plant also employs Industry 4.0 technologies, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), to ensure efficient material movement throughout the facility. One notable feature of the plant is its compact battery manufacturing line, which employs patented processes designed to enhance performance, insulation, and connectivity of high-performance batteries.
End-of-line testing procedures simulate real-world conditions to verify the durability and safety of the products, employing advanced protection measures and real-time monitoring systems. This approach reflects Mahindra’s intent to deliver robust and reliable electric vehicles.
In conjunction with this announcement, Mahindra's stock has attracted attention in the market, with shares reaching a day high of ₹3,135, marking a slight increase of 0.84% over the previous day's closing price before experiencing some fluctuations. The company's market capitalisation has grown significantly, supporting an impressive year-on-year return of approximately 92%.
Financially, Mahindra has reported a surge in revenue by 10%, rising from ₹34,436 crore in Q2 FY24 to ₹37,924 crore in Q2 FY25. The net profit showed an even more substantial increase of 35%, moving from ₹2,484 crore to ₹3,361 crore in the same time frame. The company attributes much of its profit margin to its automotive division, which constitutes roughly 55.84% of overall revenue, while farm equipment and financial services also contribute significantly.
Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Mumbai, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited is a multinational conglomerate with diversified interests in sectors including automotive, farm equipment, and technology. Known as a leading producer of tractors worldwide and SUVs in India, Mahindra maintains a strong global presence, operating in over 100 countries. The company continues to focus on innovation and sustainability as pivotal elements of its growth strategy while aiming to contribute positively to both agricultural productivity and urban transport solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services