Ismail Dalgin (ID), project manager; Abhijeet Joglekar (AJ), sales head; and Dipak Mahajan (DM), production head, Arkel India, share insights with your author (SSP) about the significance of InnovaLift’s expansion into India and the new Arkel India factory in Vadodara.
SSP: What is the significance of InnovaLift’s expansion into India for the parent company, Arkel India and the vertical-transportation (VT) industry?
ID: Our parent company InnovaLift’s expansion into India marks a strategic move into one of the fastest-growing elevator markets, with annual demand touching 1,00,000 units and driven by rapid urbanization and ambitious infrastructure projects such as the Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Transformation (AMRUT). By establishing local manufacturing, we align with the “Make in India” initiative, optimizing costs, ensuring competitive pricing and leveraging India’s skilled workforce for streamlined operations. Furthermore, the Indian operations serve as a gateway to expansion into neighboring South Asian markets, strengthening the regional supply chain and enhancing market responsiveness. Significantly, InnovaLift’s expansion positions Arkel India to address specific needs arising from large-scale housing initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). As PMAY pushes for affordable housing across the country, Arkel’s range of solutions is tailored to meet the VT requirements of this segment, ensuring accessibility, affordability and efficiency. Together, these efforts underscore our commitment to delivering innovative solutions while addressing the unique dynamics of this high-potential market.
SSP: When will the new factory — the Arkel India Manufacturing Unit — in Vadodara be fully or phase 1 operational, and to which key markets will it cater?
ID: The Arkel India Manufacturing Unit at Manjusar, Vadodara, is set to be fully operational by October 2025, marking a significant milestone for our operations. The facility will cater to diverse market segments, including residential buildings, commercial real estate, healthcare facilities and hospitality sectors. It will also focus on high-demand areas such as retail malls, transit hubs, industrial spaces, educational institutions and large-scale infrastructure projects like metro stations and airports. By addressing these varied segments, the Arkel India Manufacturing Unit aims to deliver tailored solutions that combine efficiency, durability and smart technologies to meet the unique requirements of each market. This strategic approach underscores our commitment to driving growth and innovation in VT systems across India and beyond.
SSP: What is the overall area, factory setup and manufacturing capabilities of the Arkel India Manufacturing Unit?
DM: The Arkel India Manufacturing Unit is located in Manjusar, Gujarat Industrial Development Corp. (GIDC), Vadodara, Gujarat, and spans an expansive 135,000 ft2. The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery designed for electronic manufacturing featuring a fully controlled environment to regulate temperature, humidity, cleanliness and electrostatic discharge critical for high-quality electronic production. In its initial phase, the facility is targeting an impressive annual manufacturing capacity of approximately 30,000 units. This advanced setup not only enhances our production capabilities but also ensures we meet the stringent quality standards demanded by our industry, positioning us as a benchmark in modern manufacturing excellence.
“The site will produce a versatile range of integrated lift control systems tailored to meet the diverse demands of the VT industry.” — Arkel India Production Head Dipak Mahajan
SSP: To what extent does the Arkel India Manufacturing Unit represent a strategic initiative toward strengthening the “Make in India” concept?
AJ: Our deep commitment to the “Make in India” vision is demonstrated by fostering a self-reliant and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. By increasing local value addition through sourcing local parts, components and skilled labor, we’re not just building products, but strengthening India’s supply chain resilience. Our processes are aligned with Indian environmental regulations, and we ensure quality standards, setting a benchmark for safety and excellence. Additionally, we aim to invest in people — creating local employment, offering apprenticeships and collaborating with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Polytechnic Institutes and Engineering Colleges to upskill Indian talent. The Arkel India Manufacturing Unit positions us to support significant national infrastructure projects under various schemes such as the redevelopment of railway stations originally initiated by Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd- Ministry of Railways, which conducted the Indian Railways Station Redevelopment Program, marks a key point of development for the VT industry. Similarly, with the Government of India pushing for construction of new airports and the modernization of older airports in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, we are well-equipped to cater to their VT needs and requirements. Our collaborations with customers supporting these developments enable Arkel to contribute to these transformative efforts effectively. Our collaborators will be trained in world-class workmanship, ensuring that every innovation from Manjusar factory reflects both global standards and proudly an Indian identity.
SSP: Which product families will be manufactured there, and what is their significance for the VT industry?
DM: The site will produce a versatile range of integrated lift control systems tailored to meet the diverse demands of the VT industry. From the slim ARCUBE/MOTCUBE Monoblock Control Panel for traction needs to robust hydraulic systems, we’re setting a new benchmark. Whether it’s precision control for high rises or reliable solutions for heavy-duty applications, our products combine energy efficiency and smart technologies in today’s world of the Internet of Things, AI, virtual reality and unmatched durability. This portfolio is designed to power the future of urban mobility, one lift at a time!
SSP: As a location, which key benefits does Manjusar offer? To what extent would it act as a catalyst for employment and economic growth in the region and state?
AJ: The Arkel India Manufacturing Unit is strategically located within Manjusar GIDC, offering excellent connectivity through major transport routes like the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway and close access to Vadodara’s airport and railway station, which ensures efficient logistics and seamless market reach. Being part of a well-established industrial hub, it benefits from a robust supply chain and a skilled workforce readily available from nearby engineering colleges and ITIs. With strong support from the GIDC and access to modern infrastructure, the site is well-positioned to meet advanced manufacturing needs. Importantly, the facility is set to create meaningful employment opportunities — both technical and non-technical — while fostering skill development through partnerships with local educational institutions. We are confident this initiative will contribute significantly to economic growth in the region, empowering the community and building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
SSP: The Arkel India Manufacturing Unit represents an important step toward enhancing the customer experience through local manufacturing. Which key benefits will accrue?
AJ: The Arkel India Manufacturing Unit is a transformative step toward elevating customer satisfaction through localized manufacturing. One of the primary advantages is faster delivery times enabled by reduced lead times and proximity to major Indian and neighboring markets, ensuring products reach customers quickly and efficiently. Local manufacturing also allows for better customization, with products tailored to regional preferences, regulatory requirements and cultural nuances, fostering deeper customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Additionally, cost efficiencies gained from reduced import dependency and transportation costs translate into competitive pricing for Indian consumers. By strengthening supply chain resilience and minimizing risks from global disruptions, the Arkel India Manufacturing Unit ensures consistent product availability, reinforcing reliability and trust with our customers.
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