Doosan Bobcat India (DBIN), the wholly owned subsidiary of Doosan Bobcat Inc, announced the inauguration and commencement of operation from its first manufacturing facility in India, in Tamil Nadu located in the outskirts of Chennai.

Set up with an investment plan of Rs 1.90 billion (US$26 million) for the next five years, the state-of-the art factory is spread across an area of 21.6 acre and has an annual production capacity of 8,000 units. It is an integrated facility with fabrication, warehouse, assembly and paint shop under one roof. The new facility will be initially manufacturing backhoe loaders completely designed and developed by the engineering team based in Chennai. This is a new addition to the existing product portfolio of Bobcat in India that comprises various models in skid-steer loaders and mini excavators.

?This new facility will cater to the increasing demand of backhoe loader to support the development of India?s infrastructure and construction segment. India is one of the key markets for Doosan Bobcat to maintain the global leadership in compact equipment segment. By opening the new factory in India, Doosan Bobcat has taken the next step forward to expanding its global presence and growth strategy. This facility represents our long-term commitment to Indian customers, employees and business associates in the nation through development of vendors, promotion of local part procurement, technology transfer and export,? said Scott Park, Global President and CEO, Doosan Bobcat.

The B900 backhoe loader from Doosan Bobcat is officially being launched in October 2019. The company also plans to make this facility a global manufacturing hub for export and a regional centre of excellence. Beside backhoe loaders, the company is also looking at localising its other compact products to suit Indian market requirement and potentially exporting that as well.

Future plan of export is considered in the growth plan of DBIN. The factory is going to employ more than 300 personnel at full capacity. The new facility is equipped with modern manufacturing equipment, testing facilities, office space for R&D centre, vendor development and a training centre.