Waaree Solar Americas Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Waaree Energies Ltd, commenced commercial production on two new solar module manufacturing lines at its Brookshire facility in Texas, United States. Each production line has an annual capacity of 800 megawatts (MW), adding a combined 1.6 gigawatts (GW) of capacity. With this expansion, the Brookshire facility’s total installed annual manufacturing capacity has increased to 3.2 GW, strengthening Waaree’s presence in the US solar manufacturing market.

Waaree Expands US Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity

The Brookshire expansion forms part of Waaree’s broader manufacturing strategy in the United States. In addition to the Texas facility, WSA is upgrading its Arizona solar module manufacturing plant from 1 GW to 1.6 GW. Following these expansions, Waaree’s planned US solar module manufacturing capacity is expected to reach 4.8 GW in FY27. Meanwhile, the company’s overall solar module order book across markets stands at more than 25 GW.

According to the company, commercial production on the new Brookshire lines began on 29 October 2026. The expansion follows an investment approval by the Waaree Energies Board in April 2025. The additional capacity doubles Brookshire’s production output and enables WSA to serve US-based solar developers, utilities and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partners with locally manufactured modules.

US Trade Policies Strengthen Local Manufacturing Strategy

The expansion comes as changing US trade policies, including Section 232 measures, reshape the economics of imported solar modules. Waaree has responded by expanding its manufacturing footprint within the US market to strengthen local supply capabilities and serve customers more efficiently.

Sunil Rathi, Director, Waaree Group, said shifting trade policies had strengthened the case for domestic manufacturing. He highlighted that Brookshire’s expanded 3.2 GW capacity, together with the ongoing Arizona expansion, would enable the company to serve American customers through its US manufacturing facilities. He also noted that Waaree’s US order book continues to grow, reflecting increasing demand for its solar modules.

US Operations Drive Revenue and Order Book Growth

Waaree’s US manufacturing operations have recorded significant business growth. Revenue from these operations increased to ₹1,300 crore in Q2 FY27, compared with ₹732 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The US domestic business now accounts for 43.8% of Waaree’s total order book of ₹59,200 crore, up from approximately 36% at the end of the previous quarter. These figures highlight the growing contribution of the US market to the company’s overall business and its expanding manufacturing presence.

Waaree Strengthens Global Manufacturing and Backward Integration

The latest expansion supports Waaree’s dual-market manufacturing strategy: Make in India for the World and Make in USA for USA. The company’s consolidated revenue from operations increased 23.9% to ₹7,518 crore in Q2 FY27, reflecting continued business growth. Alongside its international expansion, Waaree is strengthening backward integration in India to improve supply chain control and manufacturing capabilities. The company plans to increase its solar cell manufacturing capacity from 5.4 GW to 15.4 GW in FY27. It is also targeting the development of a 10 GW ingot and wafer manufacturing facility by FY28. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, through these investments, Waaree aims to strengthen its position across the solar manufacturing value chain, expand its international market presence and support the growing demand for renewable energy solutions.

Shree Pushkar Chemicals & Fertilisers plans to invest ₹70 crore in a chemical manufacturing plant at its Unit 5 facility in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The proposed facility will add 3,000 tons per annum (MTPA) of production capacity, strengthening the company’s manufacturing operations and supporting growing customer demand. The company’s Board of Directors has approved the capital expenditure, with commissioning targeted for March 2028. The investment will be funded through internal accruals and the preferential issuance of fully convertible warrants to the promoter, subject to the necessary approvals.

Ratnagiri Expansion to Boost Chemical Production

The proposed plant forms part of Shree Pushkar Chemicals’ ongoing expansion at its Unit 5 facility. During the quarter, the company commenced commercial production at the site, adding 6,000 MTPA to its dyes manufacturing capacity. With the proposed addition of another 3,000 MTPA chemical manufacturing capacity, the company aims to further strengthen its presence in Ratnagiri and improve its ability to meet rising market demand.

Solar Power Capacity Increases to 20.6 MW DC

Alongside its manufacturing expansion, Shree Pushkar Chemicals is strengthening its renewable energy infrastructure. During the quarter, the company commissioned a 10 MW DC solar power plant at Nanded, Maharashtra. With this addition, its consolidated solar power capacity has increased to 20.6 MW DC. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the expansion supports the company’s efforts to increase renewable energy utilisation, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its sustainability initiatives.

Amara Raja Energy & Mobility announced a capital expenditure programme of ₹2,320 crore through its wholly owned subsidiary, Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies, to expand its battery manufacturing capabilities. The company’s Board has approved the investment as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its advanced energy storage business and meet the growing demand for battery technologies.

LFP Cell Manufacturing Plant in Telangana

As part of the expansion programme, Amara Raja plans to establish a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell manufacturing plant in Telangana. The project will also increase the company’s battery-pack manufacturing capacity by 5 gigawatt-hours (GWh), taking the total capacity from the existing 4 GWh to 9 GWh. The company expects to establish the proposed facilities within 30 months.

Investment Strengthens Advanced Energy Storage Business

The latest capital expenditure builds on Amara Raja’s ongoing investments in advanced battery technologies and domestic manufacturing infrastructure. The proposed expansion will strengthen Amara Raja’s battery manufacturing capabilities and enhance its position in the advanced energy storage market. As reported by projectstoday.ai, the increased battery-pack capacity and new LFP cell manufacturing facility is expected to support growing demand for energy storage solutions while contributing to India’s domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem.

Indian oil refiners expect healthy refining margins in the coming months as disruptions to refining capacity in West Asia and Russia, declining fuel inventories and tight global product supplies continue to support fuel prices. These market conditions are creating opportunities for Indian refiners to benefit from stronger margins on diesel, gasoline and aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

Reliance Industries (RIL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) reported record refining performances in the September quarter (Q2). They expect favourable market conditions to continue, although rising crude premiums, freight and insurance costs, along with domestic fuel pricing constraints, could limit overall profitability.

Global Refinery Disruptions Support Refining Margins

Global refining capacity disruptions and lower fuel inventories have strengthened refined product prices. Reliance Industries reported that global refinery utilisation had declined to approximately 79%, compared with 82% before the conflict. Meanwhile, diesel and gasoline inventories remained below their respective five-year averages.

Although refinery outages peaked at nearly 11.8 million barrels per day, around 4–5 million barrels per day of capacity remained affected. Consequently, reduced product availability continued to support global refining margins. RIL expects these conditions, combined with uncertainty surrounding Russian refinery operations and Chinese refined product exports, to keep refining margins firm in the coming months.

Diesel, Gasoline and ATF Cracks Surge

Geopolitical disruptions have also significantly increased refined product cracks, strengthening the profitability outlook for oil refiners. During the September quarter, gasoline cracks nearly tripled year-on-year (YoY), while diesel cracks increased to approximately 3.5 times and ATF cracks to around 3.7 times their levels in the corresponding quarter last year.

Refining cracks represent the price difference between crude oil and the refined petroleum products obtained from it. Higher cracks generally improve refinery profitability, provided operating and procurement costs remain under control. Meanwhile, the Indian crude oil basket, which averaged approximately $65–70 per barrel in February, remained above $100 per barrel during most of the first quarter of FY27.

Diversified Crude Sourcing Supports Refinery Operations

Despite geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions, Indian refiners have maintained strong crude processing levels by diversifying their import sources. Companies have expanded crude sourcing across Russia, the Americas, Venezuela, Brazil and selected African countries. This flexibility has helped refiners maintain uninterrupted operations and secure adequate feedstock supplies despite logistical challenges. As a result, Indian refiners sustained record crude processing levels, with refinery utilisation exceeding 100% at several facilities.

Outlook for Indian Oil Refiners

Favourable global product prices, supply disruptions and lower fuel inventories are expected to support refining margins in the coming months. However, refiners will need to manage higher crude procurement premiums, transportation expenses and insurance costs. As reported by ET Enegyworld.com, India’s diversified crude sourcing strategy and strong refining capabilities position domestic oil refiners to benefit from tight global fuel markets, although the extent of margin gains will depend on crude prices, operating costs and domestic fuel pricing conditions.

Vedanta Ltd Chairman Anil Agarwal welcomed the government’s recent policy reforms in the oil and gas sector, stating that the measures could strengthen investor confidence, encourage exploration and increase domestic energy production. Agarwal shared his views after attending the India Energy Bid Promotion roadshow in London last week. He appreciated the presentations and participation of officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighting the government’s efforts to create a more investor-friendly environment for the energy industry. Among the key reforms, he highlighted the replacement of lengthy approval procedures with self-certification, resolution of pending litigation through mutual discussions and extension of leases for the lifetime of oil and gas fields.

Policy Reforms to Improve Investor Confidence

According to Agarwal, these measures could reduce regulatory hurdles, minimise operational uncertainties and encourage greater investment in India’s oil and gas industry. He emphasised that building trust between the government and industry remains essential for attracting long-term investments. Referring to the importance of mutual confidence, he said, “As I always say, it is all about bharosa and that is now being reflected.”

Reforms Aim to Attract More Oil and Gas Investors

Agarwal also highlighted India’s significant untapped potential in oil and gas exploration and production. He believes that greater awareness of the country’s investment opportunities and profitability could encourage more major energy companies to participate in bidding for oil and gas blocks. Furthermore, companies could explore partnerships with domestic players, particularly through the Samudra Manthan programme. Citing growing investor interest in emerging energy markets such as Guyana, Agarwal noted that India also offers substantial opportunities supported by its evolving policy framework and investment environment.

India Focuses on Boosting Domestic Energy Production

Agarwal expressed confidence that the government’s policy direction would attract more domestic and international companies to India’s oil and gas sector. Increased investor participation could accelerate exploration and development activities, unlock the country’s hydrocarbon resources and strengthen domestic energy production. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the policy reforms represent an important step towards creating a more accessible and competitive investment environment for India’s oil and gas industry. By simplifying regulatory processes and improving operational flexibility, the government aims to encourage private-sector participation and support the country’s long-term energy security objectives.

TEXMiN entered into a strategic alliance with Magnora RE Tech Pvt. Ltd. to strengthen India’s capabilities in critical minerals and rare earth technologies. The collaboration will focus on critical minerals, rare earth elements (REEs) and rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs), supporting the development of indigenous technologies and domestic manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, ELITech Earth Science Pvt. Ltd. is expected to contribute to the initiative through project management consultancy and technical coordination. The partnership brings together TEXMiN’s research and technological expertise, Magnora’s investment and industrial capabilities, and ELITech’s project execution support to advance India’s critical minerals ecosystem.

Strengthening Domestic Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing

India is witnessing growing demand for rare earth permanent magnets, which are essential components in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and advanced electronics. Against this backdrop, the alliance aims to strengthen India’s domestic rare earth value chain, covering activities from critical mineral resources to finished magnet products. By combining scientific research, industrial investment and project management expertise, the partners intend to accelerate indigenous technology development and reduce the country’s dependence on imported rare earth magnets. Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board at TEXMiN, highlighted the strategic importance of developing domestic capabilities in rare earth permanent magnets.

He said that these magnets play a crucial role in India’s economic and technological security. He further emphasised that achieving self-reliance in this sector requires close coordination between research institutions, industry and project execution partners. The collaboration with Magnora RE Tech, supported by ELITech, represents a step towards translating institutional research into solutions that address India’s strategic and industrial requirements.

Supporting India’s Critical Minerals Mission

The partnership also supports India’s broader ambitions to develop a strong and self-reliant critical minerals industry. Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Director of TEXMiN, said the collaboration would combine technological, institutional and project management expertise to strengthen the country’s critical minerals ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of converting these capabilities into practical outcomes for domestic industries. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with key national priorities, including the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, through this strategic alliance, TEXMiN, Magnora and ELITech aim to accelerate domestic capabilities in critical mineral technologies and rare earth permanent magnets. The collaboration is expected to contribute to India’s efforts to reduce import dependence, strengthen manufacturing capabilities and establish a more resilient domestic supply chain for strategically important materials.

Merck, a science and technology company, signed a definitive agreement to sell its contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) business within its Life Science business sector to Lonza. The transaction supports Merck’s mid- to long-term strategy to focus its portfolio on innovation-driven businesses with strong growth and value-creation potential.

Through the divestment, Merck aims to prioritise areas where its scientific and technological capabilities can deliver greater value and address evolving customer requirements. Meanwhile, the CDMO business will gain opportunities to pursue its next phase of growth under Lonza, an organisation specialising in contract development and manufacturing services.

Transaction Value and Expected Completion

Lonza will acquire Merck’s CDMO business for a mid-triple-digit million-euro amount. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck, described the agreement as an important step in advancing the company’s long-term strategic agenda. He noted that Merck will continue strengthening its innovation-driven businesses, building on its core capabilities and improving its competitive position across Life Science and the wider organisation. Beckmann also acknowledged the contributions of CDMO employees, recognising their expertise and commitment in building the business over several decades.

Merck Sharpens Its Life Science Business Strategy

The divestment will enable Merck to concentrate investments on technologies and capabilities that reinforce its scientific leadership and strengthen its relationships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and CDMO customers. Jean-Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO of Life Science, said a more focused portfolio would help the company invest in areas that offer greater strategic value. He emphasised that Merck will continue supporting customers from drug discovery through manufacturing with its broad portfolio of consumables, technologies and services. Wirth also highlighted the strong foundation established by the CDMO team over more than 35 years and thanked employees for their contributions to the business.

CDMO Operations and Facilities Included in the Deal

Merck’s CDMO business provides development and manufacturing services for complex therapeutic modalities, helping customers advance treatments from early development through commercial manufacturing.

The proposed transaction covers CDMO operations at the following locations in the United States:

Carlsbad, California

Madison and Verona, Wisconsin

St. Louis, Missouri, including CDMO bioconjugation operations

Indianapolis, Indiana

These facilities and their associated operations will become part of Lonza following completion of the transaction.

However, BioReliance® Contract Testing Services is excluded from the deal and will remain an integral part of Merck’s Life Science portfolio.

Lonza to Expand US Manufacturing Capabilities

The acquisition will strengthen Lonza’s manufacturing footprint and expand its capabilities in the United States, an important market for the company. Wolfgang Wienand, Chief Executive Officer of Lonza, said customers increasingly need partners with deep scientific expertise and the scale to support complex medicines, from innovation through commercial supply. He added that integrating Merck’s CDMO business will provide customers with broader capabilities and additional US manufacturing capacity. Lonza also looks forward to welcoming experienced employees from Merck and combining their expertise with its global operations. Lonza is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation serving the healthcare industry. With approximately 17,000 employees across three continents, the company partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses to transform scientific innovations into viable therapies.

Business Continuity During the Transition

Until the transaction receives the necessary approvals and closes, Merck’s CDMO business will continue operating within its Life Science business sector. Both companies will work closely to support employees, customers and ongoing operations throughout the transition. They will also prioritise programme continuity and uninterrupted product supply to maintain customer confidence and operational stability. As per the press release, the proposed divestment represents a strategic portfolio realignment for Merck while providing Lonza with an opportunity to expand its CDMO capabilities and strengthen its position in the global biopharmaceutical manufacturing market.

Evonik invested €52 million to strengthen and expand its silicone production platform at its Essen Goldschmidtstrasse site in Germany. The investment includes a new production plant and a large tank farm, increasing the company’s manufacturing capacity for organomodified silicones. These specialised additives serve several industries, including polyurethane foams for insulation materials, mattresses and automotive seating, as well as adhesives, coatings and personal care products.

Increased Production Capacity for Organomodified Silicones

The facility strengthens Evonik’s international silicone production network while supporting growing demand for customised silicone additives. These products play an important role in improving the performance and functionality of various industrial and consumer applications. Lauren Kjeldsen, Evonik Management Board member responsible for the Custom Solutions segment, said the expansion would strengthen the company’s silicone production platform, improve supply chain resilience and establish a strong foundation for profitable growth. She also highlighted the contribution of the company’s German production sites to its global operations.

Strengthening the Global Silicone Production Network

Essen Goldschmidtstrasse serves as a key manufacturing hub within Evonik’s global silicone network. The site works closely with production facilities in Geesthacht, Obernburg and Wittenburg in Germany, Pandino in Italy, Shanghai in China, and Hopewell, Virginia, in the United States. According to Roberto Vila-Keller, head of the Business Line Interface and Polyurethane Additives, the investment strengthens the global production network and improves the company’s ability to serve customers reliably worldwide. Furthermore, the expanded production capabilities will help reduce potential bottlenecks and create opportunities for growth in attractive markets.

New Infrastructure Improves Operational Efficiency

The expansion also improves logistics infrastructure and reduces the need to transport intermediates and finished products between production sites. As part of the project, Evonik constructed a 150-metre pipe bridge connecting four production units and 15 manufacturing assets to the new tank farm. In addition, the tank farm features five stainless-steel storage tanks, with the tallest reaching 24 metres. These tanks provide substantial storage capacity for essential raw materials, helping stabilise production processes, strengthen supply chain reliability and reduce dependence on short-term deliveries. The infrastructure has expanded the Essen site’s total area from 32 to 35 hectares, providing additional capacity for future development.

Major Project Completed Without Disrupting Operations

Evonik completed the expansion while keeping the Essen site fully operational, despite space constraints. Approximately 80 Evonik employees and more than 230 contractors from 25 partner companies contributed to the successful execution of the project. Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen, welcomed the investment, noting that projects of this scale provide an important boost to the regional economy. He highlighted their contribution to securing high-quality jobs, strengthening industrial competitiveness and reinforcing Essen’s position as an internationally attractive industrial hub.

Essen Positioned as a Centre of Excellence

As per the press release, the investment also aligns with Evonik’s long-term development strategy for its major production sites. The company has established specific strategic roles for six key locations: Essen Goldschmidtstrasse, Marl, Wesseling, Darmstadt/Weiterstadt, Rheinfelden and Hanau.

Under this strategy, Essen Goldschmidtstrasse will serve as a Centre of Excellence for Customer-Specific Formulations. This positioning reinforces the site’s importance in developing specialised solutions, supporting customers and strengthening Evonik’s global silicone business.

Solar module manufacturer RAYZON Solar Ltd is preparing to commence production at its 5.1 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in December 2026, with initial deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2027. The expansion marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to strengthen backward integration, expand domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imported solar cells. RAYZON Solar currently operates solar module manufacturing facilities with an installed capacity of 11.3 GW. Despite market volatility and a shift from funding through IPO proceeds to debt financing, the company remains focused on executing its manufacturing expansion plans and strengthening its presence across the solar value chain.

5.1 GW TOPCon Solar Cell Facility to Begin Production

The upcoming 5.1 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility will expand RAYZON Solar’s operations beyond module manufacturing. By establishing in-house cell production, the company aims to improve supply-chain integration, reduce reliance on external suppliers and strengthen its manufacturing competitiveness. Chirag Nakrani, Co-Founder of RAYZON Solar, said the commissioning of the facility in December 2026 would mark an important milestone in the company’s journey towards deeper backward integration. He added that the company is preparing for its next expansion phase, which will focus on establishing a proposed 5.1 GW ingot casting and wafer slicing facility by 2028.

Company Plans 5.1 GW Ingot and Wafer Manufacturing Facility

As part of its long-term manufacturing strategy, RAYZON Solar plans to expand further upstream into ingot and wafer production. The proposed facility will have a capacity of 5.1 GW and is targeted for development by 2028. The company is currently holding discussions with multiple state governments to evaluate available incentives and identify a suitable location for the investment. The expansion could help RAYZON Solar strengthen its domestic supply chain by integrating additional stages of solar manufacturing, from ingot casting and wafer slicing to cell and module production.

Aluminium Frame Manufacturing Facility Completed

Alongside its solar cell expansion, RAYZON Solar has completed an aluminium extrusion and anodising facility with an annual production capacity of 19,800 metric tons. The facility will manufacture aluminium frames for solar modules, further strengthening the company’s backward integration strategy and supporting its existing module manufacturing operations.

By developing in-house capabilities for key module components, the company aims to improve supply-chain efficiency and enhance operational control.

R&D Investments Target Next-Generation Solar Technologies

RAYZON Solar is also expanding its research and development activities to strengthen its technological capabilities. The company has filed three patents over the past year, reflecting its focus on developing advanced solar manufacturing technologies. Its R&D programme includes research into tandem-junction solar cell technology and nano-coatings for next-generation solar modules. The company is targeting product launches in these areas by 2028.

Hardik Kothiya, Co-Founder of RAYZON Solar, said the company’s strategy focuses on building a technologically advanced and increasingly integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem in India. He highlighted the importance of expanding from solar modules into TOPCon cell manufacturing and subsequently exploring upstream integration through ingot and wafer production. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, and according to Kothiya, these investments will help strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, reduce import dependence and improve the company’s competitiveness in international markets. He added that the initiatives reflect RAYZON Solar’s long-term commitment to India’s renewable energy ambitions and the future of solar manufacturing.