ACME Green Molecules signed a binding long-term purchase and sale agreement worth $1 billion with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC) for the annual supply of 100,000 tons of green methanol. The agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing global green fuel adoption while strengthening India-Japan collaboration in sustainable energy. ACME Green Molecules, a part of the ACME Group, will supply green methanol from its 200 KTPA (kilo tons per annum) green methanol plant currently under development at Paradip, Odisha.

Paradip Plant to Support Global Green Shipping

The Paradip facility is expected to play a pivotal role in supplying low-carbon fuels to international markets. Green methanol is rapidly emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels such as Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) due to its significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions. Green methanol offers a practical advantage as it can be transported and stored using existing shipping and port infrastructure with only minimal modifications, making it an attractive option for the maritime industry.

Driving the Global Energy Transition

Anil Taparia, Chief Executive Officer of ACME Green Molecules Business, said the partnership represents a major step in the company’s strategy to build a globally competitive green methanol business. He noted that the collaboration with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical will accelerate the commercialisation of green methanol at scale while supporting the decarbonisation of the marine and aviation sectors through sustainable fuels and green chemicals.

Strengthening India-Japan Green Energy Collaboration

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical also highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. Hideaki Akase, Managing Executive Officer, Green Energy & Chemicals Business Sector, said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to expanding into emerging green energy businesses. He added that securing a long-term supply of green methanol from ACME will help address the growing demand for sustainable fuels while supporting the industry’s transition towards low-carbon energy solutions.

Supporting a Low-Carbon Future

As reported by msn.com, the agreement underscores the increasing global demand for green methanol as industries seek cleaner alternatives to fossil-based fuels. By combining ACME’s large-scale green fuel production capabilities with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical’s global market expertise, the partnership is expected to accelerate the commercial deployment of green methanol and contribute to the decarbonisation of shipping, aviation, and the wider chemicals industry.

Odisha is rapidly positioning itself as one of India’s most attractive industrial destinations by integrating port infrastructure, petrochemicals, and green hydrogen development. Leveraging its strategic coastline and industrial corridors, the state is creating a robust ecosystem for investments in chemicals, petrochemicals, fertilizers, and clean energy technologies.

The state has earmarked large industrial land parcels in line with the central government’s Plug and Play Chemical Park Scheme. At the heart of this strategy is the Paradip industrial belt, anchored by Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOCL) 15 MMTPA refinery and the proposed dual-feed cracker project. These facilities provide reliable feedstock, excellent port connectivity, and a strong foundation for downstream chemical manufacturing. Meanwhile, emerging clusters at Gopalpur and Dhamra continue to attract leading companies, reinforcing Odisha’s ambition to become a major Asian chemical hub.

Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Manufacturing Gain Momentum

Beyond conventional industries, Odisha is accelerating its transition towards sustainable manufacturing. The state is developing integrated green hydrogen and ammonia hubs while targeting 3 MMTPA of green hydrogen production by 2036. Investor-friendly policies—including concessional land, tax exemptions, and power incentives—are encouraging investments across the green hydrogen value chain.

At the same time, Odisha is strengthening its renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem. Several companies are establishing large-scale solar module and green technology manufacturing facilities, while local production of hydrogen electrolysers is expected to enhance domestic supply chains.

Investor-Friendly Ecosystem Drives Long-Term Growth

Odisha complements its infrastructure with fast-track approvals through the GO-SWIFT
single-window system, ready industrial land, abundant water resources, and a skilled technical workforce supported by premier institutions. The state is also integrating Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) into its industrial roadmap to support decarbonisation and future-ready manufacturing.

By combining world-class ports, integrated industrial clusters, green energy initiatives, and progressive policies, Odisha is creating a resilient and sustainable industrial ecosystem. As reported by ETChemicals.in, as global demand for low-carbon manufacturing continues to rise, the state’s integrated development model is expected to attract significant domestic and international investments, strengthening its position as a leading destination for the chemical and clean energy industries.

Shilpa Biologicals commissioned a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing facility, marking a significant step in expanding its biologics manufacturing capabilities. Purpose-built to meet global regulatory standards, the new facility is now fully operational, while GMP qualification protocols are currently in progress. The company stated that the facility has been designed to support the development and manufacturing of
high-quality ADC drug substances for global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

End-to-End ADC Manufacturing Capabilities

With the launch of this facility, Shilpa Biologicals is strengthening its position in the rapidly growing ADC market. Backed by its parent company, Shilpa Medicare, which has invested extensively in highly potent compound manufacturing over the past 25 years, the company now offers a fully integrated ADC development and manufacturing platform.

Its end-to-end capabilities span the entire ADC value chain, including payload synthesis, linker development and manufacturing, monoclonal antibody production, ADC conjugation, and purification of GMP-scale drug substances. This integrated approach enables customers to streamline development timelines while maintaining stringent quality and regulatory standards.

Supporting Global Biopharmaceutical Innovation

The commissioning of the new facility positions Shilpa Biologicals among the few companies in India capable of providing comprehensive ADC drug substance development and manufacturing services under one roof. As demand for targeted cancer therapies continues to rise, the company aims to support global biopharmaceutical innovators with advanced manufacturing infrastructure, technical expertise, and scalable production capabilities. As reported by specchemonline.com, the investment also reinforces Shilpa’s long-term commitment to expanding India’s footprint in the global biologics and oncology manufacturing landscape while catering to the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

Alterra, Technip Energies, and Neste commercially launched Nerea™, a standardized modular solution designed to accelerate the deployment of plastic chemical recycling projects worldwide. The new offering shifts the industry from customised engineering approaches to a standardized product model, enabling waste management companies, project developers, refiners, and petrochemical manufacturers to scale circular plastics production more efficiently. By simplifying project execution and reducing development risks, Nerea™ is expected to support the growing demand for sustainable plastic recycling technologies and circular feedstocks.

Addressing the Global Plastic Waste Challenge

The launch comes at a time when global plastic production continues to rise. Worldwide plastics production nearly doubled over the past two decades, reaching approximately 431 million tonnes in 2024, while recycling rates have struggled to keep pace. As a result, large volumes of plastic waste continue to be sent to landfills, incinerated, or released into the environment. At the same time, tightening regulations in Europe and other regions are increasing demand for recycled materials and circular feedstocks, creating new opportunities for advanced chemical recycling technologies.

Combining Proven Technologies and Industrial Expertise

Nerea™ builds on the collaboration agreement signed by the three companies in November 2024, integrating complementary expertise across the plastic recycling value chain. The platform combines Alterra’s thermochemical liquefaction technology, Neste’s expertise in circular feedstocks, and Technip Energies’ engineering, project delivery, and modularisation capabilities. Alterra’s proprietary technology has already demonstrated more than five years of continuous commercial operation, successfully processing mixed and difficult-to-recycle plastic waste streams into valuable feedstocks.

Standardised Modular Design Simplifies Deployment

Unlike conventional, customised recycling facilities, Nerea™ features a standardised modular design that reduces engineering complexity, lowers pre-investment costs, and provides greater certainty in project execution. The modular solution is designed for rapid deployment across diverse industrial environments and converts heterogeneous plastic waste into high-quality feedstock suitable for petrochemical manufacturing. This approach enables companies to shorten project timelines while improving cost predictability and operational performance.

Supporting the Circular Economy

According to Fred Schmuck, Chief Executive Officer of Alterra, Nerea™ represents a shared vision to make industrial-scale circular solutions easier to implement. By combining proven technology with a standardized delivery model, the partnership aims to remove barriers that have traditionally slowed the adoption of chemical recycling.

Julie Cranga, Senior Vice President, Carbon Capture & Circularity Product Line at Technip Energies, said the integrated solution offers customers greater predictability throughout project development, investment, construction, and operations, helping accelerate the global deployment of chemical recycling facilities.

Lars Peter Lindfors, Senior Vice President, Technology & Innovation at Neste, highlighted the company’s expertise in upgrading low-quality raw materials into high-value products. He noted that Neste’s recently commissioned upgrading unit at its Porvoo refinery in Finland—currently the world’s largest of its kind—positions the company to support the industry’s growing demand for liquefied waste plastics and circular raw materials.

Accelerating the Future of Circular Plastics

The commercial launch of Nerea™ marks an important step toward expanding industrial-scale plastic chemical recycling. As per the press release, by combining proven conversion technology, engineering excellence, and standardized plant design, Alterra, Technip Energies, and Neste aim to help the plastics and petrochemical industries reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) hosted the 4^th ICC NicerGlobe LogNext 2026 in Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, global industry leaders, logistics experts, technology providers, and senior executives to discuss the future of India’s chemical supply chains. Held under the theme “Beyond the Horizon: Designing the Chemical Supply Chain for a Decade of Uncertainty,” the conference examined how the chemical industry can build resilient, sustainable, digitally enabled, and future-ready supply chains amid evolving global challenges. KPMG served as the Knowledge Partner for the event.

Industry Calls for Smarter and More Resilient Supply Chains

Samir Somaiya, Vice President, Indian Chemical Council (ICC), and Chairman & Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said the chemical industry is entering a transformative phase where supply chains must evolve beyond operational efficiency. He emphasized that future supply chains should be resilient, intelligent, sustainable, and technology-driven. He also stressed that closer collaboration among industry, government, and technology partners will be essential to strengthen India’s position as a global chemical manufacturing and logistics hub.

KPMG Highlights Emerging Global Supply Chain Challenges

Aman Sethi, Partner – Oil & Gas and Chemicals, KPMG, outlined the rapidly evolving global business environment. He pointed to several factors reshaping chemical supply chains, including: Geopolitical uncertainties, shifting global trade corridors, digital transformation, sustainability imperatives and rising customer expectations. According to Sethi, the conference was designed to provide practical insights and strategic guidance for organizations navigating this increasingly complex landscape.

Maersk Shares Global Perspective on Chemical Logistics

Delivering the keynote address, Patrick Hore, Global Vertical Head – Energy, Chemicals & Raw Materials, A.P. Møller–Maersk A/S, highlighted the growing importance of resilient logistics networks. He noted that companies must develop agile supply chains capable of responding to geopolitical disruptions, trade realignments, digital innovation, and decarbonisation initiatives while maintaining business continuity and long-term competitiveness.

Rajat Kumar Saini Highlights Industrial Corridor and BHAVYA Scheme

The key highlight of the session was the address by Rajat Kumar Saini, IAS, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). Saini outlined the Government of India’s continued focus on developing integrated industrial corridors, multimodal logistics infrastructure, and world-class manufacturing ecosystems to strengthen India’s role in global supply chains. He also highlighted the implementation of the BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana) initiative, which aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country. According to Saini, coordinated infrastructure development, policy support, and modern industrial ecosystems will play a crucial role in accelerating the growth of India’s chemical manufacturing sector and improving supply chain efficiency.

Government Reiterates Vision for Integrated Industrial Infrastructure

Addressing the gathering, Vishnu Sharma, NICDC, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, reinforced the government’s vision of creating globally competitive industrial ecosystems. He emphasized that integrated industrial corridors, smart industrial townships, seamless multimodal connectivity, and sustainable logistics infrastructure are critical to strengthening India’s manufacturing competitiveness and positioning the country as a preferred destination for chemical manufacturing and global supply chains.

KPMG Releases White Paper on Chemical Logistics

A major highlight of the conference was the release of a comprehensive White Paper prepared by KPMG. The report provides strategic insights into: Emerging risks in chemical logistics, global supply chain transformation, digital technologies and sustainability priorities.

Strategies for building resilient and future-ready chemical supply chains

The White Paper is expected to serve as a valuable resource for industry leaders, policymakers, and logistics professionals navigating the evolving chemical supply chain landscape.

ICC Recognises Responsible Care Excellence

ICC also presented Responsible Care Logo Certificates to companies that achieved new certifications and successful recertifications. The recognition acknowledges organizations demonstrating excellence in: Health and safety, Environmental protection, Security, Sustainability and Responsible chemical manufacturing. The Responsible Care programme continues to promote global best practices across India’s chemical industry.

Industry Leaders Discuss Future of Chemical Logistics

The conference featured an extensive programme of panel discussions and technical sessions addressing the key issues shaping the future of chemical supply chains.

Major topics included:

Geopolitical shifts affecting global trade

Resilient logistics strategies

Government policy and infrastructure incentives

Digital transformation

Artificial intelligence in supply chain management

Carbon monitoring and sustainability

Multimodal transportation

Startup-driven innovation

Operational excellence

Experts from leading organizations, including Maersk, Reliance Industries, Dow Chemical International, Tata Chemicals, Chemplast Sanmar, Godavari Biorefineries, SAP India, Balmer Lawrie, Clariant India, Navin Fluorine, LANXESS India, and Goodrich Maritime, shared practical experiences and perspectives on the future of chemical logistics.

Collaboration Identified as the Key to Future Growth

The event reinforced the importance of stronger collaboration among industry, government, logistics providers, and technology companies in building agile, resilient, and sustainable chemical supply chains. As per the press release, as global uncertainties continue to reshape manufacturing and trade, ICC NicerGlobe LogNext 2026 highlighted the need for strategic partnerships, digital innovation, and infrastructure development to ensure that India’s chemical industry remains globally competitive over the coming decade.

Union minister of state for science and technology, Jitendra Singh, inaugurated four state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facilities at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
(CSIR-IICT) in Hyderabad. During the event, he also laid the foundation stone for a 200-student hostel complex, further strengthening the institute’s research ecosystem and academic infrastructure. The newly inaugurated facilities are expected to accelerate advanced scientific research, support technology commercialisation, foster industrial collaboration, and enhance India’s capabilities in chemical engineering, sustainable manufacturing, and process innovation.

Four Advanced Facilities to Boost Scientific Excellence

The new infrastructure includes four specialised research centres designed to address emerging industrial and environmental challenges: Advanced R&D centre for fluorochemicals, decentralised Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for textile wastewater, Continuous Processing Technologies (CPT) Facility and Sustainable Engineering Complex (SEC). Together, these facilities will enable researchers to undertake pilot-scale validation, facilitate start-up incubation, strengthen industry partnerships, and accelerate the transition of laboratory innovations into commercial technologies.

Fluorochemicals Centre to Strengthen Domestic Capabilities

One of the key facilities inaugurated is the Advanced R&D Centre for Fluorochemicals, which aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in developing next-generation fluorinated compounds. These materials play a vital role in several high-growth industries, including: Pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, refrigerants and electronics and specialty chemicals and advanced materials. The centre will support indigenous process development, reduce dependence on imported technologies, and promote environmentally sustainable manufacturing solutions.

Continuous Processing Facility to Accelerate Chemical Manufacturing

The newly established Continuous Processing Technologies (CPT) Facility provides an advanced platform for continuous-flow manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and specialty chemicals. Compared with conventional batch manufacturing, continuous processing offers several advantages, including: Improved process safety, higher product quality, faster scale-up from laboratory to commercial production, lower energy consumption and reduced waste generation. The facility is expected to support the development of more efficient and sustainable chemical manufacturing technologies for industrial applications.

Focus on Innovation, Start-ups and Commercialisation

D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director of CSIR-IICT, said the new facilities would significantly strengthen the institute’s research capabilities while creating opportunities for industrial collaboration and entrepreneurship. The minister called for greater emphasis on high-impact, interdisciplinary research aligned with India’s national development priorities. He stressed that scientific innovation, technological self-reliance, and sustainable development will play a critical role in achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat).

Strengthening India’s Research Ecosystem

With the launch of these four advanced research facilities, CSIR-IICT has significantly expanded its capabilities in chemical sciences, sustainable engineering, wastewater management, and advanced manufacturing. As reported by thehindu.com, the infrastructure is expected to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by accelerating scientific discoveries, supporting industry-led research, and promoting the commercialisation of indigenous technologies across multiple sectors.

A consortium of seven leading Japanese companies, including IHI Corporation, Kobelco Power Kobe Inc., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., and UBE Corporation, received government certification for its plan to utilize low-carbon ammonia produced in India.

The project has been approved under Japan’s “Support Focusing on the Price Gap” scheme established under the Hydrogen Society Promotion Act. The certification was jointly granted by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a secure low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.

India to Play a Key Role in Low-Carbon Ammonia Production

As part of the initiative, IHI Corporation will procure low-carbon ammonia from a production facility being jointly developed with ACME Group in Odisha, India. The project is expected to position India as an important supplier of clean ammonia for international markets while supporting the country’s ambitions to become a global hub for green and low-carbon energy. After production, IHI will transport the ammonia to Japan, where it will be supplied to the consortium partners for industrial use.

Supporting Power Generation and Industrial Decarbonisation

The participating companies plan to utilize the imported low-carbon ammonia across multiple applications. The fuel will primarily be used for power generation, chemical manufacturing, industrial feedstock and other energy-intensive industrial processes. By replacing conventional fossil fuel-based inputs, the project aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while accelerating industrial decarbonisation across Japan.

Milestone for Japan’s Future Ammonia Value Chain

The certification represents a significant milestone in the development of Japan’s low-carbon ammonia value chain, which is expected to become operational from fiscal year 2030 onward. The government-backed initiative provides greater confidence for long-term investments in clean ammonia production, transportation, and utilization while supporting Japan’s broader energy transition strategy.

Advancing a Carbon-Neutral Future

The seven companies intend to steadily expand the adoption of low-carbon ammonia across power generation and industrial sectors. By strengthening international partnerships and developing a reliable cross-border ammonia supply chain between India and Japan, the consortium aims to accelerate the commercialization of low-carbon fuels and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. As reported by alchempro.com, the project also highlights the growing importance of India in the global clean energy landscape, as international companies increasingly invest in low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production to support worldwide decarbonisation efforts.

India’s chemical import landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as supply chain disruptions in West Asia force manufacturers to rethink their sourcing strategies. Escalating geopolitical tensions and logistical bottlenecks across the Gulf region have disrupted traditional trade routes, prompting Indian importers to increasingly turn to China for critical chemical raw materials. The shift marks one of the most notable changes in India’s chemical trade dynamics in recent years and could have long-term implications for the country’s manufacturing sector, particularly industries that depend heavily on imported specialty and commodity chemicals.

West Asia’s Dominance Faces New Challenges

For decades, major petrochemical producers in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) served as key suppliers of organic and inorganic chemicals to India. Their proximity, competitive pricing, and strong production capacities made the Gulf region a preferred sourcing destination for Indian chemical manufacturers. However, recent geopolitical developments and persistent logistics disruptions have significantly weakened these supply chains. As a result, Indian buyers are increasingly seeking alternative suppliers capable of ensuring uninterrupted deliveries and greater supply reliability.

China Emerges as the Biggest Beneficiary

China has responded quickly to the changing market dynamics by expanding its chemical exports to India. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Chinese exports of organic and inorganic chemicals to India increased by $225.31 million during March and April 2026. The sharp rise reflects China’s ability to fill the supply gap created by reduced shipments from West Asia and further strengthens its position as India’s leading chemical supplier. The trend also highlights China’s manufacturing scale, diversified production base, and ability to respond rapidly to changing global demand.

Sharp Decline in Chemical Imports from Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Trade data for March and April 2026 illustrates the extent of the disruption affecting Gulf suppliers. Saudi Arabia experienced one of the steepest declines in exports to India. Organic chemical shipments dropped by 82.8% in April 2026 compared with the same month last year, falling from $127.54 million to just $21.94 million. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates recorded a significant reduction in inorganic chemical exports. Shipments declined from US$6.53 million in April 2025 to US$0.95 million in April 2026, reflecting the growing pressure on traditional supply routes. These figures underscore the scale of disruption that has reshaped India’s import sourcing decisions.

Supply Constraints Extend Beyond Organic Chemicals

The impact has not been limited to organic chemicals alone. Imports of inorganic chemicals from Gulf countries have also declined substantially. Saudi Arabia reported notable reductions in inorganic chemical exports, further limiting supply availability for Indian manufacturers. Consequently, Indian importers have accelerated efforts to diversify procurement sources, with China emerging as the most immediate and commercially viable alternative.

Balancing Cost, Reliability and Strategic Independence

As China strengthens its role in India’s chemical supply chain, policymakers and industry leaders face the challenge of balancing multiple priorities. Competitive pricing and reliable supply remain critical for India’s manufacturing sector. At the same time, excessive dependence on any single source carries strategic and geopolitical risks. Going forward, India is likely to focus on building a more diversified import ecosystem while simultaneously encouraging domestic chemical manufacturing under its broader industrial growth agenda.

A New Phase in India’s Chemical Trade

The ongoing shift in India’s chemical imports reflects a broader realignment of global supply chains driven by geopolitical uncertainty and changing trade dynamics. While West Asian disruptions have accelerated China’s emergence as a dominant supplier, they have also highlighted the importance of resilient and diversified sourcing strategies. As reported by ETChemicals.in, as global supply chains continue to evolve, Indian chemical manufacturers, downstream industries, and policymakers will need to adapt quickly to ensure supply security, maintain competitiveness, and support the country’s long-term industrial growth.

German industrial automation player Festo inaugurated its first Automation Experience Centre (FEC) in Noida, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy for Northern India’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector. Located in Block A, Phase-2, Noida, the facility will serve as an innovation and collaboration hub, enabling manufacturers to explore cutting-edge automation technologies through live demonstrations and application-based solutions. The launch comes as Indian industries accelerate investments in factory automation, digitalisation, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

A Strategic Launch During Festo India’s 40th Anniversary

The inauguration coincides with Festo India’s 40th anniversary, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to supporting India’s evolving manufacturing landscape. The Automation Experience Centre allows customers to evaluate automation technologies in real-world industrial scenarios before deployment. Consequently, manufacturers can make informed investment decisions while identifying opportunities to enhance production efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve sustainability. The facility showcases Festo’s latest innovations across multiple automation domains, including Factory Automation, Electric Automation, Pneumatics, Motion Technologies, Digital Engineering and Industry 4.0 Solutions. By bringing these technologies together under one roof, Festo aims to accelerate the adoption of next-generation manufacturing solutions across diverse industrial sectors.

Festo Reinforces Customer-Centric Innovation

Frank Notz, Member of the Management Board, Sales, Festo SE, highlighted the company’s commitment to customer collaboration. “The opening of the FEC in Noida reflects our commitment to staying close to our customers and supporting their transformation towards smarter and more sustainable manufacturing. By creating a space where innovation can be experienced firsthand, we are enabling meaningful collaboration and accelerating the adoption of future-ready automation solutions.” His remarks reinforce Festo’s strategy of helping manufacturers embrace intelligent automation through practical demonstrations and collaborative technology engagement.

Celebrating Four Decades of Growth in India

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Ravi Sastry, Managing Director, Festo India, described the inauguration as an important milestone in the company’s four-decade journey in India. He noted that customer success remains central to Festo’s business philosophy and emphasized that the new Experience Centre arrives at an ideal time, enabling industries to strengthen their competitive advantage through advanced automation solutions. According to Sastry, the initiative further positions Festo India to deliver world-class automation technologies while preparing customers for the future of manufacturing.

Driving Business Value Through Automation

Explaining the purpose of the new facility, Vikas Makhija, Senior Director – Sales & Marketing, Festo India, said the Experience Centre has been designed to help customers understand how automation can generate measurable business value. Through live product demonstrations, expert consultations, and application-focused solutions, manufacturers can explore practical ways to improve operational flexibility, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The centre also strengthens Festo India’s position as a trusted automation partner for businesses seeking digital transformation.

Supporting Manufacturing Growth in North India

Ranajay Sarkar, Head of Market Management, Festo India, highlighted North India’s increasing importance as a manufacturing destination. According to him, the Noida Experience Centre will provide customers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators, and educational institutions with direct access to Festo’s latest automation technologies and technical expertise. The company also expects the centre to strengthen partnerships across industries while encouraging innovation and technology adoption throughout the region.

Bridging the Industrial Skills Gap

In addition to industrial automation solutions, the facility features offerings from Festo Didactic, the company’s technical education and workforce development division. The centre will conduct: Technical training programmes, Hands-on workshops, Technology demonstrations, Industry engagement initiatives and Skill development sessions. These programmes are designed to address India’s growing demand for highly skilled professionals capable of supporting advanced manufacturing and smart factory operations.

Expansion Plans Across Manufacturing Hubs

Festo plans to evaluate opportunities for establishing similar Automation Experience Centres in other manufacturing regions across India. Future expansion will depend on customer demand, industrial growth, and the company’s strategic priorities, enabling Festo to strengthen customer engagement while expanding its technology footprint nationwide.

Supporting India’s Manufacturing Vision

The launch aligns with India’s broader ambition of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. According to the Economic Survey 2026, manufacturing contributes approximately 16–17% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment to more than 27 million people. As the country aims to transform from a US$3.7 trillion economy into a US$30–35 trillion economy by 2047, the manufacturing sector is expected to play an increasingly vital role, with its contribution to GDP projected to rise to 25% or more. Against this backdrop, advanced automation, digital engineering, and smart factory technologies are expected to become critical drivers of industrial competitiveness and sustainable growth.

As per the press release, with the launch of its first Automation Experience Centre in Noida, Festo has strengthened its commitment to enabling India’s manufacturing sector through innovation, knowledge sharing, and advanced automation technologies. As industries continue their digital transformation journey, the new facility is expected to serve as a catalyst for smarter, more efficient, and future-ready manufacturing across the country.

LML Realty introduced its Built-to-Suit Factory solution, a first-of-its-kind offering in India that enables Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to establish fully operational manufacturing facilities through a single, integrated contract. Starting at ₹25 per sq. ft. per month, the solution combines land acquisition, factory design, construction, statutory approvals, and project handover into one seamless package, delivered through the company’s construction division, LML Contracts. The offering is aimed at simplifying industrial expansion by eliminating the need for businesses to coordinate with multiple vendors, reducing project delays, cost overruns, and execution risks.

Addressing Long-Standing Challenges in Industrial Expansion

As India continues to strengthen its manufacturing ecosystem under initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ industrial businesses often encounter fragmented project execution. Traditionally, companies must separately manage land acquisition, civil construction, utility infrastructure, government approvals, and contractor coordination—a process that can significantly delay factory commissioning. LML Realty’s Built-to-Suit Factory model addresses these bottlenecks by providing a single point of accountability. The company undertakes every stage of project execution, from securing the land to handing over a ready-to-operate industrial facility, while ensuring predictable project costs and a defined 180-day delivery timeline.

Leadership Perspective

Yogesh Bhatia, Managing Director, LML Realty, said, “India’s manufacturing growth will increasingly depend on infrastructure that is efficient, transparent, and execution-driven. Our Built-to-Suit Factory solution enables manufacturers to move from land acquisition to a fully operational factory through one trusted partner. By integrating land, construction, statutory approvals, and execution under a single contract, we are removing the complexity that has traditionally slowed industrial expansion for MSMEs.”

Flexible Ownership Models for Manufacturers

To cater to diverse business requirements, LML Realty offers two flexible expansion models. Manufacturers can choose to purchase both the land and factory outright, thereby owning the complete industrial asset. Alternatively, businesses seeking to conserve capital can operate from a fully developed facility starting at ₹25 per sq. ft. per month, avoiding substantial upfront investment.

Regardless of the chosen model, customers receive the same turnkey industrial facility delivered within 180 days, backed by end-to-end project execution under a single contract. This approach provides faster project completion, greater financial predictability, and a significantly simplified expansion process.

Designed for Multiple Industrial Sectors

The Built-to-Suit Factory solution has been developed to support a broad spectrum of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, food processing, warehousing and logistics, chemicals, textiles, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Research & Development (R&D) and data centres. Each facility is customized according to industry-specific operational requirements. Depending on customer needs, factories can incorporate heavy-duty industrial structures, GMP-compliant cleanrooms, advanced mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, crane installations, and other specialized infrastructure.

Strategic Location at PADMA-Approved Industrial Park

The factories are being developed within LML Industrial Park, Jhirka Valley, the only PADMA-approved industrial park in Delhi NCR, supported by the Government of Haryana. Businesses establishing manufacturing operations within the park may be eligible for state incentives of up to ₹3 crore under the PADMA Cluster Infrastructure Development Scheme.

Excellent Connectivity and Future-Ready Infrastructure

Located on NH-248A along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, LML Industrial Park offers strong connectivity to major industrial hubs. The park is situated approximately 75 minutes from Gurugram and Faridabad and just 15 minutes from the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Spread across 45 acres, the industrial ecosystem has been designed to ensure operational readiness from day one.

A Fully Operational Industrial Ecosystem

Beyond factory infrastructure, LML Industrial Park offers an established business environment. The park features LML Chambers, a 30,000 sq. ft. business centre housing a permanently staffed Business Development Centre, a column-free exhibition hall, and convention facilities designed to support business networking, client engagement, and industrial events. Importantly, the park is fully approved, operational, and de-risked, with more than 35 enterprises already establishing their presence within the ecosystem.

Simplifying Industrial Growth for MSMEs

With India’s manufacturing sector poised for significant expansion, LML Realty’s Built-to-Suit Factory solution aims to remove many of the traditional barriers associated with industrial development. By integrating land acquisition, construction, approvals, and infrastructure delivery into a single turnkey offering, the company provides MSMEs with a faster, more predictable, and capital-efficient pathway to establish manufacturing operations. As per the press release, the launch also reinforces LML Realty’s commitment to supporting India’s industrial growth by delivering modern, execution-focused infrastructure tailored to the evolving needs of manufacturers.