Dana operates more than 140 facilities in 31 countries manufacturing a diverse product range of drive, motion, sealing, and thermal solutions
As a global company, Dana is utilising its knowledge base, available globally and in India, to train our local employees. Boosting localisation and the domestic market is the path to global competitiveness.
– Sandeep Khullar
Head, Off-Highway and Heavy Vehicles, Dana India
What are your views on making India as a global construction equipment manufacturing hub which will indirectly support the component manufacturers?
As a global company, Dana is utilising its knowledge base, available globally and in India, to train our local employees. Boosting localisation and the domestic market is the path to global competitiveness. Dana believes premium products, locally made, and high on reliability and safety are strategically important to growth in India.
Dana is already taking full advantage of the opportunities that were accompanied by acquiring the drive systems business of Oerlikon, which strengthened our off-highway business in India, and we are well-positioned to support growing demand for off-highway equipment.
Give us details about your manufacturing facilities in India?
We have 18 facilities in India, including our joint ventures.
For R&D, Dana operates two technology centres in India. Our facility in Pune supports our product groups with development of new products with more than 250 engineers, and even works on global product lines for overseas customers. Our operations in Sanand are focused on crafting solutions for the off-highway markets. Together, they help us maintain our lead as a supplier of drive and motion systems.
Dana is working on several programmes that are focused on improving electrification, and technology transfers, to name a few benefits. Dana’s network of technical centres across nine countries, including one in Pune, shares information and technology to meet the local and regional market needs of our customers.
For ICE components, we are increasing our capacity 15 to 20 percent in the near term in India. As for EV products, our new 50,000 square-feet Chakan, Pune, facility leverages our state- of-the-art motor and controller manufacturing assembly lines and end-of-line testing equipment to provide locally manufactured and assembled high-voltage and low-voltage permanent magnet motors and inverters. By having the ability to provide all elements of electric drives we are already becoming a preferred supplier to deliver fully integrated e-propulsion systems to OEMs.
How technologically advanced are your manufacturing facilities in India? Also, what are the safety features incorporated in these facilities?
Dana operates more than 140 facilities in 31 countries manufacturing a diverse product range of drive, motion, sealing, and thermal solutions. We focus on leveraging best practices across these facilities to implement safe, sustainable, and efficient manufacturing processes at each of our global facilities, which ensures we are able to deliver high-quality products for our global customers.
Our “Safety First” approach requires a daily, focused effort. In 2021, 12 of our facilities in India achieved more than one million hours worked without a lost time incident. We achieve this by consistently committing to excellence in safety, health, and security management through the prevention and elimination of hazards. By using effective feedback and positive recognition, we are able to address the unique safety requirements of each facility and product line.
Can you give us a brief about your employment strength in terms of contractual and payroll?
Dana employs more than 5,000 employees across 18 facilities in India.
What are your company’s initiatives in skilling and training?
We are constantly training our workforce within our plants, especially as the processes and requirements change. For example, as we continue to expand our electrified offering, training becomes key for us as this requires some new skills. We work with our employees to ensure they have the training needed to support these new technologies and processes. Dana being a global company, we are utilising our knowledge base available globally and in India, to train our local employees.
How do you make use of robotics in your facilities?
Dana uses a variety of robotics across our facilities to support automation for certain processes, such as welding. We also use robotics in areas where moving products manually would present challenges, such as moving axles through the assembly process due to their weight and size.
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