Wheels India has announced plans to significantly expand capacity at its aluminium alloy wheels plant at Thervoi Kandigai near Chennai, amid rising domestic demand and new order wins. The company will increase annual capacity to 7 lakh wheels from the current 5 lakh wheels per annum, with the expansion expected to be completed by the end of the next quarter. It is also planning a further expansion to 10 lakh wheels per annum by the end of FY27.
Supporting this growth strategy, Wheels India has entered into a Technical Assistance Agreement with Japan-headquartered Topy Industries for the design, development and manufacture of aluminium alloy wheels. Under the agreement, Topy will provide technical know-how and engineering support to strengthen Wheels India’s design and manufacturing capabilities in the cast aluminium wheel segment.
Wheels India entered the alloy wheel business in FY21 with a state-of-the-art facility at Thervoi Kandigai. Initially focused on exports to the US and European aftermarket, the company has now turned its attention to the domestic market and has begun supplying aluminium alloy wheels to Indian OEMs, including Tata Motors and Stellantis. The company has also secured new orders from Hyundai and Volkswagen and expects to commence supplies to these OEMs next year.
Commenting on the agreement, Srivats Ram, Managing Director, Wheels India, said Topy Industries, a globally renowned wheel manufacturer with over a century of experience, brings cutting-edge technologies in aluminium wheels. He added that the partnership is expected to enhance Wheels India’s technical capabilities, help win new business and strengthen its competitive position in the cast aluminium wheels segment.
The company is also targeting Japanese OEMs operating in India as part of its growth plans in the aluminium wheels segment, leveraging the technical collaboration with Topy. Wheels India already has an existing joint venture with Topy Industries in the steel wheels segment through WIL Car Wheels Limited, in which it holds a 74% equity stake. The JV caters primarily to Japanese OEMs in India.
