JOST of Germany opened its first Indian factory at Jamshedpur on July 25. The unit with a workforce of 100 employees will be producing fifth wheel couplings for the Indian market.Addressing the inaugural function, JOST CEO Lars Brorsen said he was much impressed with the rapid growth of India over the years, and emphasised the significance of the new plant for the company’s global strategy. “Thanks to the production of our high technology products here, we can now serve the Indian market better and more quickly. At the same time, we wish to take advantage of the resources of this extraordinary country. This is why we are very deliberately counting on qualified, highly-motivated local employees”.
In his address, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, CEO of JOST India Auto Component, the Indian subsidiary, observed: “As an integral part of the JOST Group, we at this new plant will contribute to the success and growth of the JOST World. The top quality, engineering excellence and the “Made in India” label will all guarantee a high level of acceptance of JOST products from the very outset.”
Said Peter Ormond, JOST Asia President, “we aim to equip many generations of new trucks and trailers in India with our safe, reliable systems.”
As with other important markets such as China, the US and South Africa, JOST decided last year to invest in its own production plant in India. Production of fifth wheel couplings began in less than 14 months after construction of the Jamshedpur plant.
The plant, covering an area of 60,000 square meters, is located close to India’s largest truck manufacturer, Tata Motors’ factory. In view of the anticipated long-term co-operation with the Indian truck producer, JOST has already signed an agreement with the Tatas for long-term supply of fifth wheel couplings.Production at the JOST factory meets the highest industrial standards and is the first direct 100 per cent foreign investment in Jamshedpur. In this modern manufacturing facility, the employees will be producing fifth wheel couplings for the Indian market. After a brief start-up period, they will be able to manufacture up to 50,000 couplings annually.
The new factory will also have an ultra-modern plant for e-coating (KTL). This process, used to protect JOST products against corrosion, is absolutely free of solvents and therefore particularly health and environment-friendly.
JOST is the only supplier of fifth wheel couplings and telescopic landing gear all over the world. The company has representative offices at all global centres with both production and distribution facilities. Its plants are located mainly in Germany, Spain, Hungary, the US, Brazil, South Africa, China, and now India.JOST is the global partner of choice for the commercial vehicle industry. Employing around 2,000 people worldwide, it is today the leading producer of connection components for trucks & trailers. Under the umbrella brand name of JOST, the comprehensive range of products covers for major areas, namely, fifth wheel couplings, telescopic landing gear, king pins, ball bearing turntables and accessories for articulated vehicles.
Under the traditional brand name of Rockinger, the company produces towing hitches and drawbar eyes for both transporters and trucks, as well as for agricultural operations. For tractors, Rockinger also offers custom-made attachments for towing hitches.
Regensburger Zuggabel completes the JOST range of products for coupling technology with drawbars for both road and agricultural use, TRIDEC offers a wide range of custom-made steering systems and suspensions for trailers.
