Henkel to Focus on Innovative Adhesive Solutions for Automotive by Opening its Center in India

Pune, India -- Reiterating its commitment to the Indian market, Henkel Adhesive Technologies India, a subsidiary of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Germany, inaugurated its first Innovation center in the country. The launch marks the companys most important investment in the region and further strengthens its focus on emerging markets.

Spread across 27,000 square feet, the center will focus on innovative technologies and solutions that will cater to customers across the automotive and transportation industry in South Asia, Middle East and Africa. Strategically located in the third largest auto hub, the center at Pune is designed to become a one stop solution provider to Henkels strong customer base in the region. A dedicated team of product and application experts at the center will be devising adhesive solutions, optimal application procedures and demonstrating assembly performance under simulated work conditions. More than 800 automotive suppliers and more than 20 companies in manufacturing will directly benefit from the center.

At the inaugural ceremony, Jeremy Hunter, President, Henkel India said, "This strategic investment will help strengthen our footprint in India and will provide our wide customer base an access to global innovation and better solutions. By 2016, Henkel expects to grow sales to 20 billion Euros, of which 10 billion Euros is expected from emerging markets like India. This Innovation center will nurture a strong mix of global expertise and local know how to benefit customers across the whole region."

Commenting on this landmark announcement, Shilip Kumar. Business Director, Automotive & Metal SBU, India, Middle East & Africa said, "R&D has been at the core of Henkels leadership in India. We have grown from strength to strength with consistent focus on customer solutions. This step plays an essential role in building our partnerships across industries by helping customers enhance productivity and significantly reduce operational costs."

The state of the art center is equipped with customer component testing facilities, dispensing systems, application training, product development and engineering facilities which will provide customers comprehensive adhesive solutions. For the automobile and metal industry portfolio, the laboratory is well equipped with a simulated environment for automotive acoustic structures. The center also has customized training assistance programs and interactive sessions for customers to equip them with the latest developments and sustainable solutions.

As the worlds number one in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, Henkel has a strong footprint of R&D centers across the world. The new India Innovation center will contribute significantly towards Henkels strategy 2016. Henkel is generating 45