This milestone reinforces Godrej’s commitment to advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and aligns with its vision to become a key supplier to global aircraft engine OEMs. The contract will significantly expand the company’s offerings in aircraft engine applications, both in terms of technology and production volumes.

“For decades, Godrej has been at the forefront of high-precision manufacturing, contributing to India’s aerospace ambitions and self-reliance in critical technologies. This contract with Pratt & Whitney is not just a business milestone- it is a testament to India’s rising capabilities in complex aerospace manufacturing,” said Maneck Behramkamdin, Business Head, Aerospace business, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group. “By leveraging our advanced infrastructure, deep expertise, and commitment to global quality standards, we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of aviation manufacturing in India. We look forward to strengthening this relationship and expanding our footprint in the global aerospace supply chain.”

With this contract, Godrej Enterprises Group continues to expand its presence in precision aerospace manufacturing, reinforcing its role as a trusted supplier to global OEMs. Godrej Enterprises Group has a total of around 35,000 sq. meters of aerospace manufacturing capacity in India, with another 48,500 sq. meters under development. This is in line with the company’s vision to enable and elevate India’s manufacturing capabilities at a global level.

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INDIA: Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) has announced the launch of its Battery Manufacturing Excellence Platform (Battery MXP), an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software solution designed to optimize the operation of gigafactories from day one by improving battery cell yields and expediting facility startups for manufacturers.

With traditional standalone solutions, battery manufacturers’ material scrap rates can be as high as 30% at steady state and even higher during the facility startup process^[ii]. This practice can lead to millions of dollars of wasted energy and material while a gigafactory slowly scales to a more efficient and profitable production over several years.

Battery MXP incorporates AI techniques in the manufacturing process, which enables the detection and remediation of quality issues before they result in scrapped material. The solution then utilizes machine learning to identify conditions that lead to quality issues and turns this data into action-oriented insights that manufacturers can use to improve efficiency and productivity.

By delivering powerful data that can improve quality control and decision-making on the plant floor, Battery MXP is designed to help manufacturers cut production ramp-up time, reduce startup material scrap rates by 60%, and increase delivery rates to meet the growing demand for lithium-based batteries.^[iii]

“With Honeywell’s Battery MXP and its automation capabilities, we will be able to quickly and effectively establish a foundation for our network of gigafactories,” said John Kem, president of American Battery Factory. “This solution is vital in our manufacturing operation because it allows us to reduce scrap and scale up quickly, while also ensuring we meet the U.S. and international demand for high-quality lithium iron phosphate batteries as we prepare for the unprecedented surge expected over the next decade.”

By providing bidirectional traceability and genealogy, Battery MXP tracks battery cells from raw material to finished product in real-time, helping to ensure product quality at every step. The solution also helps to address other key challenges faced by battery manufacturers by offering solutions for process controls, workforce management, and thermal runaway battery fire prevention. These safety elements aid both operators in the gigafactory and end-users of the batteries to stay safe.

“The electrification of everyday life continues to increase global demand for quality lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and battery energy storage systems,” said Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions. “With the construction of more than 400 gigafactories planned worldwide by 2030, Honeywell’s Battery MXP is a crucial technology that enables manufacturers to maximize cell yields and reach peak production much quicker than traditional methods.”

The use of automation to advance the world’s electrification journey supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to the automation and energy transition megatrends. As a key player in the global energy transition, Honeywell is applying its complete portfolio in industrial automation, cyber secure IoT (Internet of Things), material handling, building automation, and safety solutions to help battery manufacturers bring reliable products to the market as quickly as possible to meet the projected demand for battery cells.

For more information on Battery MXP and Honeywell’s gigafactory solutions, visit process.honeywell.com/us/en/industries/sheet-manufacturing/lithium-ion-batteries.

^[i] According to internal Honeywell data testing Battery MXP in the pilot phase

^[ii] Source: NREL (Automotive Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing: Regional Cost Structures and Supply Chain Considerations (nrel.gov)

^[iii] According to internal Honeywell data testing Battery MXP in the pilot phase, not solely the AI component

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MUMBAI: Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, continues to dominate the electric three-wheeler market, achieving an impressive milestone in FY24. Building on its success, MLMML is India’s No.1** electric three-wheeler manufacturer having sold over 1.4 Lakh* electric vehicles to date. MLMML currently has a market share of 9.3%** in the electric three-wheeler space in India. In the L5 EV category, MLMML is the leader with a 55.1%** market share, YTD FY24.

In just eight months, MLMML has demonstrated remarkable growth selling 40000* EVs. This momentum was fuelled by the launch of two new products – Treo Plus as well as the e-Alfa Super rickshaw and cargo variants. This significant achievement showcases the accelerating demand for Mahindra’s electric vehicles and highlights the company’s commitment to pioneering sustainable last-mile mobility solutions. To meet this sustained demand for three-wheeler EVs, production has been increased threefold. MLMML’s manufacturing plants are situated in Bengaluru, Haridwar, and Zaheerabad.

The diverse range of three-wheeler EVs, offered by MLMML, includes the Treo, Treo Plus, Treo Zor, Treo Yaari, Zor Grand, e-Alfa Super, and e-Alfa Cargo.

Suman Mishra, MD, and CEO of MLMML said “In FY24, our customer-first approach has helped intensify our efforts to electrify the last mile transportation space. Sales of 40000* e-3-wheelers within eight months reflect the inclusive income generation our EVs accord to the drivers. We’re committed to enhancing our customer’s lives by consistently delivering value-for-money, innovative, and sustainable last-mile mobility solutions.”

As part of its customer-centric approach, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited offers the UDAY program. This program, on purchase of an MLMML EV, provides drivers with an accident insurance cover of ₹ 10 Lakh for the first year. This emphasizes Mahindra’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its customers.

*As per internal billing data, **As per Vahan portal

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Speaking about the deal, Mr. Vinod Sahay, President, Aerospace & Defence & CPO, Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra, said, “The Mahindra Group is proud of its relationship with Airbus. With this new contract, we further expand our relationship and increase our participation in the ‘Make In India’ initiative of the Government of India. We look forward to delivering on our commitments and continuing this journey of collaborative growth.”

“MASPL is privileged to be an Airbus supplier and we greatly appreciate their continued support to our growth initiatives. This award is a significant expansion of our Airbus portfolio and offers further opportunities for us to work with Airbus on performance, sustainability, and operational excellence,” said Arvind Mehra, Managing Director & CEO, of Mahindra Aerostructures.

MASPL has been a direct supplier to Airbus Group since 2015, and partners with Airbus on numerous initiatives. It has been ranked as a D2P “Challenger” for three years in the Sheet Metal domain, as well as level “A” in the Airbus Industrial Process Capability Assessment (IPCA+) and has won the “Best Performer” award in the 2023 Airbus Supplier Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) awards.

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Hendrickson (a Boler Company) forayed into India in 2006 through a Joint Venture with Tata AutoComp Systems and in 2011 incorporated a 100% subsidiary named Watson & Chalin India Pvt Ltd to expand its manufacturing footprint for truck and trailer products and serve as a manufacturing base to support global customers in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

Hendrickson presently has sales and distribution facilities and/or state-of-the-art manufacturing and research and development centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Romania, France, Poland, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. With its manufacturing facilities for truck and trailer axles and suspensions, Hendrickson is committed to delivering cutting-edge products tailored to the local geography and terrain in India.

Expressing his delight about the launch of these innovative products in India, Matthew Joy, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Hendrickson, states, “Today, we are excited to introduce these innovative Ride Solutions for trailer applications in India, with the goal of serving and supporting the industry’s evolving needs. Every day, millions of Hendrickson suspension systems and components worldwide carry loads of freight and raw materials, showcasing our commitment to providing durable, lightweight, and high-performing suspension systems and components. Our global presence and dedication to delivering products and services that benefit manufacturers, fleets and owner-operators worldwide are key factors in our success. Our tagline, ‘The World Rides on Us’ encapsulates our brand’s spirit and reflects our 110- years of innovation” added Joy.

Richardo Martin, Vice President of International Operations, adds, “Over the years, we have become a force to reckon with in the industry. Our entrepreneurial attitude fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging all our associates to discover, invent, and modernize. This philosophy enables us to create state-of-the-art products and establish ourselves as an industry leader. We work closely with fleets and truck and trailer manufacturers worldwide, collaborating on new product development. In addition to our innovative products, we provide extensive technical support and training services to ensure the proper installation, operation, service, and maintenance of Hendrickson equipment and aftermarket components. Our ‘Innovation Built In’ philosophy extends throughout our global network of operations and employees. We are committed to serving the transportation industry with cost-effective ride solutions that enhance productivity and profitability”.

Hendrickson India’s commitment to innovation and advanced technology is evident in the unique features and patented technologies incorporated into their products for Trucks and Trailers. As Mohit Khosla, Whole-time Director & Chief Executive Officer for India & Middle East, states, “We are happy to introduce these cutting-edge products in the Indian market. In India, we are committed to continual improvement, ensuring customer trust and safety. We have gained the trust of OEMs, fleets, and owner-operators, thanks to our advanced innovative patented technologies. We are rapidly transitioning into India’s leading axle and suspension system manufacturing company for truck and trailer applications. With the introduction of our new Air and Mechanical Suspensions, we reaffirm our dedication to delivering rugged, high-performance, and cost-effective solutions. These products offer outstanding ride quality and control for various types of trailers on Indian roads, including flatbeds, containers, tankers, bulkers, sidewall trailers, and tip trailers. These suspensions will be manufactured locally as part of the Make in India initiative of the Government of India and will be the lightest systems in the market offering unmatched payload and operating efficiency advantages to their customers. Especially designed and applicated to the Indian terrain, these suspensions exemplify our unwavering commitment to excellence and our mission to drive technology, design, and innovation in the commercial transportation industry.

The Indian market currently witnesses an annual demand of about 40,000 trailers, with mechanical suspensions accounting for about 70% of the market share. The migration to air suspensions has commenced and will gain momentum as the road infrastructure continues to grow and customer expectations demand the adoption of new technologies.

To cater to this growing market, Hendrickson in India is introducing a dual brand strategy of bringing premium products under the Hendrickson brand and cost-effective, locally manufactured products under the Watson & Chalin brand. These options will offer solutions to a wide base of customers all having different business challenges that need to be addressed.”

Hendrickson Severe Duty Suspension (HSDS®):  Premium Suspension Delivering Rugged Performance and Outstanding Reliability with Un-matched Ride Quality for Indian Roads

Since its introduction in 2011 on Indian roads, the HSDS® system has been a premium and trusted solution for various heavy-duty trailer applications, including flatbed, containers, tankers, bulkers, sidewalls, and tip trailers. The HSDS® system incorporates a very lightweight design, enabling the highest payloads and offering maximum reliability and durability. The HSDS system comes in capacities varying from 12T to 14T for the Indian market.

The HSDS system uses a Tyre Inflation and Deflation System (Tiremaax Pro), which increases tyre life by maintaining optimal tyre pressure without human interface. This feature significantly reduces operational costs and increases productivity.

With long recommended service intervals, the HSDS® system minimizes vehicle downtime. The HSDS® system incorporates premium shock absorbers and large-diameter air springs, providing superior suspension performance, stability, and load-carrying capability. These components contribute to a comfortable and controlled ride.

The HSDS system uses patented Tri-FUNCTIONAL bushings, which play a vital role in providing ride stability and ride quality. By enhancing durability and minimizing wear, these bushings contribute to the bottom line of customers by reducing maintenance costs.

TA 14 – Heavy Duty Air Suspension

The TA 14 Heavy Duty Air suspension is designed for Indian applications keeping in mind the Indian road conditions and the changing face of infrastructure in India.  This suspension comes in Top and Low Mount variants offering numerous options to the customers based on their application requirements. This suspension is the lightest suspension system amongst its peers in the market and offers higher payload capability. 

Its technologically advanced design coupled with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes (including friction welding and robotic welding) results in a superior ride quality for drivers and minimum vibrations to cargo. The TA 14 Heavy Duty Air Suspension offers high reliability, and durability contributing to reduced vehicle downtime, minimum maintenance requirements, and best-in-class operational efficiency. This suspension system features dynamically balanced brake drums, enhancing tyre life and ensuring optimal braking performance.

This suspension has been applicated to operate in the harshest of operating conditions and is suitable for various applications including flatbeds, containers, tankers, bulkers, sidewalls, and tip trailers.

Single Axle – Heavy Duty Trailer Axle

The Single Axle is a high-quality axle designed for Indian and global markets. This Single Axle can be coupled with any Air and Tandem or Tridem Mechanical Suspension system, providing a reliable solution for various applications.

The Single Axle is manufactured using a high-strength alloy steel tube, ensuring better durability and long service life. The Single Axle uses friction welded spindles (a manufacturing practice only adopted by Hendrickson and Watson & Chalin in India for Trailer axles) which results in the lowest weight and superior product life. This Single Axle comes with AIS 113 certified brake liners, meeting industry standards for braking performance and ensuring safer operation.

The Single Axle uses a patented dust filter technology for extended wheel end life, and dynamically balanced brake drums for increased tyre life. It includes an outboard drum for easier servicing and heavy-duty bearings for reliable performance in demanding conditions.  

MS 16 – Heavy Duty Mechanical Suspension

The MS 16 Heavy Duty Mechanical Suspension is rated at 16T capacity and is designed to meet the diverse needs of on-road and off-road applications offering exceptional load-carrying capability and performance. The MS 16 Suspension is available in tandem and tridem configurations and features a heavy-duty leaf spring assembly. Its robust construction ensures optimal performance and durability.

The MS 16 Suspension is manufactured with cost-effective, locally manufactured, high-quality components such as equalizers with thicker side plates and highly durable polyurethane bushes in the torque arm. These features contribute to low maintenance costs, reduced downtime, and increase operational efficiency.

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