Brands
Schaeffler India shifts gears with fifth manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu
MUMBAI: Schaeffler India has added another cog to its Indian manufacturing playbook with the inauguration of its fifth production facility, this time in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. Spread across 108,000 square metres, the first phase covers 16,500 sqm and is projected to reach full production by Q4 of calendar year 2025. The new facility will manufacture powertrain and chassis components for both conventional and hybrid vehicles, with a strong nod to emerging e-mobility demand.
The ribbon-cutting was led by top brass from Germany and India, including Georg F. W Schaeffler, Matthias Zink, Eranti Sumithasri, and Harsha Kadam. The move underscores the company’s bullishness on India’s auto sector and aligns with its long-term localisation and growth strategy.
Powertrain CEO & Schaeffler AG chassis, Matthias Zink called the Indian market “a key growth engine”, adding, “The new facility is a significant step in our efforts to expand our global manufacturing footprint and further localisation in the region”.
The Shoolagiri unit will roll out key systems like planetary gears and hybrid transmission components. According to Schaeffler India MD & CEO Harsha Kadam, “This expansion enables us to cater not just to today’s local markets but also to future needs as we transition towards E-mobility”. He noted that the plant will play a critical role in the company’s ‘Make in India’ commitment and sustainable operations model.
Over the past three years (2022–2024), Schaeffler India has invested Rs 1,700 crore—exceeding its original commitment of Rs 1,500 crore—to scale local operations. This includes manufacturing capabilities for e-mobility and large bearings for industrial use. The new facility joins four existing plants and three R&D centres in India.
Schaeffler has also made inroads into the digital aftermarket. In 2023, it acquired KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd (Koovers), a B2B e-commerce platform, strengthening its digital footprint in automotive parts.
Sustainability has been baked into the factory’s design. The Shoolagiri plant features rainwater harvesting, zero liquid discharge, natural lighting, battery-powered equipment, and LED lighting. It also integrates ergonomic workspaces and aims to foster a diverse workforce under a broader green manufacturing vision.
Kadam added, “We remain committed to strengthening capabilities in India with our ever-evolving motion technology portfolio to seize emerging opportunities and retain our competitive edge”.
Brands
Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
