Henkel sets its focus on Indian market

March 11, 2015 12:00 pm

Our strategy to maintain and grow our business in India is on the foundation of our corporate values and achieving our long-term vision.
 Henkel Adhesive Technologies India, a subsidiary of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Germany, inaugurated the Henkel Flexible Packaging Academy in Mumbai. On the sidelines of the inaugural event, Jeremy Hunter speaks to Subhajit Roy and highlights the company’s commitments to the Indian market.
Globally, Henkel is one of the leading players in adhesives. Could you explain about your Indian business as far as adhesives are concerned?Henkel is the world market leader in the adhesive technologies business providing tailor-made solutions worldwide with adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. The adhesive products in India provide solutions for a whole spectrum from manufacturing anaerobic adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, silicone sealants, polymer composites, solvent based, solvent free to cold seal laminating. These are used in diverse segments ranging from electronics, automotive, aerospace, packaging to biomedical industries. Well-known brands in India include Loctite, Technomelt, Teroson, Bonderite and Aquence.
How much have you invested in India until now? Do you have new investment plans?Henkel has grown in India through acquisitions and partnerships. We have invested in manufacturing facilities located at Chennai, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Parwanoo, Pune, Sitarganj and Tarapur with warehouses and offices across the country.
India has been a focus market and our commitment to R&D and technology leadership resulted in investments in Henkel India Innovation Centre, Pune and Flexible Packaging Academy, Mumbai in recent past.
Are there any expansion plans in terms of manufacturing facilities for adhesives?We look at India with a long-term perspective as it is a high potential market for us and hence we are always open to expanding our infrastructure and facilities here. Expansion plans would continue to be driven by demand, growth potential and existing capacity utilisation factors.
How does Henkel Adhesives plan to maintain its position in India?Our strategy to maintain and grow our business in India is on the foundation of our corporate values and achieving our long-term vision for Henkel: to become a global leader in brands and technologies. 
In order to steer the focus of the entire organisation toward our strategy and ensure its successful implementation, we have defined four strategic priorities: We will ‘outperform’ our competition as a ‘globalised’ company with ‘simplified’ operations and a highly ‘inspired’ team.