New Delhi factory for Claas combines
New Delhi factory for Claas combines
CLAAS now operates a combine harvester factory in Faridabad near New Delhi as its own subsidiary, replacing a previous arrangement which saw combine production handled by a joint venture company, Escorts-Claas-Ltd (ECL) by Claas KGaA and Escorts Ltd.
The German company has taken a 60% share from Escorts, a company which claims to be one of the largest manufacturing groups in India.
Machines produced at the factory include tracked combines developed for use on wet ground conditions in rice growing regions.
With output approaching 300 combines a year, Claas also considers South Korea and China to be increasingly important markets.
"The factory will enable Claas to achieve a stronger growth rate and presence throughout Asia," says director of finance Rudiger A Gunther. "With its population of 1bn increasing by 3% every year, India is a very important market which Claas set its sights on at early stage."
lIn 2001 Claas achieved a turnover of k1.15bn and profits of k38m. In the first half of this year, turnover is reported to have risen by 23% when compared with the same period last year. *