Arkel India has opened a new lift control manufacturing plant at the GIDC Estate in Savli-Manjusar, Vadodara, marking a Phase one investment of Rupees (Rs) one bn. The technology-driven unit will locally manufacture high-quality lift electronic systems to reduce import dependency and to supply products that comply with the new IS 17900 standard. The company described the facility as its entry into advanced lift electronics manufacturing after previously mainly marketing such systems.

The plant will house automated PCB assembly lines and semi-automatic MR control panel lines to produce integrated lift control systems including MR, MRL and slim panels. These systems will incorporate IoT-enabled smart technologies offering energy efficiency, durability and precision control, and are targeted at high-rise residential, commercial, healthcare and retail developments as well as transit hubs and infrastructure projects. The company added that products will support airports, railway stations, urban redevelopment and smart city initiatives.

Spread across 135,000 sq ft, the facility has the capacity to manufacture approximately 36,000 units annually in a single shift, with fully controlled temperature, humidity, cleanliness and electrostatic discharge management systems in the electronic manufacturing setup. The plant is expected to generate direct and indirect employment and the company plans to collaborate with industrial training institutes, polytechnics and engineering institutes to provide apprenticeship and upskilling opportunities in electronics and automation. The move reflects a global-local synergy aimed at strengthening India as a manufacturing and export hub for the Asia-Pacific region.

The company noted that India is among the fastest-growing elevator markets, with annual demand exceeding 100,000 units driven by rapid urbanisation, Smart Cities initiatives, AMRUT projects and housing developments under PMAY as well as major infrastructure expansion across metros, airports and railway redevelopment programmes. It added that Innovalift AB acquired Arkel in January 2025 and the establishment of the unit marks a strategic milestone in strengthening presence in the Asia-Pacific market.