Arkel India has opened a manufacturing facility with a Phase one investment of Rs one bn at the GIDC Estate in Savli-Manjusar, Vadodara, to reduce import dependency through local production of lift electronic systems. The technology-driven unit will produce high-quality lift control electronics compliant with the new IS 17900 standard. The company said the plant marks its first transition from marketing to manufacturing of advanced lift electronic systems.

The plant will host automated printed circuit board assembly lines and semi-automatic MR control panel lines to manufacture integrated lift control systems including MR, MRL and slim panels. Products will incorporate IoT-enabled technologies to deliver energy efficiency, durability and precision control. The solutions are intended for high-rise residential and commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, retail complexes and transit hubs.

The company expects the facility to support infrastructure and real estate growth in India, supplying projects such as airports, railway stations, urban redevelopment schemes and smart city initiatives. It also anticipates generating direct and indirect employment and will collaborate with industrial training institutes, polytechnics and engineering colleges to provide apprenticeships and upskilling in electronics and automation. Management highlighted that India is among the fastest-growing elevator markets with annual demand exceeding 100,000 units, driven by rapid urbanisation and programmes such as Smart Cities, AMRUT and PMAY.

The expansion follows acquisition of Arkel by Innovalift AB, Sweden, and is projected to strengthen Arkel's position as a manufacturing and export hub for Asia-Pacific markets while reinforcing long-term commitment to India. The site spans 135,000 sq ft and has capacity to produce about 36,000 units annually in a single shift, with controlled management of temperature, humidity, cleanliness and electrostatic discharge. The electronic manufacturing setup is intended to meet global quality standards while addressing local requirements for reliable vertical mobility.