PUNE (TIP): Henkel Adhesive Technologies India, a subsidiary of Henkel AG & Co, has set up its first Innovation Centre in India, marking the German company’s most important investment in the region. The centre will focus on technologies and solutions for customers across the automotive and transportation industry in South Asia, West Asia and Africa. Located in the Pune auto hub, it is designed to be a one-stop solution provider to Henkel’s customer base in the region, and around 800 automotive suppliers and 20 manufacturing companies will directly benefit from it. Jeremy Hunter, President, Henkel India, said: “By 2016, Henkel expects to grow sales to 20 billion (around Rs 1.7 lakh crore today), of which, 10 billion is expected from emerging markets such as India. This innovation centre will nurture a strong mix of global expertise and local know-how to benefit customers across the region.”

The centre is equipped with customer component testing facilities, dispensing systems, application training, product development and engineering facilities, which will provide customers comprehensive adhesive solutions. For the automobile and metal industry portfolio, the laboratory is well-equipped with a simulated environment for automotive acoustic structures. The centre also has customised training assistance programmes and interactive sessions for customers. As a world leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, Henkel operates in three business areas of laundry and home care, beauty care and adhesive technologies, and has research and development centres across the world. The India centre will contribute significantly towards Henkel’s strategy 2016, which seeks higher sales from emerging markets.