Nidec expands India footprint with launch of Orchard hub manufacturing campus in Hubli, Karnataka

Economic Times

11-06-2025

Nidec Corporation ('Nidec'), a global leader in electric motors, generators, renewable energy solutions, and industrial machinery, has officially inaugurated its advanced manufacturing campus, Orchard Hub, in the Kotur-Belur industrial area of Hubli-Dharwad, Karnataka. The event marks the beginning of machinery and equipment installation across all six plants, setting the stage for production to begin later this year.The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. M. B. Patil, Honourable Cabinet Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, along with Mr.Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy. With Mr.Nakane Tsutomu, Consul General of Japan in Bangalore and Mr.Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bangalore, also in attendance, the milestone celebrated Orchard Hub's significance at both regional and international levels. The completion of the Orchard Hub campus represents a major milestone in Nidec's ongoing expansion in India. As the company's eighth and largest manufacturing facility in the country, the 50-acre campus highlights Nidec's strong commitment to regional industrial growth and India's wider economic vision.The project's groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2023, and the campus was completed in just 20 months, a testament to meticulous planning and efficient execution. With the inauguration now complete, Nidec will begin the installation of plant machinery and equipment, with production expected to commence later this year.The Orchard Hub campus is poised to become a key manufacturing center serving multiple high-growth sectors, including generators for data centers, wind turbine generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for renewable energy, electric vehicle motors, controllers, and EV chargers for clean mobility, as well as high-efficiency motors, drives, and system solutions across various industries. Built on Nidec's 3Q6S lean manufacturing principles and equipped with advanced automation, the facility is committed to delivering world-class products for customers worldwide. Strategically located, the campus is designed to provide innovative solutions and outstanding service to both domestic and global markets. In line with its sustainability goals, Nidec plans to make the Orchard Hub campus carbon-neutral by 2028 through the adoption of solar power, in-house microgrid systems, and BESS technologies.
The facility is expected to create over 1,000 direct and 1,000 indirect employment opportunities in the region. Recruitment drives are already underway to hire diploma and ITI students from institutions in and around Hubli-Dharwad, as the company prepares to launch production.Addressing the gathering, Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy, shared his confidence and optimism - 'India's robust economic growth presents exceptional opportunities for forward-thinking companies, and Nidec is proud to be an integral part of this momentum. Under the visionary leadership of our founder, Mr. Shigenobu Nagamori, we continue to expand our presence across the country. Nidec remains deeply committed to India's progress. Mr. Nagamori's visionary leadership has been instrumental in bringing the Orchard Hub to life, demonstrating Nidec's dedication to shaping India's growth story.''With an investment of $55 million, the Orchard Hub project serves as a cornerstone of our 'India for India' and 'India for Exports' strategy. The inauguration of the Orchard Hub Campus marks not only a significant milestone in this endeavour but also a defining chapter in Nidec's journey in India. This facility represents more than an investment in infrastructure; it reflects our commitment to people, innovation, and enduring partnerships. The Orchard Hub stands as a testament to our vision of fostering local innovation, generating employment, and delivering sustainable, zero-emission solutions tailored to India's unique needs.'President and Country Managing Director Girish D Kulkarni added: 'We are proud to establish our new state-of-the-art facility in Hubli, Karnataka, as a testament to our long-term commitment to the Indian market. This campus is not merely a physical space - It represents the future of Nidec in India: a hub for innovation, collaboration, and excellence. This marks an exciting time for all of us, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teams and to the Government of Karnataka for their unwavering support. We look forward to working together as we continue contributing to the sustainable development of the region.'With the launch of Orchard Hub, Nidec strengthens its global manufacturing footprint while aligning with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. This development reinforces the company's role in advancing sustainable industrial growth both in India and worldwide.
About Nidec Corporation
Nidec Corporation is the world's leading electric motor manufacturer with 2024 revenues of over $17 billion. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec is a global company comprised of over 300 group companies and 100,000 employees with operations in more than 40 countries. A pioneer in electrification, Nidec is integral as a world-class global technology provider, localised manufacturer, and development partner in industries ranging from information technology, automotive, appliance, commercial, and industrial machinery. Nidec enables positive global change through innovative problem-solving.
For more information, visit Nidec's website here. at www.nidec.com.
About Nidec Motion & Energy
Nidec Motion & Energy, a Business Unit of Nidec Corporation, is a trusted development partner in multiple high-growth spaces, including industrial automation, vehicle electrification, and electrical infrastructure, providing world-class technology, support, and localised manufacturing to support industry leaders across the globe. With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, it employs over 13,000 individuals around the world in more than 40 countries.