Kemppi launches production in India

Kemppi has been operating in the Indian market since the 1970s and the brand has become well-known and valued over the years. The reasoning behind the local subsidiary and production is to improve and strengthen Kemppi’s position in one of the most rapidly growing markets in the world.

Anssi Rantasalo, CEO, Kemppi said: “We have had good co-operation with local distributors for a long time, but local production is also necessary, in order to get properly established in the Indian market.”

Staff from Kemppi’s Indian production facility have been in Finland for training and during the coming spring, the first ever machines to be manufactured at the Chennai factory will come off the production line. They will be the HiArc M400i machines for MIG/MAG welding.

By establishing a sales company and a production facility in India, Kemppi shows that it is seriously competing in this economic region with a huge market potential.

The new subsidiary enables local handling of sales, deliveries and service operations. The office premises are equipped with modern training facilities, which will be further expanded in the near future.

“We want to serve our Indian customers even better and strengthen our strategic position in the area.” Rantasalo sums up.

Kemppi India opening ceremony, puja, was held in Chennai on the 19th January 2011. The occasion was based on the Indian culture: ‘puja’ is a traditional Hindu ritual, where one can show respect to the Gods through prayers and tell about one’s dreams and wishes - and get a blessing. A Hindu Priest played an important role in the ceremony.
Left to right: Mikko Väisänen, President, Sales & Marketing, Kemppi Oy - Arvind Vasu, Managing Director, Kemppi India Private Limited - Mika Kuusela, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, in the middle, the Hindu priest - Jouko Kemppi, Chairman of the Board, Kemppi Oy - Anssi Rantasalo, Chief Executive Officer, Kemppi Oy - Jari Vaerma, Sales Manager, Kemppi Oy