The Hindu Business Line : OLHO Technik to set up manufacturing facility in Coimbatore

OLHO Technik, which is into design and development of plastic injection moulding parts for car interiors, is looking to set up a manufacturing facility in Coimbatore.

The Chairman and promoter of OLHO Group Mr Lothar Oleff is in the city to oversee the company's India operations.

Speaking to Business Line, he said the company's Indian arm — OLHO Technik India Private Ltd - was a subsidiary of OLHO Group, Germany. "We commenced operations here in July last. We are now trying to identify a land for setting up our manufacturing facility to cater to the South East Asian market."

He said the company was started in the mid-60s as a small machine tool shop at Lohne in Germany. "We now have four manufacturing plants in Germany, one each at Brazil, Portugal and Czech Republic. India would be added to this list soon. At present, we have an office here and in the UK," he said.

He expects the India facility to take to production within the next two to three years. The company is trying to acquire 8-10 acres for this purpose.

OLHO (India) plans to open an office in the northern part of the country as well.

"Our revenues have touched $180 million. We are expecting this to increase further, consequent to our foray into the Czech Republic."

The company has 120 injection-moulding machines and five painting lines.

"We have 12 main products, which include the plastic air-condition panel, ash-tray, cup holder etc. But if all our products (including the plastic sockets) were put together, it will cross a hundred. OLHO is an automobile OEM, supplying to Volkswagen , BMW, Ford, Bentley , Jaguar, Lancer, Mercedes Benz etc."

To a query, he said, "We will go to China, but not now. Our resources are limited. But India is an important market for us. You have skilled manpower."

OLHO Technik has not ruled out any takeover bids to expand its operations, though not at present.