Amara Raja Batteries Ltd (ARBL) has commissioned its two-wheeler battery plant in the Amara Raja Growth Corridor in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. The plant was inaugurated by George R Oliver, Chairman and CEO – Johnson Controls, whihc is in a joint venture with Amara Raja Batteries.
The first phase of the plant, which has been commissioned, will have a capacity of 5 million units. The plant will have an ultimate capacity of 17 million units with an estimated investment of Rs 700 crore, taking the total capacity for two-wheeler batteries to 29 million units. The plant will employ 1,300 people at full capacity. It is the most advanced production facility in the country, pioneering the use of advanced, punched grid-making technology for two-wheeler battery manufacturing. The technology ensures best-in-class product performance, higher productivity and improved environmental standards.
George R Oliver, Chairman & CEO, Johnson Controls, said, “I am delighted that our partnership has completed 20 successful years. I could not be more proud of this milestone in our combined history. When Johnson Controls and Amara Raja first came together in 1997, our goal was simple: deliver high-quality batteries to customers across India. By constantly innovating our products, anticipating the needs of the market and delivering value to our customers every day, we’ve certainly met our goal. This advanced battery plant heralds another path-breaking journey between the two companies for creating new milestones.”
Ramachandra N Galla, Chairman, Amara Raja Group said, “This initiative is a step forward in boosting capabilities to match global competitiveness. The advanced, high-speed assembly lines present in this plant will increase efficiencies, thereby, driving higher productivity and shorter delivery times. Johnson Controls has always supported our efforts to introduce advanced technology and innovative products.”
The plant infrastructure, too, reflects Amara Raja’s commitment to deploy energy efficient processes to minimise carbon emissions. For harnessing solar energy, the plant has also installed 2.7 MW of rooftop solar power, which generates 4.5 mn KWh of energy. The high-speed assembly lines and advanced robotic systems will help minimise human intervention, making the process highly reliable.