The Inspiring Story Of A 50 Year Old Factory That Ushered India To The Industrial Age

The first successful telegram sent from Calcutta to London by Werner von Siemens in 1867 was more than just a message. It was the founding stone to Siemens’ industrial success in India.

After Independence, India had to come out of an agrarian economy and move ahead with industrialization. This was critical because we needed to harness our manpower and get on the path of progress.

Many companies came forward and set up their factories post-independence.

But when the 1960s brought a major regulatory change, it made foreign companies hold joint ventures with Indian companies, probably in its first attempt to “Make in India”.

IBM and Coca-Cola were two big companies of the many that left.

Despite this change, one company stayed back– Siemens.

Siemens has had a long and fruitful association with India.

We’ve already spoken of the first intercontinental telegraph line set up by Siemens that connected Calcutta to London, 11,000 kilometers away!

In 1955, Siemens set up its first manufacturing plant in Mumbai.

In 1966 Siemens started its operation in Kalwa with Kalwa Motor Works.

 

Kalwa factory starts making motors in 1966

Inaugurated by Morarji Desai himself, the factory took Indian industry by storm. Orders for the German motors came pouring in. Till date, the company’s success is credited to its core value of ensuring quality.

 

Generations of quality products

Decades have passed, the technology has grown, generations have worked on the factory floors, but the commitment to quality remains the same.

 

The only Siemens facility to offer the widest range of motors

The India unit has now become the only Siemens facility globally to manufacture and offer the widest range of motors under roof.

 

1 of 2 energy efficient low voltage IE motors sold in the country are from Siemens

The factory has grown by leaps and bounds. In fact, 1 of 2 energy efficient low voltage IE motors sold in India is from Siemens.

 

The Advanced Motor Testing Centre in Kalwa has been recognized by NABL

The Advanced Motor Testing Centre at the Siemens Kalwa Factory has been bestowed with the prestigious international NABL accreditation. It’s a remarkable tag that no other factory in India has achieved.

 

Powering through difficult times

Siemens did hit a few roadblocks on the way. Despite these roadblocks, Siemens was committed to evolve and develop technologically advanced products and solutions.

 

Continuous efforts to set industry standards

Economic setbacks haven’t stopped Siemens from innovating. Their relentless efforts have strengthened the Siemens Kalwa factory, now setting benchmarks for the industry.

Siemens has come a long way from making motors in India. Siemens is one of the few multinational organizations to have more than 23 manufacturing facilities in India. Also, The Siemens Kalwa factory now houses the nation’s only Advanced Motor Test Centre in India.

Crowned as one of the oldest MNC to ever set foot in India, it has branched out into almost every engineering segment– from household electronics to healthcare. While other corporations left during tough times, Siemens powered on.

And the Siemens Kalwa factory bears true testimony to this cause.

The first company to truly help India “Make in India”!

---

This article has been brought to you in association with Siemens.