Perkins to build engines in India

Starting in 2013, Caterpillar subsidiary Perkins will manufacture 4000 Series engines at a new plant to be built in India.

Initially, the facility to be located in Shendra industrial area in Aurangabad will turn out up to 3,000 engines per year, says Perkins, adding that capabilities for future expansion can increase output to 5,000 units. The workforce will grow from 60 employees this year to approximately 450 when production begins.

In line with the Perkins strategy of manufacturing closer to its customers, the India plant will serve a growing demand to power diesel- and gas-powered generators in Asian markets, the engine maker says. The move to build there follows parent company Caterpillar’s decision to invest $150 million in the new plant.

“We have been working with a number of OEMs here for many years, and now we have the chance to develop that relationship,” says Richard Cotterell, Perkins general manager, large engines. “The 4000 Series is a proven range of powerful engines, and coupled with the Perkins brand, which is well known and respected, there is strong demand from our Asian customers for this product. The new facility will allow us to better meet the demand for the engine from the Asian markets by shortening lead times.”

The 4000 Series is a range of 6-, 8-, 12- and 16-cylinder diesel and spark-ignited-gas engines. The latest introduction, the 4016-61TRG model producing up to 2,680 horsepower for standby applications, is the most powerful unit ever produced by Perkins.

The United Kingdom home facility of Perkins will concentrate on supplying 4000 Series customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America. A company plant in Griffin, Georgia produces the smaller 400 Series engines.