Freudenberg India, a technology group based in Germany, has announced the expansion of its Freudenberg Training Centre in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. The expansion includes the construction of a new extension and a new auditorium, with the existing auditorium to be converted into a computer lab focused on digital and computer-based vocational courses. The new facilities are scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2026.
The company has invested over INR 400 million in the training centre over the past 16 years. The expansion aims to attract more women students and provide them with vocational skills for employment opportunities. The Freudenberg Training Centre, established in 2008, offers training in welding, fitting, machining, motor mechanics, and electrical work. The centre has trained more than 1,400 students, some of whom have been employed by companies such as Hyundai Motor India, Simpson Group, and TVS Motor Co, while others have started their own businesses in the region.
The 28-acre campus is staffed by 18 educators and led by Principal Dr Chitrakala Mohan. The expansion plan was initiated with a foundation stone-laying ceremony attended by Esther Maria Loidl, Chief Human Resources Officer, Freudenberg & Co. and member of the company’s global management board.
“It’s a pleasure and privilege to lay the foundation for further expansion of our largest CSR initiative in India – the Freudenberg Training centre in Nagapattinam. The institute’s growth affirms the visionary decision in 2008 to support the region’s rebuilding by empowering its young people with the right vocational skills. We look forward to investing and supporting the institute to grow further in its noble mission to power the aspirations of the needy in this region.” said Loidl.
“I am immensely proud to see the growth of the institute to where it is today. This reaffirms many of the core values of the Freudenberg group – long-term commitment, proactive and responsible action, among others. I would like to credit the Principal and her faculty who have been instrumental in ensuring the delivery of quality education to the local youth. They have been constantly innovating and adding to the courses and teaching pedagogy to what it provides is needed in the industry.” said G Sivasailam, Director & CEO, Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India & Managing Director, Freudenberg Performance Materials India.
“It has been a great journey leading this visionary initiative for 7 years. The whole-hearted and passionate support we receive from the group executives in India and at the global HQ has been pivotal to whatever we’ve been able to accomplish so far. The foundation laying today and the other initiatives in the pipeline will help us expand sustainable community development through world-class vocational education, which sees local youth gainfully employed with leading companies in India.” said Dr Mohan.
Freudenberg Group is a technology company that operates across approximately 40 markets and develops products such as seals, vibration control components, technical textiles, filters, batteries, fuel cells, specialty chemicals, and medical products. In 2024, the company employed over 52,000 people in around 60 countries and reported sales nearing EUR 12 billion. In India, Freudenberg operates 11 production sites and employs more than 3,000 people across over 20 locations.
