JFE Shoji announced plans to invest INR 4 billion in a new facility to manufacture motor cores for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) in Karnataka. The company is also engaged in early-stage discussions with the state government regarding the possible revival of the defunct New Government Electrical Factory (NGEF) plant in Hubballi.
According to the company, the entire INR 4 billion investment will be allocated towards the establishment of the motor core manufacturing plant. Land options for the project are being finalised, and the company has indicated the facility will be grounded soon. Senior executives involved in the initiative include Hiroshi Iijima, General Manager of the Machinery Division, and Hidekazu Yoshioka, Manager of the Electrical Appliances Steel Planning Division.
The potential revival of the NGEF facility in Hubballi formed part of discussions held between JFE Shoji and Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil during a recent investment mission to Japan. The company has been invited to conduct a site visit and assess the viability of a partnership. These talks remain exploratory, with no contractual commitments in place.
While the EV motor core plant is confirmed and moving toward execution, the NGEF revival project is still at the due diligence stage. Both developments come amid a wider stream of Japanese investment in Karnataka following discussions held between the state government and industry representatives in September 2025.
JFE Shoji, headquartered in Japan, is engaged in the trading and manufacturing of steel products, machinery, and related industrial goods. The company operates globally with a focus on supplying components to the automotive, electrical, and infrastructure sectors.
