Tamil Nadu has signed investment agreements worth INR 32.01 billion with Knorr-Bremse, Nordex Group, and ebm-papst during Chief Minister M K Stalin’s visit to Germany. The agreements are expected to create 6,250 jobs in the state.
Knorr-Bremse, headquartered in Munich, will invest INR 20 billion in Kanchipuram and Chennai to establish a facility for railway doors and braking systems. The project is expected to generate 3,500 jobs. The company has been present in India since 1993, focusing on the rail vehicle sector as a supplier of sub-systems for rolling stock and metro trains. Its operations include a Rail Vehicle Systems division in Palwal, Haryana, along with a commercial vehicle and technology research and development centre in Pune, Maharashtra, supported by a nationwide service and support network.
The company’s product portfolio includes microprocessor-controlled braking systems for locomotives, metro cars and LHB coaches, as well as advanced door entrance systems, dampers and climate control units for railway vehicles. It also provides electronic safety systems for trucks and buses.
The Knorr-Bremse Technology Center India in Pune supports engineering, mechanical, electronics and software research and development for both rail and commercial vehicle businesses. The Palwal plant is certified under ISO and International Railway Industry Standards, enabling both domestic production and exports.
Nordex Group, based in Hamburg, will expand its existing plant in Tiruvallur district with an investment of INR 10 billion, which is projected to create 2,500 jobs. Nordex Group manufactures and installs wind turbines in India while also providing related services. It operates a major wind turbine production facility in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, supplying both domestic projects and export requirements. The company’s planned investment will address increasing renewable energy demand in India.
Ebm-papst, headquartered in Mulfingen, will expand its Global Capability Centre in Chennai and invest INR 2.01 billion over the next five years to increase manufacturing operations in the state. This investment is expected to create 250 jobs. The company manufactures electric motors, fans and ventilation systems for industries such as HVAC, automotive and commercial appliances. The company operates manufacturing and research facilities in Chennai, serving both local and international supply chains.
The Chief Minister also met senior executives of the BMW Group to discuss the company’s expansion plans in Tamil Nadu. Separately, Stalin visited the Tamil department library at Cologne University and referred to an earlier grant of INR 12.5 million provided by the Tamil Nadu government to support the department.
Tamil Nadu is among India’s most industrially developed states, with strong capabilities in automotive, railways, electronics, renewable energy and textiles. It has established itself as a hub for transport manufacturing, hosting facilities of companies including Hyundai, BMW, Ashok Leyland and Daimler.
The state also accounts for a significant portion of India’s installed wind capacity, making it an attractive base for wind turbine manufacturers such as Nordex. Tamil Nadu’s extensive network of engineering colleges and research institutions, along with a skilled workforce, industrial parks and business-friendly policies, contribute to its ability to attract investment and build supply chains.