'We want to be a powerhouse for power products in India'.

Battery maker Base Industries has embarked on a major expansion drive by setting up a new plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

The company plans to enter newer segments such as supplies to original equipment manufacturers in the auto sector and step up exports. The new plant, slated for commissioning by June this year, will enable the company to significantly expand its presence in the domestic market.

In an interview with Business Line, Girish Arora, Chairman and Managing Director, said the company aims to become a powerhouse for power products by introducing advanced batteries and UPS solutions. Edited excerpts: What are your plans for expansion and capital expenditure?

In the next few years, Base will grow aggressively to capture the market in India. Once the Hosur facility is ready this year, we will have a huge capacity. The plant is spread over 205 acres and is being built with an outlay of Rs.460 crore in its first phase. This will be the largest integrated battery manufacturing facility in India and Asia. The capacity of this plant will be 100 million amperes (Mah) in the first phase and can be expanded up to 250 Mah. Base is also expanding its manufacturing and R&D facility at Solan, Himachal Pradesh, which is spread over 32 acres.

The company aims to start exports to over 50 new countries this year. Base will also be able to cater to Government, defence, telecom, railways and infrastructure supplies once the Hosur factory is commissioned.

HBL