French auto components maker OP Mobility SE (formerly Plastic Omnium) plans to invest between $200–300 million (₹1,774–2,661 crore) in India over the next five years, marking its biggest commitment yet to the country’s fast-growing automobile market.
The investment will significantly expand the company’s manufacturing presence, double its factories from five to ten, and establish a new technology centre focused on engineering and innovation.
Chairman Laurent Burelle said the decision followed a “deeply inspiring” meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. “I was impressed by the Prime Minister’s clarity of vision and deep understanding of the automotive sector. His conviction about India becoming a global leader in manufacturing and mobility reinforced our confidence to accelerate investments here,” Burelle told The Economic Times.
Founded in France, the $14 billion group manufactures car exteriors, lighting systems, fuel modules, and advanced mobility components.
CEO Laurent Favre said India has become a “key pillar” of the company’s global strategy. “We plan to add five new factories in Chennai, Manesar, Aurangabad, Hansalpur, and Kharkhoda over the next five years, and expand our Pune tech centre — which will become our largest in Asia,” he said.
Currently, OP Mobility generates around $250 million annually from its Indian operations. The new investment will focus not only on expanding production but also on emerging areas such as battery systems and hydrogen energy storage, fields where the company already has global expertise.
“We believe India will play a key role in the shift toward cleaner mobility,” Favre said. “After our discussions with the Prime Minister, we’re looking to bring our hydrogen and battery storage systems to India in the next growth phase.”
With operations in 28 countries, OP Mobility earns 95% of its global revenue outside France. The upcoming Indian expansion will position the country as a key manufacturing and R&D hub — both for domestic demand and exports.
“In India, we work with nearly all major carmakers — Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Renault-Nissan, Škoda-Volkswagen, and Jaguar Land Rover,” said G.K. Sharma, Chairperson for OP Mobility India. “Our goal now is to increase our content per car as automakers seek lightweight, sustainable, and localised solutions.”
Burelle added that India today offers a “favourable climate of transparency, a strong OEM base, and a growing market.” Reflecting on the company’s early days, he said, “It wasn’t easy when we first entered India in 2007. But in the last five years, the market has matured, our business has turned profitable, and we’ve built a strong reputation. Now, we’re ready to scale faster.”
He described Prime Minister Modi as a “world statesman” with a clear vision for sustainable mobility. “It was my second meeting with him, and I left convinced that India’s growth story is only just beginning,” Burelle said.
