Mahindra opens aero & electronics JV facility in India

Telephonics Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffon Corp., announced that their joint venture partnership, Mahindra Telephonics Integrated Systems (Mahindra Telephonics), has opened the first private sector aerospace and electronics joint venture manufacturing facility in India.

The facility, located in the city of Prithla, a 45 minute drive from Delhi, officially opened today and represents an important milestone for India’s rapidly expanding private defense industry. The business will focus on the development and manufacture of leading-edge radar technology. Initial production of the first proprietary products commenced at the facility in December 2013.

Telephonics’ long-standing and highly respected OEM customer base has shown particularly keen interest in partnering with Mahindra Telephonics on the development and execution of offset programs in India.

“Telephonics’ combination of world-class technology and manufacturing capabilities, combined with Mahindra’s renowned manufacturing, corporate governance, and market presence are proving to be very compelling for our customers in the U.S. and Europe,” explained Telephonics President and CEO, Mr. Joseph Battaglia. “Our joint venture has also begun planning for additional development facilities, including a larger manufacturing facility and the development of an outdoor radar and antenna test range.”

Mr. Melvin French, Mr. S.P. Shukla, Mr. HJ Kamath and Mr. Joseph Battaglia (l-r) inaugurate the new Mahindra Telephonics facility in Prithla, India

Sharing Mr. Battaglia’s enthusiasm, Mr. S.P. Shukla, President – Group Strategy & Defence Sector & Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. stated, “The opening of the Prithla facility is a critical step in transitioning American defense manufacturing capabilities to India. Being able to support Ministry of Defence requirements locally in India provides a multitude of benefits, including cost efficiencies, decreased turnaround times, and enhanced logistical support.” He further added that “Mahindra Defence Systems will now have a 3-dimensional capability encompassing the land, sea, and air domains. Synergies between the different defence and Mahindra Group companies will also be leveraged.”

Mahindra Telephonics plans robust participation at Defexpo 2014 in New Delhi, February 6-9, where they will showcase radar, mobile surveillance, and communications technologies.