New Delhi: HARMAN, the Samsung Electronics–owned audio and automotive technology firm, has announced an investment of ₹345 crore (approximately USD 42 million) to expand its manufacturing operations in Chakan, Pune. The company plans to ramp up production by over 50 percent and add around 300 jobs by 2027, marking one of its largest manufacturing expansions in India to date. The company confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that the ₹345 crore investment will be deployed over the next three years. About ₹45 crore has been set aside for immediate infrastructure upgrades, while ₹300 crore will be infused in stages until 2027.
Operational since 2014, the Chakan facility produces car audio systems, infotainment units, and Telematics Control Units (TCUs) for vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Post-expansion, HARMAN expects the site to deliver close to four million audio components, 1.4 million infotainment systems, and 0.8 million TCUs annually. Company officials stated that the increased capacity will help meet the growing global demand for connected car solutions and next-generation digital cockpit technologies. The enhanced production lines will serve both Indian and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Part of a Larger Manufacturing Strategy
HARMAN’s latest move is part of its ongoing strategy to expand its manufacturing footprint in key automotive markets. The Pune facility has emerged as a central hub in its global supply chain, supporting programs in connected vehicle technologies and advanced telematics. The company said the investment also reflects confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem and aligns with government policies aimed at promoting high-value production in electronics and mobility. The expansion has been structured in accordance with the Make in India programme and complies with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, and the Companies Act, 2013. These laws regulate foreign direct investment and corporate operations of multinational subsidiaries in India.
HARMAN’s investment will fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It also supports the goals of the Automotive Mission Plan 2026, drawn up by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), which seeks to position India as a global centre for vehicle and component manufacturing. On the environmental front, HARMAN stated that sustainability remains a key priority. The Pune plant currently generates over 317,000 kWh of electricity annually from energy-efficient systems. The expansion, according to the company, will fully comply with the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and state-level norms issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board for waste disposal and emissions management.
Job Creation and Skill Development
The company plans to hire an additional 300 employees over the next two years across manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and quality functions. With these additions, the workforce at the Chakan plant is expected to exceed 1,000 personnel by 2027. HARMAN said it will collaborate with regional technical institutes to enhance skill development, ensuring a trained local workforce for the expanding operations. Industry analysts expect the project to also benefit small and medium enterprises that supply printed circuit boards, semiconductors, and other components to the plant. Following the new investment, HARMAN’s total outlay on the Pune facility will rise to ₹554 crore (USD 67 million), marking one of its largest India-based commitments.
The expansion plan was announced by Christian Sobottka, President of HARMAN Automotive, during a media interaction. Sobottka said the investment will strengthen the company’s global supply capabilities while deepening its commitment to manufacturing in India. While HARMAN did not name specific automotive partners, the plant supplies electronics and infotainment systems to several leading automobile brands across Asia, Europe, and North America. The expanded facility will enable the company to scale up deliveries for upcoming vehicle models incorporating connected and electric vehicle platforms.
Officials and industry observers in Maharashtra have welcomed HARMAN’s decision, noting its potential to boost local employment and accelerate industrial growth across the Chakan region, which already hosts several automotive and electronics manufacturers. The project is expected to have a spillover effect on regional suppliers and logistics providers. Local vendors dealing in precision engineering, PCB assembly, and packaging could see increased business as the plant’s output scales up.
HARMAN’s management has indicated that phased construction will begin soon, with initial production lines likely to go live in mid-2026 and full-scale operations targeted for 2027. Once the expansion is complete, the Pune facility is expected to play a significant role in meeting global demand for automotive electronics originating from India.
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