What does Arkel’s new Gujarat manufacturing facility mean for lift electronics production in India, import dependence, safety compliance, and domestic supply chains?
Arkel Electronic India has opened a new lift control systems manufacturing facility at the GIDC estate in Savli-Manjusar, Vadodara, Gujarat, following an initial investment of around ₹1 billion in the first phase.
The plant is intended to expand domestic production of lift electronics and reduce reliance on imports, in line with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ programme.
The facility will manufacture lift electronic control systems that comply with the IS 17900 safety standard, including control panels for machine-room (MR), machine-room-less (MRL) and compact installations.
The company said the plant marks its move into local manufacturing of advanced lift electronics, a segment it previously supplied through imports and marketing operations.
Production at the Vadodara unit will include automated printed-circuit board (PCB) assembly lines and semi-automatic control panel lines. The company expects the plant to have an annual capacity of about 36,000 units in a single shift.
The facility spans 135,000 sq ft (almost 12541.91 square metres) and operates under controlled conditions for temperature, humidity, cleanliness and electrostatic discharge management.
Arkel said the locally manufactured systems are intended for use in residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects, including airports, railway stations and urban redevelopment schemes. The company also plans to increase local sourcing of components and adapt products to Indian operating conditions.
According to Vadiraj Katti, Managing Director of Arkel Electronic India, the investment reflects demand growth in India’s elevator market, driven by urbanisation and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the facility is expected to generate direct and indirect employment and will work with technical institutes to offer training in electronics and automation.
The plant forms part of a wider strategy to position India as a manufacturing base for regional markets. Andrea Veggian, Chief Executive of Innovalift AB, which acquired Arkel Elektrik Elektronik in January 2025, said the investment strengthens the group’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
