The joint venture is expected to support India’s ambitions to build a robust domestic ecosystem for semiconductor and solar manufacturing
MEL Systems and Services (MELSS), an engineering and technology solutions provider catering to the electronics, aerospace, and defence sectors, has entered into a joint venture with US-based Valtech Corporation to strengthen India’s supply chain for semiconductor and solar power manufacturing.
The new entity, MELSS Valtech Ltd, will establish a manufacturing facility in Chennai to produce speciality chemicals and plastic products used in the production of solar cells and semiconductor devices. These critical materials are currently not manufactured domestically and are largely imported.
N. Ramachandran, Executive Chairman of MELSS, said the venture aligns with India’s growing focus on semiconductor fabrication (fabs) and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facilities. He added that the company aims to begin production by October, with the initial phase requiring relatively low capital investment. The JV also plans to prioritize local sourcing wherever possible.
Founded as part of the Murugappa Group, MELSS became an independent entity in 1995. The company has diversified operations including global sourcing of semiconductor equipment, factory automation, digital transformation solutions, development of automatic test equipment, and simulation systems for railways and defence applications.
Valtech Corporation brings expertise as a global manufacturer of speciality chemicals used across industries such as photovoltaics, semiconductors, precision optics, medical devices, and LED manufacturing. Its products play a key role in silicon wafer processing, including ingot mounting, slicing, and precision cleaning.
The joint venture is expected to support India’s ambitions to build a robust domestic ecosystem for semiconductor and solar manufacturing while reducing dependence on imports.
