Henkel, a global leader in adhesive technologies, has announced the opening of a state-of-the-art Application Engineering Center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and plans to establish a new manufacturing facility for electronics adhesives in Kurkumbh, near Pune. These moves underscore Henkel’s commitment to innovation, localization, and supporting India’s rapidly growing electronics industry.
The Chennai center, spanning 17,000 square feet, is strategically located in Tamil Nadu, a major hub for global electronics manufacturing. It features five specialized labs dedicated to advanced adhesive solutions and thermal management materials, which are critical for enhancing the durability, reliability, and design of devices like smartphones and wearables. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as advanced dispensing systems and vacuum impregnation for waterproofing, the center will accelerate new product introductions (NPIs) and reduce time-to-market for customers.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Kurkumbh plant will focus on producing high-performance adhesives and coatings tailored to the electronics sector. The facility will incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies to improve operational efficiency, product quality, and supply chain resilience.
Supporting India’s Electronics Growth
India’s electronics market is poised for significant expansion, driven by government initiatives like Make in India and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. Henkel’s investments align with these trends, aiming to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and meet the increasing demand for innovative solutions.
“India is emerging as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, and Henkel is proud to reinforce its Make in India commitment,” said S Sunil Kumar, Country President – India, Henkel. “Our new facilities in Chennai and Kurkumbh will enhance regional self-sufficiency, support supply chain resilience, and enable us to better serve our global customers while fostering long-term partnerships.”
A Global Innovation Partner
The Chennai center joins Henkel’s network of innovation sites across Germany, the US, China, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This global footprint positions Henkel as a key partner for electronics manufacturers worldwide.
Wen Zhou, Corporate Vice President – Electronics, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, emphasized the company’s customer-centric approach. “We’ve had a strong presence in India for years, and as our customers expand, we are enhancing our local capabilities to provide faster NPI and product validation support,” Zhou said.
Henkel’s Global and Local Impact
Henkel is a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, with its Consumer Brands division also dominating markets in laundry, home care, and haircare. In 2023, the company reported sales of over €21.5 billion and an adjusted operating profit of approximately €2.6 billion.
In India, Henkel operates through two entities: Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited and Henkel Anand India Private Limited, a joint venture with Anand Group. The adhesive technologies division focuses on B2B operations, while the consumer business is active in the haircare segment.
Henkel’s adhesive technology business in India includes four manufacturing sites, two innovation centers, a customer experience center, and specialized academies for flexible packaging and sports & fashion. The company employs over 1,300 people in the country.
Sustainability and Legacy
Sustainability is a core part of Henkel’s strategy, with clear goals to reduce its environmental impact. Founded in 1876, the company employs around 48,000 people globally, united by its purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.”
With these new investments, Henkel is well-positioned to support India’s electronics sector while driving innovation and sustainability in the region.
