Karnataka has secured a series of new investments from Japanese companies across electric vehicles, steel and advanced manufacturing during state commerce and industries minister, MB Patil’s, visit to Japan.
JFE Shoji confirmed a ₹400 crore project to make motor cores for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Karnataka. “We are finalising land site options and will ground the investment soon,” company executives assured. The minister also invited JFE Shoji to explore reviving the NGEF Hubballi plant using its transformer expertise.
In order to boost the steel sector, the Sumitomo Group reaffirmed its ₹2,345 crore plan to set up a greenfield steelmaking facility in Koppal with its joint venture, Mukand Sumi Special Steel. The plant, due by 2028, will produce 3,50,000 tonnes annually and meet 95% of its energy needs from renewable sources. The company also expressed interest in biomass energy in Karnataka.
Automation leader Yaskawa announced an expansion of its motion control and drives unit in Bengaluru, while Shinko Nameplate committed ₹100 crore to a greenfield plant near Bengaluru for automotive components, including emblems, key fobs and interiors.
Cataler, associated with the Toyota Group, will invest ₹140 crore to expand its Bidadi facility by 2030, while Saginomiya expressed intent to set up a new plant in Karnataka for control devices and test systems.
“Karnataka has shown once again that it is India’s preferred destination for high-value manufacturing and innovation,” Patil said, after wrapping up meetings with leaders from JFE Shoji, Sumitomo, Yaskawa, Shinko, Cataler and Saginomiya.
