Wheels India has signed a Technical Assistance Agreement with Japan-headquartered Topy Industries for the design, development and manufacture of aluminium alloy wheels. Under the agreement, Topy will provide technical know-how and engineering support to strengthen Wheels India’s design and manufacturing capabilities in the cast aluminium wheel segment.
Wheels India entered the aluminium alloy wheel business in FY21 with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Thervoy Kandigai, near Chennai. The company initially focused on exports to the US and European aftermarket and has since shifted its attention to the domestic OEM market. It has commenced supplies to Indian OEMs including Tata Motors and Stellantis.
The company has also secured new orders from Hyundai and Volkswagen for its aluminium wheels business, with supplies expected to begin next year.
Commenting on the agreement, Srivats Ram, Managing Director, Wheels India, said that Topy Industries is a globally reputed wheel manufacturer with more than a century of experience. He noted that the partnership would bring in significant technical expertise and advanced technologies in aluminium wheels, helping Wheels India strengthen its competitive position and win new business in the segment.
He added that the agreement is also expected to open opportunities with Japanese OEMs operating in India, enabling Wheels India to expand its footprint in the alloy wheel market.
To support growing demand, Wheels India is currently expanding the annual capacity at its Thervoy Kandigai aluminium wheels plant from 5 lakh wheels to 7 lakh wheels. This expansion is expected to be completed by the end of the next quarter.
Looking ahead, the company plans a further capacity expansion to 10 lakh wheels per annum, with completion targeted by the end of FY27.
Wheels India already has an existing joint venture with Topy Industries in the steel wheels segment through WIL Car Wheels Limited, where Wheels India holds a 74 percent equity stake. This JV focuses on supplying steel wheels to Japanese OEMs in India.
Wheels India is a leading manufacturer of wheels for trucks, agricultural tractors, passenger vehicles and construction equipment, as well as air suspension systems for trucks and buses. The company also manufactures industrial components for the construction and windmill sectors, with manufacturing facilities across Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
