Antunes Nadi Manufacturing India, a joint venture between US-based Antunes, manufacturer of filtration systems and cooking equipment, and Chennai-based NADI Group will expand its India operations with a new manufacturing unit in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Further, it will strengthen its capabilities to develop new products and serve export markets.

The JV manufactures six different types of cooking equipment targeted at commercial restaurants in India as also water filtration systems. The new facility's focus is not only for production for the Indian market but also for exports, wherein plans cover additional assembly of products, local sourcing, specifically associated with filtration products, and developing new products specifically for India, the Middle East, and Africa.

The company will procure sheet metal components and electro-mechanical parts, and other components from suppliers in India. The company will also be looking for local partners in its programme to develop new products. The localisation levels in its equipment are expected to increase from 10-15 per cent to 80 per cent and more in the coming years.

The India facility is the second overseas unit of the US company, which set up its first overseas unit in China in 2003. The strategic expansion is in view of the growing opportunity in the quick service restaurant (QSR) market.

The JV, which started its operations in 2019 at Madhavaram near Chennai further expanded to a 9,000 sq. ft. unit, has set up a new 40,000 sq. ft. space at Hiranandani Industrial Park, Ponneri in Chennai. It favours the Chennai location due to local infrastructure, proximity to ports, and commitment of workforce in the city.