Japan’s manufacturing giant Hitachi Construction Machinery plans to set up a Global Development Centre in Hubballi–Dharwad, Karnataka, creating employment for 200 engineers by 2027.

The move reflects Hitachi’s decision to choose Dharwad over rival international destinations, including Southeast Asia, reaffirming the region’s growing importance in the company’s global strategy. The announcement came during a meeting in Tokyo between Hitachi officials and a Karnataka delegation led by Industries Minister M B Patil. Officials highlighted that the Dharwad unit has already evolved into a critical export hub, catering to markets across West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The state government underscored Karnataka’s investor-friendly environment and showcased opportunities under the new Industrial Policy, which includes targeted incentives for co-locating R&D and manufacturing. Hitachi’s latest commitment is expected to strengthen the Dharwad facility’s role as a technological and engineering hub, supporting both domestic operations and international market demands, while aligning with Karnataka’s industrial growth ambitions.