Bengaluru: German packaging and bottling equipment major Krones on Wednesday inaugurated its new manufacturing facility at Vemagal Industrial Area (60 kms from Bengaluru) in Kolar district, marking the company’s latest expansion in India and adding to Karnataka’s growing manufacturing base.Industries minister M B Patil inaugurated the facility, which has been established on 30 acres with an investment of Rs 315 crore. Spread across 16,000 sq metres, the plant was completed in 18 months and is expected to generate around 400 jobs.“After our govt assumed office, we approved Krones’ investment proposal in October 2024 and allotted 30 acres of land to the company. Subsequently, the ground-breaking ceremony for the facility was performed on February 20, 2025. In just 18 months, this impressive facility has come up. This is a remarkable achievement and sends a positive message to investors,” Patil said. He had also visited the company’s headquarters in Neutraubling, Germany.The Vemagal facility will manufacture bottling and packaging equipment for the Indian market, including Krones’ ErgoBloc systems and machinery used to produce different types of bottles. The company says its ErgoBloc L technology can integrate stretch blow moulding, labelling, filling and capping and handle up to 100,000 containers an hour.The company already has an established presence in India, including Krones India’s operations and training facilities in Bengaluru. Krones has also supplied bottling and packaging technology to Indian beverage companies, including Coca-Cola bottler Moon Beverages.Patil said Krones employs about 21,000 people globally and recorded a turnover of $5.65 billion last year. “Vemagal and Kolar, located close to Bengaluru, have immense potential for industrial growth. Companies should come forward to provide employment opportunities to local youth commensurate with their educational qualifications,” he said.Designated German Consul General Christoph Dorschfeldt, Krones COO Ralf Goldbrunner, managing director Thomas Woolfer and KIADB officials were present during the inauguration.
