Kirloskar to invest ₹3,000 crore in Karnataka: M. B. Patil

Roadshow in Pune; discussions held with several industrialists

Pune, Nov 4: Kirloskar Ferrous Industries will invest ₹3,000 crore in its Hiriyuru plant in Karnataka over the next three years. Alongside, several major firms including Wipro PARI, Atlas Copco, Bel-Rise Industries, Finolex, and Fluid Controls Limited have shown interest in investing in the state. Industries Minister M. B. Patil said on Tuesday that these companies, which are ready to bring in new investments, will be extended full support from the government in terms of land, infrastructure, and other facilities.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Department of Industries and Commerce, the minister conducted a roadshow in Pune and held discussions with several prominent industrialists regarding investment opportunities in Karnataka.

After the meetings, Minister Patil said that Kirloskar Ferrous already has a unit at Hiriyuru in Chitradurga district and plans to upgrade it. The company intends to start sponge pipe production and enhance the capacity of its steel manufacturing unit. It will also increase iron ore processing and modernise its foundry operations.

Highlighting the company’s contribution to the local economy, the minister noted that nearly 99% of its employees are Kannadigas. “This will further strengthen regional economic growth and promote inclusive development,” he said. Kirloskar has also been contributing 2% of its profits to its CSR fund for over 20 years, with a focus on improving healthcare facilities in rural areas, he added.

Wipro PARI has already set up an electronic copper laminate manufacturing unit in Karnataka. Construction began two days ago at the KIADB industrial area in Adinarayana Hosahalli, near Doddaballapura. The company also plans to establish a Smart Robotics Laboratory there, the minister explained.

Sweden-based Atlas Copco, known for sustainable industrial manufacturing, had acquired Bengaluru-headquartered HHV Pumps in 2021. The company now plans to expand its production operations in Karnataka. The state delegation briefed its senior executives on Karnataka’s industry-friendly environment and policies, Minister Patil said.

Bel-Rise Industries, which has made a mark in the aerospace and defence sectors, already operates units at Narsapura in Kolara and Beluru Industrial Area in Dharawada. The company recently acquired H-One Private Limited and has sought 25 acres of land in Mysuru to expand its operations. This proposal will be reviewed, Minister Patil stated.

Finolex, known for its PVC pipes and fittings, is expected to set up a unit in Karnataka, according to the minister. Meanwhile, Fluid Controls Limited has proposed an investment of ₹90 crore and has requested five acres of land, which will be allotted soon, he assured.

The minister also held detailed discussions with Vipul Tandon (CEO, Wipro PARI), Sripad Ramanathan (CFO, Wipro PARI), Shrikant Badwe (Managing Director, Bel-Rise Industries), Dr. Tanasan Chaudhary (CEO, Fluid Controls Ltd.), and Udeepth Agarwal (Managing Director, Finolex Industries). The government delegation included Dr. Selvakumar, Principal Secretary of the Industries Department, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industries and Commerce, among others.

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