Studds has started producing helmets at their new plant – which is the largest in Asia
Studds enjoys quite the reputation when it comes to yearly sales volume. And now, the sales volumes are going to grow even higher. The two-wheeler helmet manufacturer has now started operations at its new Faridabad manufacturing facility in Haryana.
Spread over an area of over 5.5 acres, an initial investment of over Rs.160 crore has been made to set-up the largest helmet manufacturing facility in Asia. The company has invested Rs. 40 Crore in a second plant spread across 1.5 acres taking its total investment to over Rs. 200 crore for both manufacturing plants.
Combined production capacity is pegged 7.5 million motorcycle helmets, and 1.5 million bicycle helmets per annum. The larger plant has the capacity to manufacture 6 million helmets. Alongwith production of some of Studds’ most popular helmet lines, including Shifter and Thunder series, the new will also produce bicycle helmets for the domestic market.
To reach such volumes, the company will depend on economies of scale and this entails 70 percent of operations through automation. At present, operations have just started, and the company plans to ramp up production gradually. With the new plants at work, Studds will be able to double production capacity from 7 million to 14 million motorcycle helmets annually.
Recently, Studds began operations at its other manufacturing plant. It holds the distinction of being the only facility with an in-house Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) production line. Without EPS crushable foam, helmet production isn’t possible, and the input is the most important safety feature in a helmet. These facilities ensure direct employment for over 1500 individuals.
Studds manufacturing facilities in India
The automated facilities operate to bring some of the best manufacturing processes, including paint shop, moulding, visor coating, packaging and warehousing. With the new plants operational, Studds currently operates four manufacturing factories in India, all located in Faridabad, Haryana. Helmets are exported to more than 40 countries. Production at the new plant is in line with ramping up exports.
Studds is poised to introduce a new range of helmets in the ongoing fiscal. Over time, the company has also set its sight on a larger market share in India. Studds already operates the SMK brand for helmet exports, and there’ll be further development here too with exports expected to increase.
Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, Studds Accessories Ltd., said, “This is a huge milestone for all of us at STUDDS as we move forward in the post-COVID era. This step is a testament to our commitment towards Make in India, for the world, reaffirming our role as the market leaders, with integrating some of the best manufacturing practices from across globe. With the goal of expanding our production efficiency, our new plants would provide employment prospects for local citizens as well as add to the overall economic growth.”
