Press Release – Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems plans to expand beyond Chennai to meet strong sunroof demand
Published On: 23rd December, 2024
Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems plans to expand beyond Chennai to meet strong sunroof demand
∙ IGSS plans to expand with new facilities in Western and Northern auto hubs in India ∙ The planned expansion aims to support key customers Hyundai Motor India and Kia India while broadening IGSS’s customer base
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, December 19, 2024: Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems Private Limited (IGSS), a partnership between Inalfa Roof Systems and Gabriel India Limited, the listed flagship of the $2.2-billion ANAND Group, plans to set up new plants in India’s Western and Northern auto hubs to meet the rising demand for sunroofs.
The announcement was made this week by the ANAND Executive Chairperson, Mrs. Anjali Singh, at the first-year anniversary celebration of IGSS’s state-of-the-art facility on the outskirts of Chennai, which is reaching full capacity.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Singh, said: “To meet the rising demand for sunroofs due to the greater premiumisation of the auto sector, IGSS is looking to expand beyond Chennai to other auto hubs, namely the West and North.
We plan to be closer to our valued anchor customers across the country and cater to their needs more efficiently via this planned expansion.”
Mr. Jagdish Kumar, Chairman, IGSS, and Group CFO, ANAND Group, said: “Our first facility in Chennai is nearly operating at its full capacity, delivering high-quality sunroofs to our respected anchor customers Hyundai Motor India and Kia India. Notably, the plant has produced 130,000 sunroofs in just the 11 months of 2024.”
The sunroof market in India is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing customer demand for premiumisation and SUVs, as well as the growing trend of driving for holidays on a significantly improved highway network. IGSS initially chose Tamil Nadu for the state’s investor-friendly policies.
The growth in the sunroof segment is enabled by the rising popularity of panoramic sunroofs, which offer expansive views and a sense of openness. Technological advancements, such as smart glass technology and electrically operated systems, are also contributing to the market’s expansion.
Mr. Kumar, speaking on the occasion, added: “With the sunroof market set to expand by 40% by 2029, IGSS is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand. The plan for new plants shows the commitment we have to continue to be the leading player in the sunroof sector.”
Mr. Georges Andary, CEO, Inalfa Roof Systems, who was visiting the plant for the first-year celebrations, said: “We believe there can be no potential global growth strategy in the automotive business without India at its core. India is one of the largest, most dynamic, and fast-growing automotive markets in the world. Inalfa, in collaboration with Gabriel India, sees major potential for further growth in the sunroof segment.”
About IGSS
Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems Private Limited is a collaboration between Gabriel India Limited, a flagship company of the ANAND Group, and Netherlands-based Inalfa Roof Systems, a global leader in sunroof technology. Operating its first plant near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, set up over a year ago, IGSS manufactures sunroof systems for India’s fast-growing passenger vehicle market, catering to leading OEMs.
About ANAND Group
ANAND is a $2.2-billion Group that has a legacy of over six decades, with over 20,000 employees and is a leader in manufacturing world-class products and systems for the automotive industry, with a focus on sustainable mobility. The Group has 24 companies, a number of them are JVs with 10 international partners, ranging from Europe to the US to Asia. It has also formed four technical collaborations. Complementing the Group is ANEVOLVE, a cleantech platform for mobility and beyond.
Gabriel India is the flagship of the ANAND Group. From being a single-product company in 1961, Gabriel India has transformed itself to become the most-trusted ride control products brand in India. Gabriel is also the leading manufacturer of shock absorbers for new generation vehicles in the 2 & 3-wheeler segment in India, including EVs.
About Inalfa Roof Systems
Inalfa Roof Systems is a global automotive roof systems manufacturer, based in Venray, The Netherlands, with factories and development centres in Europe, Northern America, and Asia. Inalfa delivers roof systems to almost every major car and truck manufacturer in the world. Inalfa Roof Systems is also an engineering-driven company, specialised in the design, development, and manufacturing of innovative solutions on a global scale, meeting the highest quality standards. At Inalfa, the top priority is ensuring a positive customer and end user experience. For more information, please visit.