Chennai FACTORY
The Berkel production site in Chennai is an emblematic example of the company's global strategy, which aims to combine the art of precision mechanics with production efficiency. Initially located on the edge of the city, this plant has brilliantly overcome numerous logistical challenges by moving to Ambattur, a key industrial area of Chennai, in the Tamil Nadu region, home to important production sites of numerous multinationals operating in the automotive and railway industry.
Not only has this strategic move improved logistical efficiency, due to close proximity with major transport routes, it also enables the leveraging of the extensive mechanical knowledge and skills of local foundries. Unlike other countries, where production tends to be more generalised, Berkel has chosen India due to its capacity to host specialised manufacturers, with particular focus on attention to details and the aesthetic qualities of products.
The site's entire production process is certified to ISO 9001, thus ensuring each production phase complies with stringent international quality standards. This certification testifies to Berkel's commitment to maintaining the high reliability and coherence of its products, further consolidating its reputation on the global market.
Chennai Departments:
The Chennai production site is structured to accommodate different functional and interconnected departments, which cooperate to optimise each phase of the production process, ensuring efficiency and precision. The foundry is specialised in metal casting and uses advanced technologies to ensure the compliance of parts with requested design specifications. A casting robot, 2 kilns and different pneumatic moulding benches all operate inside it. Simultaneously, the mechanical processing department, consisting of 3 numerically controlled 4-axis work centres, uses high precision machinery to process mechanical pieces that require tight tolerance and high quality surface finishes.
The assembly department focuses on the systematic integration of manufactured components, while the anodising sector applies protective and decorative coatings to improve resistance to corrosion and the appearance of finished products. Through controlled processes, the painting and polishing departments apply desired aesthetic finishings to parts, which also improve durability.
Quality control is precisely integrated in each production phase. This department uses sophisticated equipment and detailed protocols to ensure each product's compliance with required quality standards. Next door, the research and development department works on the design and industrialisation of new solutions and products every single day, continuously expanding the limits of technological innovation.
Supporting all these operations, the logistics and purchasing department effectively manages the supply chain, ensuring a punctual flow of materials and maintaining a constant production output. Lastly, the administrative and sales offices play a crucial role in the company's everyday operations and in expanding its customer base, consolidating relationships by delivering an effective service and implementing targeted sales strategies.
Berkel People
The Chennai team is an extraordinary example of cultural and generational integration. In the heart of this production site, young, dynamic and innovative talents work closely with the industry's experts, whose vast experience is crucial for maintaining Berkel's high quality standards.
The staff composition reflects a rich cultural and religious diversity, typical of India, where Hinduism, Islam and Christianity coexist. These groups work together in a harmonious environment, transforming their differences into a source of strength and innovation. Such diversity boosts mutual enrichment and is an essential pillar of the company's success.
In generational terms, employees under 30 make up 67% of all staff, and those between 30 and 50 account for 33%. This mix of youthful energy and mature wisdom enables a constant exchange of ideas and skills.
Chennai's multicultural environment enhances the everyday work experience, while also stimulating constant and respectful dialogue, essential for creating an inclusive and highly productive work environment.
