The expansion arrives as customer expectations have evolved. Demand has surged in appliances, electronics, and other heating applications. 
Linda Johansson, President, Business Unit Heating Materials, Kanthal.
"We see growth in India, not only in our traditional core segments but also in emerging areas such as load banks and electronic components. This expansion supports our goal to grow in these strategic sectors," says Linda Johansson, President of Business Unit Heating Materials.
To understand how the new facility aligns with customer needs, Louise Koh, Global Product Manager, and Ashutosh Hegde, General Manager, Sales and Business Development, share their firsthand insights.
A facility supporting India, the rest of Asia, and beyond
Koh, describing the regional landscape, says, “Industry is booming in India and in Asia in general; therefore, it is logical for us to expand our presence in this growing and important market.”
In addressing the broader logistics outlook, she emphasizes, "There is a need for an additional facility to complement the demand in Europe. We require a presence that can accommodate European demand while also supporting our growth in Asia."
Louise Koh, Global Product Manager, Kanthal.
As customers change sourcing strategies, the timing also makes perfect sense. Koh notes, "Some customers are shifting towards 'Asia for Asia' and 'US for US' to navigate the current geopolitical landscape. Adapting to this shift presents a significant advantage for our customers and us."
Inside the new production line
Being close to customers and the market, Hegde has a clear view of how much the new line improves on the older system. “The previous line was more batch-oriented, but the new setup is fully automated. You feed in the raw materials, and what comes out is a finished product, complete with packaging and quality checks already performed.”
“We have high-quality and consistent output. Quality control runs continuously, and the line can produce much higher volumes.” This increased capacity also enhances customer expectations. “We can now offer a variety of dimensions and larger quantities, leading to much shorter lead times.”
Lead times: the main customer concern
Both Koh and Hegde unanimously agree that shorter lead times are the top priority in the region. Koh emphasizes, “It’s not just about shorter lead times; it’s also about customers relocating their supply chains closer to home. This allows us to serve them more quickly and reliably.”
Hegde shares a practical perspective based on customer discussions: “Customers want to place an order today and ensure delivery to their customers within a month. That’s what truly matters.”
“To meet these needs, the team has developed a comprehensive action plan for 2026,” he stresses.
Why the expansion matters
India’s industrial landscape has undergone significant changes in the last few decades, and this evolution is set to continue. The demand for appliances, electronics, and innovative heating solutions is steadily increasing. Markets in Southeast Asia and North Asia are experiencing similar growth, making this region a focal point for fine-dimension wire and heating materials.
Customers across several sectors are looking for reliable supply, faster access to materials, and support that sits closer to where production happens.
Hegde observes this shift every day. “There is a growing move toward electrification in industries, and it is not a small trend anymore. Customers across several sectors are looking for reliable supply, faster access to materials, and support that sits closer to where production happens,” he asserts.
Ashutosh Hegde, General Manager, Sales and Business Development, Kanthal.
This puts Hosur in a strong position. As Hegde explains, “Kanthal has been in Hosur for nearly 40 years. This investment strengthens our long-term commitment to India and nearby markets. It is the first major step in many years.”
Koh brings a product lens to the same momentum. For her, the expansion is not only about higher volumes, but about what customers expect from a supplier that has been part of the industry for decades. “The key is consistency. Some suppliers can have good quality one day and then drop the next. Our alloy expertise is a big advantage. We have a wide range of alloys, and we can tune them with a lot of flexibility when needed.”
The path ahead
The regional picture extends beyond India. Southeast Asia still has room for a stronger presence and new customer relationships, and there is more to be explored in North Asia as well.
Both Koh and Hegde view the expansion as a steady step, not a one-off moment. It brings production closer to where customers operate, strengthens regional supply, and gives Hosur the room it needs to support the fast-growing categories.
In practical terms, the expanded Hosur facility supports today’s needs and prepares for what is coming next. That includes the rise of electrification, the growing range of appliance and electronics applications, and the possibility of future industrial wire requirements. The direction is clear: the region is moving fast, and Hosur is now built to match the pace.