The filtration industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by sustainability, advanced engineering, and evolving customer demands. At the forefront of this change is MANN+HUMMEL, which recently unveiled its largest development centre outside Germany in Tumkur. In this conversation with Construction Business Today, Sudeesh Karimbingal, Managing Director, MANN+HUMMEL India, highlights the strategic importance of the new facility, the company’s investment outlook, and India’s growing contribution to global innovation.
What does the launch of the new Global Technology & Innovation Centre in Tumkur signify for MANN+HUMMEL globally?
The launch of the new Global Technology & Innovation Centre in Tumkur marks a significant milestone in MANN+HUMMEL’s global innovation journey. As our largest development centre outside Germany, the facility reinforces India’s role as a critical hub for engineering, innovation, and advanced filtration technologies. The centre integrates advanced research labs, testing infrastructure, digital engineering, AI, and data analytics under one roof to accelerate global product development and customer-centric innovation.
How has India evolved within MANN+HUMMEL’s global operations?
India has emerged as a central pillar in MANN+HUMMEL’s innovation and business landscape. For over 20 years, our Indian engineering teams have been deeply embedded in global product development. Today, India is one of our fastest-growing markets and home to more than one-third of MANN+HUMMEL’s global R&D workforce. The new centre further strengthens India’s transition from a support hub to a strategic engineering and innovation powerhouse.
How will the new Centre strengthen MANN+HUMMEL’s positioning in the filtration industry?
The Tumkur facility will strengthen our ability to deliver scalable, sustainable filtration solutions to customers worldwide. It will support next-generation filtration technologies across mobility, industrial applications, and clean air and water purification. The Centre will also focus on developing energy-efficient filtration systems, reducing lifecycle emissions, and advancing circular solutions through the use of recycled materials and eco-friendly product design.
MANN+HUMMEL operates across diverse sectors globally. Which business segments are driving growth for the company?
MANN+HUMMEL operates through two core global business segments – Transportation and Life Sciences & Environment. The Transportation division serves Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Automotive Aftermarket customers across passenger cars, commercial vehicles, off-highway, rail, marine, and energy sectors. The Life Sciences & Environment segment focuses on air filtration, water and fluid solutions, membrane technologies, and cleanroom applications. Growing demand for cleaner mobility, clean air, water purification, and industrial sustainability continues to drive strong growth opportunities across both segments.
How is innovation shaping MANN+HUMMEL’s global strategy?
Innovation remains at the heart of MANN+HUMMEL’s strategy. The company continues to invest in filtration media science, advanced materials, digital technologies, AI-driven engineering, and predictive validation tools. Through its global R&D network and engineering centres, MANN+HUMMEL combines technological leadership with customer proximity to deliver high-performance filtration solutions while responding quickly to changing environmental and regulatory requirements.
Could you share more details about MANN+HUMMEL’s expansion plans in India?
In line with our strategy to expand our business footprint in India, we have announced plans to invest in a new manufacturing facility in Pune, one of the country’s fastest-growing industrial hubs. Together with the Global Technology & Innovation Centre in Tumkur, the combined investment across these initiatives is expected to exceed Rs 100 crore. With manufacturing operations in Tumkur and Bawal, alongside Pune as our third manufacturing footprint, we are strengthening our pan-India presence and enhancing responsiveness to customers across the country.
What are MANN+HUMMEL India’s growth priorities going forward?
Our focus will remain on innovation, sustainability, localization, and talent development. We currently employ around 1,250 people across India operations and expect to create an additional 300-400 employment opportunities over the next 12 months. Going forward, India will continue to play a strategic role in accelerating time-to-market, enabling customer-centric innovation, and strengthening MANN+HUMMEL’s leadership in filtration technology globally.
How do you see MANN+HUMMEL’s investment outlook in India over the next few years?
India remains a strategic growth market and innovation hub for MANN+HUMMEL globally. Our recent investments in the Global Technology & Innovation Centre in Tumkur and the upcoming manufacturing facility in Pune reflect our long-term commitment to the country. Going forward, we will continue to invest in innovation, advanced manufacturing, engineering capabilities, and talent development to strengthen India’s role within MANN+HUMMEL’s global network. We also see significant opportunities to expand our presence across mobility, industrial, clean air, and water solutions as demand for sustainable filtration technologies continues to grow in India and globally.
