GENERAL NEWS
Gestamp opens its fifth plant in India
Gestamp, which designs, develops and manufactures metal components for the automotive industry, officially inaugurated its plant in Bhagapura( its fifth production facility in India) on 11 September 2026. Based in the state of Gujarat, one of India’ s leading automotive manufacturing hubs, the project represents an investment of € 47.4- million across phases 1 and 2 and reinforces Gestamp’ s long-term commitment to India.
“ The opening of the Bhagapura facility underlines our confidence in the Indian market at a time when global light vehicle production is expected to decline in 2026. Gestamp is maintaining a selective investment strategy that prioritises growth markets while containing overall capital expenditure worldwide,” the company confirmed.
The plant, which employs around 240 people, features two hot-stamping lines as well as a laser cutting line and welding cells for assembly operations.
“ It currently provides 31,790 square metres of manufacturing capacity that could ultimately grow( should future developments be approved) to meet rising demand in a market where light vehicle production is forecast to reach 7.8 million units by 2030( an increase of 28 % compared to 2025 levels, according to current S & P Global Mobility projections),” continued Gestamp.
Francisco J. Riberas, Executive Chairman, Gestamp, stated:“ India is a key strategic
Gestamp’ s new plant in Bhagapura, India.
priority for Gestamp. After two decades here, we have established ourselves as a trusted technology partner for domestic and international automakers operating in the country. Our investment in Gujarat enables us to begin manufacturing in one of India’ s leading industrial hubs, strengthening our presence and driving further growth in this key market.
“ India’ s strong market growth prospects, combined with continued improvements in vehicle quality and increasingly demanding safety requirements, will create significant opportunities for Gestamp. Our advanced technologies, products and value proposition are specifically focused on delivering lighter and safer components that help automakers meet these evolving challenges”, he added.
The plant is currently focused on manufacturing body-in-white( BiW) components and is equipped to manufacture products from the Ges-Gigastamping ® family( large, lightweight components).
In terms of energy efficiency, Gestamp is implementing a monitoring system that enables the identification and elimination of inefficiencies to optimise energy consumption at the Bhagapura plant. The facility also plans to enter into agreements for the purchase of electricity certified as originating from renewable sources.
Gestamp now has five facilities in India: three in the state of Maharashtra( in Pune), one in Tamil Nadu( Chennai) and one in Gujarat( Bhagapura).
Gestamp’ s total manufacturing footprint in India now stands at 188,000 sqm and includes 14 stamping production lines, five of which use hot-stamping technology. An additional two hot-stamping lines are currently being installed and will further strengthen the company’ s manufacturing capabilities in the country. Gestamp generates approximately 2,300 jobs in India through its activities in the development and production of body-in-white( BiW) components and assemblies, chassis parts, as well as mechanisms such as hinges and door checks.
The company’ s revenues in India increased by more than 80 % over the last five full financial years, reaching € 245 million by the end of 2025. n
www
. gestamp. com
Boeing sees aircraft opportunities in Africa
Africa’ s young, increasingly urban population, growing middle class and improving infrastructure will drive passenger traffic to grow nearly 6 % annually through 2045, one of the fastest rates globally, Boeing said on 3 September 2026. The region’ s commercial aeroplane fleet will more than double from 755 to 1,625 over the next 20 years to support this demand, projects Boeing’ s‘ 2026 Commercial Market Outlook( CMO) for Africa’.
“ Of the nearly 1,200 newly delivered airplanes expected by 2045, 870 will be single‐aisle jets to support expanding domestic and regional networks. Demand for widebody airplanes will more than double, supporting fleet modernisation and long‐haul network growth. We also forecast that the cargo fleet will grow from 60 to 150 freighters as the continent’ s logistics, e‐commerce and high‐value export markets develop,” said Boeing.
According to Boeing’ s CMO outlook,
Intra‐African passenger traffic is expected to grow at a faster pace than the regional average, enabled by better flight connections. Europe remains the largest international passenger market for flights to and from Africa and is forecast to remain so through 2045. This is driven by expanding economic ties, enduring cultural and family connections and rising tourism investment.
“ Africa’ s aviation market is entering a period of sustained growth driven by improving connectivity, expanding intraregional travel and deeper economic ties across the continent and with key global markets. Meeting this demand will require a broader commitment to fleet modernisation, expanded capacity, digital solutions and workforce development,” commented Shahab Matin, Boeing’ s managing director of commercial marketing.
“ The opportunity extends well beyond aeroplanes. It will require investment in affordable access, and the people who will support a larger fleet,” he added.
The expansion of Africa’ s aviation ecosystem is also expected to create growing demand for services and skilled personnel through to 2045. Boeing’ s‘ Commercial Services Market Outlook’ forecasts a US $ 140-billion market for maintenance, repair, overhaul and modifications( MRO) digital solutions.
Boeing’ s‘ Pilot and Technician Outlook’ forecasts that as airlines grow their fleets and expand route networks, they will need 75,000 new aviation professionals: 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians and 28,000 cabin crew.
Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial aeroplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in over 150 countries. n
www. boeing. com
12 | ismr. net | ISMR October 2026