Inside Thomas Mehler's Pune Visit: Southco's Big Plans for India

India’s industrial sector is undergoing a significant transformation. With government-backed pushes for electric buses, ongoing railway upgrades, and the 2026-27 Union Budget’s focus on infrastructure and construction equipment, the market is ripe for suppliers of specialized components. These shifts are opening new doors for companies that provide essential technologies to domestic manufacturers.

It was against this backdrop that Southco president Thomas Mehler visited Pune on 28 October. During a press briefing, he highlighted the company’s footprint across various Indian industries and outlined strategic plans to bolster its local operations.

Southco specialises in access hardware—the components that allow equipment to open, close, secure and move into position. Its Indian business serves commercial vehicles, buses, passenger mobility, rail and off-highway machinery. While items like latches, hinges and access systems might seem straightforward, their utility varies widely. Each sector—from public transport and rail manufacturing to construction equipment—demands specific standards for safety, maintenance and operation.

Public mobility is a key area where these needs are shifting. Through the government’s PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, 10,000 electric buses are set to enter urban transit networks. As manufacturers adapt to new standards for passenger accessibility, comfort and maintenance, the hardware used in vehicle interiors and service panels has become increasingly critical.

Southco has designated buses, commercial vehicles and vehicle interiors as primary markets in India. The company focuses on providing access and positioning hardware that serves passengers, operators and maintenance crews throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle.

The railway sector offers further potential. India’s ongoing railway modernisation is prioritising passenger experience, equipment reliability and maintenance efficiency. Secure panels, accessible service compartments and interior fittings are vital to the functionality and longevity of rail coaches. Leveraging its global rail portfolio, Southco’s India team views this segment as a significant growth opportunity.

Construction and infrastructure equipment require a different approach. The Union Budget’s support for this sector underscores a policy commitment to enhancing domestic manufacturing. Off-highway machinery, such as earthmoving equipment, operates in harsh conditions, making durability, accessibility and ease of maintenance essential.

Southco already has a foothold in the off-highway equipment industry, and its leadership in India views the ongoing infrastructure investment as a catalyst for further market expansion.

For Mehler, the variety of these industries is central to Southco’s strategy in India. "What interests me about India is the range of industries that use access hardware in different ways. Each brings distinct requirements, giving our Pune team experience it can draw on across sectors," he says.

Mehler’s connection to Southco’s Indian operations spans nearly two decades. While leading the company’s Asia Pacific business, he directed the launch of its Indian operations, which included opening a regional headquarters and manufacturing plant in Pune in 2008. The company later expanded its Ranjangaon facility to strengthen its local production capabilities.

A major milestone occurred in 2022 with the acquisition of Pune-based Darshana Industries. This move broadened Southco’s reach among customers in transportation, off-highway machinery, telecommunications and industrial equipment, while also integrating local manufacturing expertise and established industry relationships.

The rise of passenger vehicles and electric mobility has further expanded Southco’s business scope in India. The company is prioritising electric vehicles and automotive interiors, where component design must balance aesthetics, user experience, security and operational ease.

The product range includes mechanical latches and locks, hinges, position-control solutions and electronic access systems, all designed to meet the diverse needs of vehicle designs, industrial equipment and transportation applications.

For Prakash T. John, Country Head of Southco India, the immediate goal is to leverage the company’s existing engineering and manufacturing base while addressing the specific needs of various customer segments.

Southco’s Pune site offers comprehensive manufacturing, engineering, testing and customer support. Aligning with the Make in India initiative, the company aims to deepen localisation by increasing the volume of products that are designed, engineered, tested and manufactured within the country.

Integrating Darshana Industries has enhanced manufacturing depth and fortified Southco’s local supplier network. As industry demand grows, the company may consider further factory expansion as part of its long-term strategy.

Beyond domestic production, Southco is evaluating a larger role for India within its global operations. One potential initiative is the establishment of a global capability centre (GCC) in Pune, which would provide engineering, design and support services for international markets.

If realised, this move would elevate India’s status within Southco’s global network, potentially enabling the team to support markets in the Middle East and beyond.

Veeresh Manrai, General Manager for Business Development, views these opportunities through the lens of market development and customer needs. His remit spans passenger and commercial vehicles, public transport, rail and off-highway equipment.

"Opportunities are emerging across several industries, but they will not move at the same pace. Our job is to understand what matters in each market and respond with the right capability," Manrai says.

Navigating these diverse markets brings its own set of hurdles. The India team is focused on managing pricing pressures, supply chain volatility and the necessity of proving long-term product value. Customer requirements vary widely, with automotive, rail and construction equipment manufacturers each evaluating components based on unique operational and commercial criteria.

For a supplier active across multiple sectors, balancing these demands requires a blend of specialised knowledge and the ability to apply engineering expertise to varied applications.

Mehler’s visit to Pune arrives as Southco assesses growth avenues beyond its established manufacturing base in India. The company’s activities now span public transport, rail, electric mobility, construction machinery, industrial equipment, renewables, data centres and defence, with localisation and potential global engineering capabilities remaining key long-term objectives.

The insights shared by Mehler, Prakash T. John and Veeresh Manrai highlight the company’s trajectory, from its historical investment in Pune and manufacturing priorities to the emerging opportunities across India’s industrial landscape.