Bengaluru: As part of Karnataka’s efforts to attract global investment and reinforce its position as a hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and research, the Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, recently held key meetings with industry leaders in Sweden.
Among the key outcomes was Epiroc’s disclosure of its capital investment roadmap — Rs 500 crore in the current year and an additional Rs 1,000 crore by 2030.
Discussions were held with global majors Tetra Pak and SAAB to explore long-term collaboration and expansion in the state.
Meeting with Epiroc
Patil met with Arun Kumar, head of Epiroc’s India operations, who shared the company’s long-term vision and outlined investment plans.
With over 500 employees in Bengaluru contributing to 25 percent of Epiroc’s global R&D output, Kumar highlighted India’s strategic importance in the company’s 2030 growth roadmap.
Patil presented Karnataka’s industrial strengths, skilled talent pool, and enabling ecosystem, positioning the state as an ideal destination for Epiroc’s future manufacturing expansion in addition to its existing R&D operations.
Meeting with Tetra Pak
He also held discussions with global food processing and packaging leader Tetra Pak to explore collaborative avenues in sustainability, innovation, and manufacturing.
Tetra Pak presented an overview of its current operations in India, including its presence in Karnataka. The Minister emphasized the state’s strong industrial ecosystem, academic linkages, and startup culture, and encouraged deeper engagement through local partnerships with universities and research institutions.
Both sides have agreed to continue dialogue on future investment opportunities.
Meeting with SAAB
In a another meeting with Christian Hedelin, Chief Strategy Officer of SAAB, the company outlined its strategic focus on India as a key market and expressed intent to expand engineering and design operations in the country.
Minister Patil showcased Karnataka’s advanced design and manufacturing ecosystem and skilled talent base. In response, SAAB expressed strong interest in taking the dialogue forward and is planning to bring its product leadership team to Bengaluru to strengthen the case for investment.
The official delegation included Dr. Selvakumar S, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industries, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development.
