Global industry goes beyond Bengaluru: Japanese firm sets up ₹600-crore ‘orchard hub’ in Dharwad

Bengaluru: Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil recently launched the Orchard Hub established at a cost of ₹600 crore by Japan-based Nidec Company in the Beluru Industrial Area of Dharwad.

Speaking on the occasion, he recalled performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the hub five months ago.

The State government, he said, provided all the facilities sought by the company. In turn, Nidec has invested substantial capital and set up this modern centre in record time — an achievement he described as commendable.

He noted that the Nidec Orchard Hub was an innovation- and technology-driven industrial centre that would bring together new industrial ideas and research.

Ultimately, he said, it will help create a strong pathway for industrial growth.

This is one of the largest investments by a Japanese company in the northern Karnataka region.

The project is expected to create local employment opportunities and bring indirect benefits to surrounding communities.

The Minister added that under the State’s new industrial policy, several measures had been introduced to encourage companies to set up industries outside Bengaluru.

Patil further recalled that several Japanese companies, including Nidec, have already established operations in Karnataka, which also houses a Japanese Industrial Township.

He mentioned that during his recent visit to Japan, investments worth ₹4,500 crore were confirmed for the State, while earlier visits to Japan and South Korea had resulted in commitments totalling ₹6,000 crore.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, MLA Aravind Bellad, Nidec Corporation President Hiroshi Kobe, the company’s Motion and Energy Division Head Michael Briggs, and Commissioner for Industries and Commerce Gunjan Krishna were present on the occasion.