Murata to tap India's auto, IoT needs

Japanese engineering and technology major Murata, in a bid to grow its business in India, is scouting for sectors where it could tap opportunities.

Talking to DH on the sidelines of electronica India 2016 here, Murata Electronics Singapore Managing Director Toshikazu Sasaki said, “From the point of view of the market, there’s potential in the field of automobile and automotive, with many key players operating in India. Hence, we are keen to tap the sector.”

The $12-billion Murata designs, manufactures and supplies advanced electronic materials, leading-edge electronic components, and multi-functional, high-density modules. Its innovations can be found in an array of applications, across sectors.

In India, the company is specially bullish on the automobile industry, as a component supplier, to tier I suppliers of an OEM. “We are now aiming to push our solutions in the realm of car infotainment development,” Sasaki said.

Having begun Indian operations in 2006, Murata set up its first sales office in Chennai in 2010. Today, the company operates three sales and marketing offices — including Delhi and Bengaluru, with a staff of 30. The India business is overseen by Murata’s Singapore office.

According to Murata Electronics India Managing Director Alex Lim, “We are very bullish on India, and are watching all the developments happening here, be it Digital India or Make in India. As a developer of passive components and modules, our applications are suitable for mobile phones, home appliances, automotive applications, energy management systems, and healthcare devices.”

Accordingly, the company’s future plans in India include developing and selling components to energy-saving solutions, portable healthcare devices and remote medicine, and developing solutions for Internet of Things (IoT).

“We are promoting our module range for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is good for IoT, industrial usage and factory automation. They are relevant in the era of smart cars, smart factories and smart cities,” Lim said.

Currently, Murata’s components to India are consolidated in Singapore, and imported. About setting up a facility in India, Lim hinted, “We don’t have immediate plans, but are weighing aspects of government incentives, infrastructure, power, land, and a suitable business model. As a supplier, we are part of the ecosystem. But, may consider any manufacturing plans, depending on the market.”