Schaeffler’s Strategic Acquisition of Dhruva: Advancing Industrial Automation in Manufacturing

Schaeffler, a leading global supplier of automotive and industrial components, continues its strategic growth trajectory. Known for its innovation and technical expertise, the Germany-based company recently announced the acquisition of Dhruva Automation & Controls (P) Ltd., an industrial automation and software solutions provider headquartered in Pune, India. This move marks Schaeffler’s deeper expansion into the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market, reinforcing its commitment to digitization and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The acquisition of Dhruva Automation & Controls represents a key milestone in Schaeffler’s journey toward diversifying its product portfolio. Dhruva, founded in 2002, is recognized for its expertise in industrial automation hardware, software, and services. With a strong presence in India, Thailand, Dubai, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam, Dhruva has become a trusted partner for industries such as automotive, machinery, chemical processing, biopharmaceuticals, and water treatment.

Key contributions of Dhruva to Schaeffler’s portfolio include:

Roberto Henkel, Schaeffler’s Senior Vice President of Digitalization and IT, emphasized that Dhruva’s capabilities are a perfect complement to Schaeffler’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives. “This partnership will unlock new opportunities for innovation and efficiency across our operations,” Henkel said.

The acquisition aligns seamlessly with Schaeffler’s global strategy and offers several competitive advantages:

Schaeffler Board Member Andreas Schick highlighted the acquisition's significance: “This step reinforces our focus on the digitalization of operations, creating new opportunities for technological and commercial synergies.”

The acquisition of Dhruva not only strengthens Schaeffler’s industrial automation capabilities but also sets a precedent for how traditional automotive suppliers can evolve to meet modern manufacturing demands. By integrating Dhruva’s advanced solutions, Schaeffler enhances its ability to deliver innovative, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing practices across industries.

Jaydeep Chougule, Dhruva’s Managing Director and Co-Founder, expressed optimism about the collaboration: “After 22 years of independent operation, we are thrilled to join forces with Schaeffler. This partnership opens new doors for accelerated growth and profitability while maintaining our commitment to quality and innovation.”

As Dhruva transitions into the Schaeffler ecosystem, it is expected to operate under the Schaeffler brand in the medium term, further unifying their operations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed later this year, setting the stage for a stronger presence in Asia-Pacific’s burgeoning industrial automation market.

Schaeffler’s acquisition of Dhruva Automation & Controls exemplifies the company’s forward-thinking approach to industry leadership. By integrating Dhruva’s automation expertise with Schaeffler’s innovative legacy, this strategic move promises to redefine how businesses achieve efficiency and innovation. At Kazida, we view this development as a testament to the transformative power of technology in reshaping global industries, highlighting the importance of partnerships in driving progress.