Schaeffler India Limited has announced the appointment of Amit Bhalerao as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), further strengthening its leadership team as the company focuses on expanding its manufacturing capabilities and driving operational excellence in India.
The appointment will come into effect on August 10, 2026. In his new role, Bhalerao will oversee Schaeffler India’s manufacturing operations across the country. He will also be responsible for advancing the company’s manufacturing strategy, digital transformation initiatives, capability development and operational excellence programmes, while supporting its long-term growth plans.
As a member of Schaeffler India’s Executive Leadership Team, Bhalerao will work closely with business and functional leaders to enhance the company’s manufacturing footprint and improve operational efficiency. His responsibilities will also include accelerating localisation initiatives, strengthening customer-centric manufacturing practices and building future-ready production capabilities across Schaeffler India’s manufacturing facilities.
Announcing the appointment, Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Schaeffler India Limited, said that India remains one of the company’s most important growth markets. He noted that strengthening manufacturing and operations is a key part of Schaeffler’s strategy as it continues its journey as a leading motion technology company.
Kadam said Bhalerao brings significant expertise in managing complex manufacturing operations, driving operational excellence and developing high-performing teams. According to him, this experience will help Schaeffler India improve manufacturing competitiveness, enhance customer focus and strengthen innovation capabilities while delivering greater value to customers and stakeholders.
Bhalerao joins Schaeffler India with more than 23 years of global leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, business excellence, lean transformation, quality management and supply chain operations.
Before joining Schaeffler India, he served as Managing Director and Vice President of Operations at Kelvion India, where he led manufacturing operations and business performance. During his tenure, he played an important role in driving manufacturing excellence, technology transfer initiatives and production capacity expansion.
Earlier in his career, Bhalerao held leadership positions at global companies including Cummins, Eaton and Sterlite Technologies. Across these organisations, he gained extensive experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, operational excellence and strategic transformation programmes.
His appointment comes at a time when manufacturing companies are increasingly focusing on digital technologies, localisation and operational efficiency to improve competitiveness and meet evolving customer expectations. Schaeffler India expects his experience to support the company’s ongoing efforts to modernise manufacturing processes while strengthening operational performance across its facilities.
Schaeffler India is part of the global Schaeffler Group, a motion technology company serving industries such as automotive, industrial equipment and mobility solutions. The company continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, innovation and localisation as it expands its presence in the Indian market.
With Amit Bhalerao joining the Executive Leadership Team, Schaeffler India aims to further strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, accelerate digital transformation and support sustainable long-term growth while continuing to deliver innovative motion technology solutions for customers across industries.
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