German packaging technology major Krones has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Karnataka’s Kolar district, strengthening its production capabilities for India’s beverage and food processing industries.
Germany-based Krones, a global manufacturer of beverage and liquid-food processing and packaging technology, has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility at Vemagal in Karnataka’s Kolar district.
Built in a record 18 months, the facility represents an investment of Rs 315 crore and spans 16,000 square metres on a 30-acre site. The plant is expected to generate around 400 jobs in the region.
Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil inaugurated the facility. According to the minister, the state government approved Krones’ investment proposal in October 2024 and subsequently allotted 30 acres of land to the company. The foundation stone for the facility was laid on February 20, 2025.
Plant to manufacture high-speed packaging systems
The new facility will manufacture Krones’ ErgoBloc packaging systems for the Indian market, along with machinery used in the production of different types of bottles.
The plant will also manufacture machines capable of producing up to 100,000 bottles per hour, according to Patil.
“This is a remarkable achievement and sends a positive message to investors,” Patil said, highlighting the completion of the facility within 18 months.
Krones employs around 21,000 people globally and recorded a turnover of $5.65 billion last year, according to the minister.
Karnataka strengthens industrial push
Patil highlighted Vemagal and Kolar’s proximity to Bengaluru as a key advantage for industrial development and urged companies establishing operations in the region to create employment opportunities for local youth based on their educational qualifications.
He also said the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has played an important role in strengthening the state’s investor-friendly industrial ecosystem.
The inauguration was attended by Kolar MP Mallesha Babu, MLA Kottanuru Manjunath, former MLC V R Sudarshan, designated German Consul General Dr Christoph Dorschfeldt, Krones COO Ralf Goldbrunner, Managing Director Thomas Woolfer and KIADB Special Land Acquisition Officer Suraj.
The new Krones facility adds to Karnataka’s growing manufacturing base and is expected to support domestic demand for advanced bottling, packaging and beverage production equipment.