JBM Group, a USD 3.3 billion Indian conglomerate, has announced a strategic joint venture with Portugal-based Sodecia Automotive International SA to establish a cutting-edge hot stamping manufacturing facility in Pune. The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s automotive components ecosystem with advanced, lightweight, high-strength parts for both internal combustion (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs).
The foundation stone for the upcoming plant was laid by Acharya Devvrat, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, at JBM Group’s Neel Metal Products Ltd. premises in Chakan. Senior leadership from both companies, including S.K. Arya, Chairman, JBM Group; Nishant Arya, Vice Chairman; and representatives from Sodecia, were present at the ceremony.
₹150 Crore Investment; Operations to Begin by Q2 FY27
Under the JV agreement, JBM Group and Sodecia will jointly invest ₹150 crore to build a state-of-the-art hot stamping facility at the Chakan Industrial Area. The plant is expected to become operational by Q2 FY27, significantly boosting domestic production of lightweight, high-tensile automotive systems.
The partnership combines JBM’s four decades of manufacturing expertise with Sodecia’s global leadership in hot stamping technology, enabling the production of safety-critical parts essential for modern vehicle platforms.
Focus on High-Strength, Lightweight Automotive Components
The upcoming facility will produce advanced hot-stamped components designed to enhance vehicle safety while reducing weight — a key requirement for automakers transitioning towards cleaner mobility. These components are increasingly important for EV architectures, where lighter weight directly improves efficiency and range.
JBM Group has already taken steps to strengthen its hot stamping ecosystem, including establishing a dedicated die manufacturing facility in Greater Noida. The new JV aligns with the company’s commitment to localizing advanced technologies and enabling OEMs with next-generation solutions.
Leadership Statements
Speaking on the announcement, S.K. Arya, Chairman, JBM Group, said:
“Our joint venture with Sodecia underscores JBM Group’s commitment to developing world-class manufacturing capabilities and bringing best-in-class global technologies to India. This collaboration will accelerate deployment of lightweight, high-strength systems critical for future mobility, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner to OEMs globally.”
Rui Monteiro, CEO of Sodecia, added:
“We are delighted to partner with JBM Group, a respected industry leader with strong manufacturing capabilities and long-standing OEM relationships. This JV allows us to bring our global hot stamping expertise to one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.”
Why Hot Stamping Matters
Hot stamping—also known as press hardening—involves heating sheet metal to high temperatures and cooling it rapidly in precision dies. This process results in components that are extremely strong yet lightweight, meeting stringent global safety and environmental standards.
With India’s automotive sector shifting towards electrification and efficient vehicle architectures, the demand for hot-stamped parts is expected to surge, making this JV a timely and strategic move for both partners.
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