English auto supplier GKN Driveline said today it plans to spend $27.9 million to build a side shaft factory near Chennai, India, to meet the growing demand of the Indian car market.
The plant -- with a test center and capacity for 600,000 vehicle sets -- should begin production at the beginning of next year, the company said in a press release.
GKN employs 450 people at three factories in India.
GKN produces sideshafts, prop shafts, torque management systems and geared components.
Parent company GKN PLC UK ranks No. 26 on the Automotive News list of the top 100 global suppliers with worldwide original-equipment sales of $4.83 billion in 2005..
