Localization of scroll compressor manufacturing in India

Copeland has finalized Phase One of a ₹500 crore investment at its Atit, India, manufacturing site, enabling the localized production of hermetic scroll compressors. The development positions the company as the only manufacturer of scroll compressors in India and supports national manufacturing and supply chain objectives.

Context of the investment
India’s HVACR market is projected to expand significantly over the coming decade, driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, electrified transport, and demand for efficient cooling solutions. In this context, Copeland’s investment addresses the need to localize advanced compression technologies, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen regional supply chain resilience.

The Atit facility plays a strategic role within Copeland’s global manufacturing network, supporting both domestic demand and international markets while aligning with India’s industrial development and “Make in India” framework.

Technical scope and manufacturing capabilities
The completion of Phase One is marked by the successful delivery of the first batch of India-manufactured 5 HP scroll compressors. Localization of scroll compressor production required the integration of specialized machining, assembly, testing, and quality control processes aligned with Copeland’s global manufacturing standards.

The Atit site has evolved into a diversified manufacturing hub producing compressors, condensing units, and heat pumps. These products support applications across commercial and industrial HVACR, transport refrigeration, railways, metro systems, and electric bus platforms. The manufacturing portfolio is designed to enable higher energy efficiency, support electrification, and facilitate the transition to sustainable cooling and heating technologies.

Refrigerants, sustainability, and applications
A key technical focus of the facility is the development and production of compressors compatible with low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, including R-32, R-290, R-454A, and R-454B. These refrigerants are increasingly adopted to meet regulatory requirements and reduce lifecycle climate impact.

By supporting low-GWP refrigerant adoption and energy-efficient system design, the Atit facility contributes to sustainable cold chain infrastructure, transport electrification, and reduced environmental impact across HVACR applications.

Workforce development and operational scaling
Over the past two years, more than 350 stock keeping units (SKUs) have been added across multiple product categories at the Atit site. The facility operates with a fully local workforce across production, engineering, supply chain, and quality functions.

To support ongoing modernization, Copeland has implemented structured training and workshop programs aimed at developing technical skills aligned with advanced manufacturing and future factory upgrades. These initiatives are intended to support continued scaling of production capacity and product innovation.

Expected impact
From an industrial perspective, the localized manufacturing of scroll compressors enhances supply chain security, reduces lead times, and improves responsiveness to regional market requirements. Strategically, the investment strengthens India’s role within Copeland’s global operations and supports the country’s ambition to become a manufacturing center for sustainable cooling and heating technologies.

www.copeland.com