Following its acquisition of a 75.1% stake in Indian rope and netting producer Kohinoor, Hampiðjan has begum streamlining its production around the new opportunities available, along with plans to expand capacity at sites in India.
The initial steps of relocating machinery and production from Lithuania have already begun. The first rope machine is already en route, with another awaiting shipment. As the peak season for aquaculture cage production and related materials winds down in late summer, four knotless net weaving looms will be moved from Norway to Kohinoor. At the same time, specialised sewing machines and other equipment will be transferred from Poland and Lithuania to India.
Fine-tuning efficiency also entailsrelocating braiding machines and super rope production from Mørenot’s factory in Hildre in Norway, to the super rope division of Hampidjan Baltic, where installation is underway. This optimisation aims to take advantage of lower labour costs and better utilisation of equipment that was underused in Norway.
At Mørenot Denmark, staffing has been reduced from twelve to five, with further reductions expected by the end of the year, when only two international sales managers will remain. Operations previously located in Denmark will be transferred to Norway.
‘These developments mark an exciting period ahead, as India becomes a centre for expansion anud production relocation – particularly of aquaculture cages – from Norway, Poland, and Lithuania. These changes bring significant efficiency gains due to India’s more favorable operating environment,’ a Hampiðjan spokesperson said.
Efforts are currently in progress to acquire land in India for further development, with construction planned to begin this spring and the first phase expected to be completed in the new year. Authorities have pledged 12 hectares of land in the Auric industrial zone, about 20 kilometres east of Aurangabad – a city of approximately 1.7 million inhabitants. The site allows for construction of 60–70,000 square metres and is fully equipped with infrastructure, including electricity, water, internet, sewage systems, and paved roads with dual lanes in both directions, with a connection to the Mumbai highway close by.
Kohinoor is one of India’s largest manufacturers of nets and ropes, with an annual production of around 14,300 tonnes. The company employs just over 700 people and has three operational sites – two net and rope factories in Selu and a net workshop in Jalna. The company also maintains an office in Aurangabad.
