Hendrickson launches air, mechanical suspensions, axles for India market

Hendrickson (a Boler Company) forayed into India in 2006 through a Joint Venture with Tata AutoComp Systems and in 2011 incorporated a 100% subsidiary named Watson & Chalin India Pvt Ltd to expand its manufacturing footprint for truck and trailer products and serve as a manufacturing base to support global customers in Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Hendrickson currently has sales and distribution facilities and / or state-of-the-art manufacturing and research and development centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Romania, France, Poland, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. With its manufacturing facilities for truck and trailer axles and suspensions, Hendrickson is committed to delivering cutting-edge products tailored to the local geography and terrain in India.

Expressing his delight about the launch of these innovative products in India, Matthew Joy, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Hendrickson, states, “Today, we are excited to introduce these innovative Ride Solutions for trailer applications in India, with the goal of serving and supporting the industry's evolving needs. Every day, millions of Hendrickson suspension systems and components worldwide carry loads of freight and raw materials, showcasing our commitment to providing durable, lightweight, and high-performing suspension systems and components. Our global presence and dedication to delivering products and services that benefit manufacturers, fleets and owner-operators worldwide are key factors in our success. Our tagline, 'The World Rides on Us’ encapsulates our brand's spirit and reflects our 110- years of innovation” added Joy.

Richardo Martin, Vice President of International Operations, adds, "Over the years, we have become a force to reckon with in the industry. Our entrepreneurial attitude fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging all our associates to discover, invent, and modernize. This philosophy enables us to create state-of-the-art products and establish ourselves as an industry leader. We work closely with fleets and truck and trailer manufacturers worldwide, collaborating on new product development. In addition to our innovative products, we provide extensive technical support and training services to ensure the proper installation, operation, service, and maintenance of Hendrickson equipment and aftermarket components. Our 'Innovation Built In 'philosophy extends throughout our global network of operations and employees. We are committed to serving the transportation industry with cost-effective ride solutions that enhance productivity and profitability”.

Hendrickson India's commitment to innovation and advanced technology is evident in the unique features and patented technologies incorporated into their products for Trucks and Trailers.As Mohit Khosla, Whole-time Director & Chief Executive Officer for India & Middle East, states, "We are happy to introduce these cutting-edge products in the Indian market. In India, we are committed to continual improvement, ensuring customer trust and safety. We have gained the trust of OEMs, fleets, and owner-operators, thanks to our advanced innovative patented technologies. We are rapidly transitioning into India's leading axle and suspension system manufacturing company for truck and trailer applications. 

With the introduction of our new Air and Mechanical Suspensions, we reaffirm our dedication to delivering rugged, high-performance and cost-effective solutions. These products offer outstanding ride quality and control for various types of trailers on Indian roads, including flat beds, containers, tankers, bulkers, sidewall trailers, and tip trailers. These suspensions will be manufactured locally as part of the Make in India initiative of the Government of India and will be the lightest systems in the market offering un-matched payload and operating efficiency advantages to their customers. Especially designed and applicated for the Indian terrain, these suspensions exemplify our unwavering commitment to excellence and our mission to drive technology, design, and innovation in the commercial transportation industry.

The Indian market currently witnesses an annual demand of about 40,000 trailers, with mechanical suspensions accounting for about 70% of the market share. The migration to air suspensions ha commenced and will gain momentum as the road infrastructure continues to grow and customer expectations demand the adoption of new technologies.

To cater to this growing market, Hendrickson in India is introducing a dual brand strategy of bringing premium products under the Hendrickson brand and cost-effective, locally manufactured products under the Watson & Chalin brand. These options will offer solutions to a wide base of customers all having different business challenges that need to be addressed.”