GAIL begins gas supplies to Chinese automotive wheel producer Wanfeng

GAIL India, the nation's biggest natural gas transporter, has begun supplying gas to the India unit of the world's largest automotive aluminium wheel producer Wanfeng Group.

Gas supplies to Wanfeng Aluminium Wheels (India)'s plant at Rewari in Haryana commenced on June 27, company sources said.

The Rewari plant is the first overseas manufacturing facility of the Chinese company. Wanfeng invest about USD 50 million in the plant which will have an annual production capacity of 3 million motorcycle wheels. The plant which became operational last year will also produce other auto wheels.

The Chinese Group produces 12 million automotive wheels a year and 18 million motorcycle wheels.

Sources said gas supplies to the plant Rewari plant of the company was provided as part of government's programme to push for manufacturing in the country through the 'Make-in- India' initiative.

GAIL is supplying gas to the unit through Sultanpur-Neemrana gas pipeline. It will supply 25,500 standard cubic meters per day of gas for five years.

The gas being supplied to Wanfeng is imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), sources said.

The Rewari plant will manufacture alloy wheels for companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hero Moto Corp and Honda Motorcycle and Honda Car.

Globally, Wanfeng's main clients include General Motors, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, PSA, Fiat, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group.