### **Overview** Rane (Madras) Limited (RML), headquartered in Chennai, India, is a flagship company of the Rane Group — a leading automotive components manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1929. Established in 1960, RML is a market leader in steering and linkage systems in India and a key player in light metal casting. The company operates through two core divisions: - **Steering and Linkages Division (SLD)**: Produces mechanical steering gears, hydrostatic steering systems, and linkage components. - **Light Metal Casting India Division (LMCI)**: Specializes in high-pressure die-cast (HPDC), low-porosity aluminum components for steering, engine, and transmission systems. RML is part of a diversified group ecosystem that includes subsidiaries such as Rane Brake Lining Ltd (RBL), ZF Rane Automotive India Pvt Ltd, Rane NSK Steering Systems Pvt Ltd, and Rane Engine Valve Ltd, among others. --- ### **Business Segments & Market Presence** Ranel supplies across a broad spectrum of vehicle and industrial segments, including: - Passenger Vehicles - Commercial Vehicles - Two- and Three-Wheelers - Farm Tractors - Railways - Stationary Engines Its components are critical to powertrain-agnostic systems, with **over 92% of revenue derived from products unaffected by propulsion technology shifts**, making it resilient to the EV transition. This strategic positioning supports both OEM and Aftermarket segments. --- ### **Core Product Offerings** - **Steering Systems**: Manual and electric steering gears, rack & pinion assemblies, steering columns, HSUs, and steering cylinders. - **Suspension & Linkages**: Ball joints (including capless elliptical design), steering linkages, tie rods. - **Light Metal Castings**: High-integrity aluminum die-cast components for steering housings, engine covers, and automotive assemblies. - **Occupant Safety & Friction Materials** (through group subsidiaries): Airbags, energy-absorbing columns, brake linings, disc pads, clutch facings, railway brake blocks. - **Valve Train Components**: Engine valves and related systems. RML leverages strong **in-house engineering and R&D capabilities**, with recent advancements in: - Electric power steering systems (EPS), including a next-generation ECU (hardware and software) for column-mounted EPS. - Development of an **electric steering column and rack & pinion assembly** for a 2.5-tonne electric SUV. - Indigenous ball joints for Korean OEMs and a power steering cylinder validated for extreme temperatures. - Environmentally sustainable processes such as **gas nitriding, hollow valves**, and localization of high-cost nickel alloys to reduce import dependency. --- ### **Recent Developments (2024–2025)** #### **Global Expansion: Mexico Greenfield Facility** - In **June 2024**, the company incorporated **Rane Automotive Components Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (RACM)** in Aguascalientes, Mexico — a strategic hub for OEMs like Nissan, Ford, and GM. - The greenfield plant will produce **inner and outer ball joints and steering linkages**, targeting growth in North America under the **USMCA trade agreement**. - Initial investment: **USD 3 million**, expected to scale to **USD 6 million** within 18 months. - First contract: Supply of ball joints for a leading American OEM’s **electric vehicle platform** via a tier-1 supplier, with **peak annual sales of INR 80 crores**, scheduled to launch in 2025. - Commercial production is expected by **mid-FY25–26**. #### **Land Monetization & Debt Reduction (June 2025)** - RML agreed to sell a **3.48-acre land parcel in Velachery, Chennai**, to **Canopy Living LLP**. - The company retains **1.02 acres** to build a new **integrated corporate office**, supporting long-term cost synergies post-merger and reducing debt through asset monetization. #### **New Orders & Awards (Aug 2025)** - Secured a **Rs. 280 crore order**, including **Rs. 170 crore from international customers**, across steering and light metal casting businesses. - Awarded **Best Supplier by Volvo** for achieving **zero defects** in quality performance. - **Mysuru plant** received **CII Greenco Platinum Rating** for environmental leadership. - Additional **Rs. 25 crore in new orders** from domestic and global customers. #### **Aftermarket Growth** - Rane Aftermarket Business is expanding its **brand presence and product portfolio** in both Indian and **international markets**. - Offers over **7,570 SKUs**, with **50+ new SKUs added in Q4 FY25**. - A dominant player in India's PV and Two-Wheeler aftermarket, with a **35% contribution to group sales** from the Aftermarket segment. #### **R&D & Innovation (Jul 2025)** - Developed **capless elliptical ball joint** for European and EV OEMs. - Engineered steering components for international tractor OEMs. - Advanced VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) initiatives enabling competitive **low-cost manufacturing** for global aftermarket expansion. --- ### **Manufacturing & Infrastructure** RML operates **advanced manufacturing facilities** in: - Chennai, Mysuru, Puducherry, Pantnagar, Rudrapur, Hyderabad (Bollaram), and Sadasivpet. **Key Capabilities:** - In-house **end-to-end testing facilities** covering functional, endurance, and environmental performance. - **High-pressure aluminum die-casting (HPDC)** lines for complex, lightweight components. - Expansion of HPDC capacity in FY24 to meet demand from new customer programs. **International Footprint:** - **Rane Light Metal Castings Inc. (RLMCA)** in Kentucky, USA — produces HPDC components for North American markets. - Despite challenges in the US (post-pandemic demand slowdown), efforts continue to improve quality, cost, and delivery metrics. --- ### **Financial & Strategic Highlights** - **Group Sales (FY24): INR 7,199 crore (~USD 870 million)** *(FY23: INR 6,690 crore; FY22: INR 5,313 crore)* - Over **64% revenue** from Steering & Suspension systems historically. - Growing **export mix** in steering, valve train components, and occupant safety systems. - Strategic focus on **global expansion, export growth, and aftermarket penetration**. - Emphasis on **digitalization, operational excellence, and sustainability**. --- ### **Sustainability & Recognition** - **Mysuru plant**: CII Greenco **Platinum Rating** (Aug 2025). - **Trichy plant (RBL)**: CII GreenCo **Gold Rating** for environmental performance. - Adoption of **eco-friendly manufacturing processes** across multiple facilities. ---