Metalman Auto Pvt Ltd is forming a 50:50 JV with Italy based - Cellino S.R.L. The JV – Metalman Cellino Pvt Ltd will manufacture metal components for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and heavy equipment. The company will set up a new plant either a Pathampur or Pune.

The JV benefits both the companies as Cellino will get components at a lower cost while, Metalman will receive business from European Markets as well as the technological know-how.

Metalman was incorporated in 1986 in Indore to manufacture sheet metal and tubular automotive components for Kinetic Honda. Today, Metalman operates three plants and supplies automotive components to Bajaj Auto, Eicher Volvo Motors, Siemens, Caparo Industries, L&T Case, Anvis France and Renault France.

India's cost competitiveness in terms of labour and raw material has made India the favoured location among global automotive companies to set up manufacturing units.

Various Auto companies including are Oeitker Group, Michelin and Ford setting up manufacturing units in India, while others are forming partnerships with Indian companies.

Companies Continental AG and Cornaglia Group has set up their manufacturing units through JVs. Germany's Continental AG has a JV with Rico Auto Industries Ltd to make hydraulic brake systems, while Turin based Cornaglia Group has a JV with Lumax Auto Technologies Ltd to make emission systems.