Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) is significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint in India. On October 14, 2025, the company completed a project involving extension of its Chennai facility, which added 20,000 sq ft of new production space.

This strategic investment aims to drastically improve efficiency and product availability for the rapidly growing apparel sector across India and South Asia. The expansion increases the manufacturing area from 40,000 sq ft to 60,000 sq f and introduces specialized facilities for 100 per cent cotton and 100 per cent polyester interlinings.

Crucially, the new lines enable the local production of items like Chinese-equivalent polyester bi-elastic shirt and polyester woven interlinings. By localizing this production, Freudenberg is cutting lead times for Indian manufacturers from the current 6–8 weeks for imports to just 1–2 weeks. This also offers customers a cost advantage over duty-paid imported goods.

According to Dr Andreas Raps, this expansion marks a milestone in the company’s 27-year journey in India. Jonathan Oh, Senior Vice President, Global Apparel, adds, this investment empowers Indian apparel manufacturers to compete more effectively on the global stage.

The expanded facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery that enhances quality assurance. These new capabilities join existing paste dot, 3P printing, and powder dot printing lines at the Chennai site, broadening the locally produced product range.

Freudenberg Apparel also supports the Indian textile industry through technical solution studios in Chennai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon. These studios provide valuable technical consultations, fusing press audits, and other services that complement the company's enhanced manufacturing capabilities.