Karnataka seeks French investments in food, manufacturing, aerospace

Bengaluru: Karnataka is seeking to attract investments from French companies in manufacturing, aerospace, advanced engineering, food processing and emerging technologies, industries minister MB Patil said Tuesday.

The state is seeking to deepen its engagement with French companies and has invited them to explore expansion and investment opportunities in Karnataka, the industries department said in a statement.

Patil, who is leading a Karnataka delegation on a visit to France and the Netherlands, held discussions with senior representatives of Somfy, Thales, Mecachrome, Savencia and Danone during the second day of the delegation’s meetings in France.


During the meeting with Somfy, the delegation encouraged the French automation company to explore manufacturing and assembly operations in Karnataka, building on its existing presence in Bengaluru. The state highlighted its engineering, electronics and smart-building ecosystem as a potential base for Somfy’s future localisation plans.

The delegation also urged Thales, which operates in defence, aerospace and cyber and digital technologies, to anchor a larger share of its future investments in Karnataka. Thales highlighted plans to increase sourcing from India and expand its employee base as it scales up operations.

Patil invited Thales to participate in the Global Investors Meet next year and continue discussions on additional investment opportunities in the state.

The delegation also held discussions with Mecachrome, a French engineering and manufacturing company specialising in machining, sheet-metal work and assembly for aerospace, aero-engines