The unit will be located in Pune, and is the result of a detailed market study and entry strategy performed in 2010.

Martin is already incorporated in India. Its presence was established with the help of its licensee, Thejo, for the distribution and support of select bulk handling technologies.

“Before making the decision to expand our business in India, we focused on providing high-quality conveyor products to a number of different industries,” Martin chief financial officer Ron Vick said, noting that the 2010 study had found “huge potential” in the country.

“Now that a business unit with full manufacturing capabilities will be opened, we’ll be positioned to offer our complete line of bulk material handling solutions, beyond the limited products currently available. This full line will include air cannons, railcar unloading products, engineered vibration and dust management.”

Vick added that the company was looking ahead to its role as a full-service supplier for the country’s mining, steel, power and cement industries.

“With growth rates expected to rival those in China, the India market represents an unprecedented opportunity for us.”

Martin Engineering is developing a strategic business plan and is hiring a managing director to oversee the facility. It will finalize the lease of a 20,000-square-foot space early this year and expects to have full operations by the second quarter.

In addition to the new Pune office, Martin will have sales and service offices as well as staff in Calcutta, Delhi and Chennai. In the meantime, it is rigorously looking at acquisition opportunities.

The company’s nearly 20-year-old Foundations training program will be expanded to help introduce Martin Engineering technologies. The program features three levels of training: Introduction to Conveyors and Conveyor Safety; Operation and Maintenance of Belt Conveyors; and Advanced Topics and Conveyor Engineering.