Tata, Katcon Partner in Mexico to Supply Lightweight Composites

Tata AutoComp, a subsidiary of Tata, and Mexico-based Katcon Global have established a joint venture in Mexico to manufacture advanced lightweight composite components for the North American automotive market. The new company will cater to various segments, including passenger and commercial vehicles, agricultural tractors, off-road vehicles, and non-automotive industries.

The agreement builds on a 13-year collaboration between the two companies in India, where their focus was on exhaust systems and emissions after-treatment solutions. This partnership represents a shift in their business model, with Tata providing proprietary technologies and Katcon contributing operational expertise and local market knowledge.

“This joint venture marks a significant milestone for Tata AutoComp, as it is the first time we are partnering to contribute our core technology,” said Arvind Goel, Vice Chairman, Tata AutoComp. He noted that their Composites Division, which recently earned the Deming Prize, will supply patented formulations and sheet manufacturing processes for the partnership.

“This venture reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Carlos Turner, CEO, Katcon. He highlighted that the partnership will enable the companies to deliver advanced composite solutions tailored to the automotive sector's needs for performance, weight reduction, and fuel efficiency.

The companies did not disclose specific investment amounts, employment projections, or the plant’s location. However, they emphasized that the joint venture aligns with their global growth strategies and the broader industry trend toward sustainable and lightweight materials to meet regulatory and environmental requirements.

According to a joint statement, Tata AutoComp will leverage its strong customer relationships and technical capabilities, while Katcon will oversee regulatory compliance, execution, and operations in Mexico.

By establishing their new production site in Mexico, the joint venture aims to capitalize on the country’s proximity to the United States and Canada, its robust trade infrastructure, and its established role in the automotive supply chain under the USMCA framework. The facility will serve as a strategic base for supplying lightweight and advanced materials to OEMs operating in North America.