Westermo is a leading manufacturer and vendor of industrial Ethernet switches and data communications products for mission‑critical systems. With offices in Europe, the US, Singapore, China, and Australia, Westermo decided to continue its global expansion by pursuing a strategic new presence in India – a key hub for industrial automation and connectivity solutions.
To safeguard market access and get operations up and running smoothly, the company partnered with Business Sweden’s local team in 2023.
GAINING A FOOTHOLD IN INDIA
Westermo’s goal was to establish a subsidiary from the ground up, from early market insights and analysis to a fully operational local entity. Business Sweden provided support from day one, beginning with a detailed market analysis that identified key industries, growth potential, and local partners, site selection and facility setup. This was followed by an establishment pre-study outlining the optimal legal, financial, and operational structure for India.
COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL SUPPORT
With a strategy firmly in place, the Business Support team at Business Sweden in India worked closely with Westermo’s HQ to accelerate market entry and ensure smooth operations by providing one-stop services. The collaboration included:
- Recruitment of a Managing Director and key personnel
- Employment & HR to ensure all employees were properly onboarded and protected before the legal entity was established
- Company registration and incorporation
- Finance and controlling including full accounting structure, software setup, and tax registration
Several operational hurdles called for tight coordination and perseverance from all sides. Recruitment was especially challenging, given that the right candidates had to be found for both Managing Director and junior roles. Business Sweden put together a tailored headhunting strategy that eventually delivered and matched Westermo’s expectations.
Similarly, Westermo needed running support when it came to banking services. Navigating document translations, notarisations, and multiple rounds of follow-ups with banks, whether for remitting share capital, adding authorised signatories, or clearing KYC checks – all required constant attention.
To keep things moving, Business Sweden provided weekly updates and open, proactive communication. This helped everyone stay aligned,ensure transparency, and made it easier to tackle issues as they came up.
SMOOTH SAILING TO LAUNCH SUCCESS
Within two years, Westermo had both incorporated its Indian subsidiary inaugurated its locat India office Twelve employees had been successfully onboarded, and the local office became an operational base for market development and sales. Business Sweden’s ongoing financial and HR support ensured compliance with local GST and accounting standards.
With Business Sweden’s deep local expertise, structured coordination, and extensive partner network, Westermo accelerated its market entry and established a strong foundation for future growth, enabling full focus on delivering reliable, high-performance communication solutions to industrial clients.
ABOUT WESTERMO
Westermo designs and manufactures industrial Ethernet switches and data communication products for mission-critical systems operating in harsh environments. Its solutions support essential infrastructure such as transport, energy, and water, as well as process industries including mining.
Westermo operates sales and support offices across Europe, the US, Singapore, China, and Australia, and partners with distributors in key markets worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ependion.
