Mangaluru: The European Technology Alliance Group (ETAG) announced plans to relocate its global headquarters and production facilities from the Middle East and Germany to Mangaluru. This marks the second major corporate coming to Mangaluru under Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta's ‘Back to Uru' initiative.
An exchange of Expression of Interest (EOI) between Germany-based ETAG Energietechnik and Mangaluru Special Economic Zone Limited (MSEZ) was formalised on Monday. This strategic shift is expected to strengthen ETAG's proximity to its growing Asian customer base and drive its innovation and expansion goals.
The EOI was signed in the presence of ETAG Energietechnik chairman Prakash Pereira and CEO Jyothi Pereira, along with MSEZ officials including CEO Suryanarayana, CFO Ramesh Kumar, and CA Nitin J Shetty.
Prakash Pereira highlighted that ETAG Energietechnik is the Indian subsidiary of ETAG GmbH, headquartered in Eglsbach, Germany. The company specialises in next-generation power technologies and hybrid super-fast EV charging infrastructure. The upcoming facility at MSEZ will feature state-of-the-art research, technology, and manufacturing capabilities.
The project entails an investment of Rs 300 crore in research, product development, and manufacturing, with operations slated to begin in early 2026. The facility is expected to create 100–150 jobs and generate annual exports worth USD 110 million. "I want to contribute towards making Mangaluru great always," Pereira said.
Capt Chowta noted his longstanding acquaintance with Pereira, saying, "I invited him to contribute to the development of Mangaluru. This investment aligns with ‘Make in Kudla,' complementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Make in India' vision."
Under the Back to Uru initiative, the MP's office and the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) will actively campaign to encourage Mangaluru-origin entrepreneurs to invest in their hometown. A delegation will soon visit Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and the Middle East to attract investments and foster regional growth.
The MP also announced a Be Your Own Boss initiative to support budding entrepreneurs without resources. Nine entrepreneurs will initially benefit from this initiative.
Inclusive employment opportunities
Pereira also emphasised the project's commitment to inclusivity, stating, "We aim to provide employment opportunities for the underprivileged, especially those with speech and hearing impairments." Around 10% of the workforce will consist of individuals with these challenges, who will receive expert training from Germany to excel in their roles.