Japan's Omron sets up full-scale blood pressure monitor factory in Chennai, says will also export machines

Omron, a healthcare company situated in Japan has started full-scale production of blood pressure monitors at its first factory in India, located near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. According to the company, the facility will initially manufacture devices for Indian consumers, but it also plans to turn Chennai into a supply base for international markets. Moreover, Omron is also aiming to increase the factory's production capacity tenfold by 2028.As for the location, it is at Origins by Mahindra and spans approximately 24,000 square metres. Operated by Omron Healthcare Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd., the facility has five production lines and currently manufactures three blood pressure monitor series: HEM-7090, HEM-7181 and HEM-7183T.Omron to manufacture three blood pressure monitor series in IndiaThe company revealed the Chennai factory uses production technologies and quality-control practices developed at its facilities in Japan and Vietnam. This means the devices made in India will follow the same standards of measurement accuracy and quality as Omron's products supplied to international markets.The three series cater to different users. The HEM-7090 is a standard upper-arm blood pressure monitor designed for straightforward home use, including by first-time buyers. The HEM-7181 comes with a Trend Indicator and memory function, while the HEM-7183T adds Bluetooth connectivity with the OMRON Connect app and an easy-to-wrap Fit Cuff. The facility will also support the government's Make in India initiative through local component sourcing, workforce development and job creation.Omron plans to increase production capacity tenfold by 2028Omron's expansion comes at a time when India faces a growing hypertension burden. The company estimates that around 300 million people in the country are living with the condition. However, fewer than 5 per cent of Indian households regularly use a home blood pressure monitor. By increasing local production, Omron aims to make home monitoring more accessible and support the early identification and management of cardiovascular risks. The company has been operating in India since 2010 and has worked with healthcare professionals and local partners to promote awareness of hypertension. It has also collaborated with the Indian Society of Hypertension on the country's first home blood pressure monitoring guidelines.Looking ahead, Omron plans to increase the Chennai factory's production capacity tenfold by 2028. It also intends to introduce manufacturing of nebulisers used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma. The company says these steps will help strengthen the supply of home healthcare devices in India and overseas.- Ends