Author name: Rahul

Why India’s industrial machinery market is a priority right now India’s manufacturing sector is undergoing structural transformation. The government’s PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme has committed over $26 billion in incentives across 14 manufacturing sectors. ‘Make in India’ has catalysed greenfield industrial investment across automotive, electronics, defence, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. All of this manufacturing activity requires machinery — and European manufacturers, particularly German, Italian, Austrian, and Swiss companies, are among the most competitive suppliers globally in precision equipment, automation, and specialised industrial tools. How the Indian industrial machinery buying process works Understanding the Indian buying process is essential before investing in market development. It differs from European norms in several important ways: Decisions are relationship-driven: Indian industrial buyers prefer to buy from people they know and trust. Cold approaches — whether by email or at trade fairs — have low conversion rates compared to warm introductions. Price sensitivity is real but not absolute: Indian buyers will pay a premium for provenance and quality, but only if the value case is clearly made. European manufacturers who present their price without context lose deals to Chinese or domestic competitors. Trials matter: Offering a machine trial, a demonstration unit, or a reference visit to an existing Indian customer dramatically increases conversion rates. After-sales is a buying criterion: Indian industrial buyers are highly sensitive to parts availability, service response times, and technical support. Your service model is part of your value proposition. Building your India sales network: three models Exclusive distributor / agent The fastest route to market. An established Indian distributor with relationships in your target sector can generate leads immediately. The risk: finding a genuinely capable and committed partner, and ensuring they prioritise your brand over their portfolio of other products. RAW’s Sales Agency Platform RAW operates a dedicated sales agency platform for industrial machinery companies. We maintain a team of trained salespeople, manage the full sales cycle, and provide quarterly performance reporting. This model combines the speed of distribution with the control and transparency of a direct operation. Wholly Owned Subsidiary with Direct Sales Team The highest-control model, appropriate once commercial potential has been validated. Typically year 2–3 of an India market development programme. Sectors with highest near-term demand Based on RAW’s current client activity and market intelligence, the highest near-term demand for European industrial machinery in India is concentrated in: food processing and packaging, automotive component manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, textiles and apparel, and ceramics and building materials. Contact RAW India Advisory at info@relationsatwork.com to discuss your company’s specific machinery category and the most effective entry route for your target Indian sectors.

The Made in Italy advantage in India Italy and India have a commercial relationship that is older, deeper, and more strategically aligned than most Italian business leaders realise. India is among Italy’s top 15 trading partners globally, and bilateral trade has grown consistently over the past decade. What makes Italian companies particularly well-positioned in India is not just product quality — it is provenance. ‘Made in Italy’ carries premium perception across multiple Indian consumer and industrial segments: a signal of quality, craftsmanship, and design heritage that Indian buyers actively seek and are willing to pay for. High-opportunity sectors for Italian companies Industrial Machinery and Equipment India is in the middle of a manufacturing boom. The PLI scheme, ‘Make in India’ incentives, and the China+1 supply chain shift have created massive demand for industrial machinery, automation equipment, and precision tools. Italian machinery manufacturers — particularly in food processing, packaging, ceramics, and textiles — are regularly sought by Indian industrial buyers. RAW has direct experience in this sector, managing sales and business development for Italian industrial machinery companies across multiple Indian states. Fashion, Luxury, and Lifestyle India’s luxury and premium consumer segment is the fastest-growing in the world. Italian fashion, leather goods, accessories, and home décor brands are in high demand among affluent Indian consumers. The combination of growing high-net-worth households and a cultural association between Italian design and aspiration creates a genuine premium pricing opportunity. Food and Beverage Italian food is India’s most popular European cuisine. Pasta, olive oil, specialty cheeses, wine, and premium packaged Italian products are establishing distribution in modern trade, online, and HoReCa channels. Italy’s geographic indications (DOP, IGP) are increasingly recognised among India’s premium consumer segment. Cosmetics and Personal Care India’s cosmetics market is growing at 18% annually. Italian cosmetics brands — particularly in skincare, haircare, and professional salon products — are finding strong demand across organised retail, eCommerce, and the rapidly expanding beauty service sector. Ceramics and Building Materials India’s construction boom has created massive demand for premium ceramics and building materials. Italian ceramic brands, already known globally for design leadership, have significant opportunities in India’s premium residential and commercial construction segments. Why an Italian-led advisor matters RAW India Advisory is led by Italian managers who understand Italian business culture from the inside — the emphasis on personal relationships, the importance of design and quality, the family business decision-making model — and who have spent 15+ years building the India expertise to translate that culture into commercial success. This is not a generic market entry service. It is a specifically calibrated bridge between Italian companies and the Indian market. Contact us at info@relationsatwork.com.

India’s eCommerce market: the size of the opportunity India’s eCommerce sector is growing at 27% annually and is expected to reach $350 billion by 2030. Amazon India, Flipkart, Nykaa, Myntra, and a growing number of sector-specific marketplaces have created distribution infrastructure that European brands can access without building their own. For European companies evaluating India, eCommerce offers something uniquely valuable: commercial validation before significant investment. You can test whether Indian consumers want your product, at what price point, and in which categories — before committing to a local subsidiary, a warehouse, or a permanent team. The regulatory framework for foreign brands selling online in India Foreign brands cannot sell directly on Indian marketplaces without a local entity. India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy prohibits foreign companies from engaging in B2C retail — including online — without a licensed local entity. There are two compliant structures for foreign brands to sell on Indian marketplaces: Through an Indian subsidiary: The Pvt Ltd company imports the goods, maintains inventory, and sells on the marketplace. Full control, full compliance, higher setup cost. Through a licensed Indian trading partner: The trading partner imports, warehouses, and sells the goods on the foreign brand’s behalf. Faster market entry, lower capital requirement, less control. RAW India Trading: the fastest compliant route RAW India Trading is the trading arm of the RAW Group, designed specifically for this purpose. Foreign brands appoint RAW India Trading as their exclusive online distributor, and RAW handles importation, customs clearance, warehousing, marketplace listing, customer service, and returns management. RAW India Trading has operated pan-India with five warehouses and one bonded warehouse, with established accounts on all major Indian marketplaces. For European brands looking to test India with minimal investment, this model eliminates 6–12 months of setup time and allows commercial operations to begin in 8–12 weeks from agreement. What European brands need to prepare Before onboarding with RAW India Trading, brands need to ensure their products comply with Indian labelling regulations (country of origin, importer name, MRP labelling in English), applicable BIS or FSSAI certifications for regulated product categories, and correct HS code classification for import duty calculation. RAW’s compliance team supports brands through all of these requirements as part of the onboarding process. To explore whether the RAW India Trading model is right for your brand, contact info@relationsatwork.com.

India has rapidly emerged as one of the most attractive markets globally for the food processing industry. Driven by strong domestic consumption, export growth, and increasing industrialization, the country is undergoing a major transformation in how food is processed, packaged, and distributed. For European Food Processing Machinery manufacturers, this represents a significant commercial opportunity. However, while the market potential is undeniable, executing successfully in India is far from straightforward — especially without a local presence and structured commercial approach. At RelationsAtWork, we have developed a proven commercial agent model that enables European companies to build, manage, and scale their sales in India efficiently and with limited risk. Why India is a strategic market for Food Processing Machinery Several structural trends are driving demand for modern food processing machinery in India: 📈 Strong industry growth India’s food processing sector is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, supported by both domestic consumption and export-oriented production. 🏭 Industrial modernization Food manufacturers are upgrading their facilities to improve efficiency, automation, and quality standards. 📦 Rise of packaged food The growth of organized retail and changing consumer habits are increasing demand for processed and packaged products. 🌍 Export opportunities India is strengthening its position as a global supplier of processed food, requiring better infrastructure and compliance with international standards. 👉 All these factors are pushing Indian companies to invest in high-quality, reliable machinery — a space where European manufacturers have a strong competitive advantage. The challenge: turning market potential into actual sales Despite strong demand, many European companies struggle to convert opportunities into concrete business. Typical challenges include: Limited access to decision-makers in food processing companies Difficulty building trust without a local presence Long and fragmented sales cycles Lack of continuous follow-up with prospects Challenges in identifying the right distributors or partners In many cases, companies attempt to manage India remotely — which significantly reduces their chances of success. 👉 In India, sales is a field-driven, relationship-based process that requires consistent local engagement. Our solution: a dedicated commercial agent in India To address these challenges, RelationsAtWork acts as your local commercial team, fully dedicated to your brand. Instead of building your own subsidiary from day one, you can rely on our commercial agent model to establish a strong presence quickly and efficiently. 👉 We effectively become your sales office in India, managing your business development on the ground. What we do: full sales cycle execution Our service goes far beyond lead generation. We manage the entire sales cycle, ensuring continuity and performance at every stage. 🔹 Field sales & business development Active prospecting across India (North, South, East, West) Identification of target customers across food industry segments Client meetings and product presentations Demonstrations and sample coordination Participation in trade shows and industry events Identification and onboarding of distributors or channel partners 🔹 Negotiation & deal closure Commercial discussions with clients Alignment with your HQ on pricing and terms Handling objections and closing deals Order confirmation under your company’s terms 🔹 Key account management Ongoing relationship management with strategic clients Follow-up on opportunities and repeat business Development of long-term partnerships 🔹 HQ alignment & reporting Monthly pipeline and performance reporting Market intelligence (competitors, pricing trends, regulations) Feedback from the field to refine your strategy Coordination on commercial decisions 👉 You maintain full control and visibility, while we handle execution locally. A proven model with real results Our approach is not theoretical — it is built on years of hands-on experience in the Indian food industry. We have successfully supported European companies in: Building a strong customer base across India Engaging with leading food processing players Generating sustained sales growth over time This model has enabled companies to: Multiply their client base Accelerate revenue growth Expand into new regions and segments A strong network in the Indian food ecosystem Over the years, we have built a solid network across key segments of the food industry: Snack and packaged food manufacturers Seafood processors and exporters Dairy and beverage companies Cold chain and storage operators Industrial and diversified food-related players 👉 These relationships are the result of continuous field presence and active engagement, not just database access. How our commercial agent model works Our process is structured and transparent: 1️⃣ Onboarding Product training, positioning, and alignment with your HQ 2️⃣ Market mapping & prospecting Identification of qualified leads and opportunities 3️⃣ Client engagement Meetings, demos, and relationship building 4️⃣ Closing Negotiation and order confirmation 5️⃣ Reporting & optimization Performance tracking and strategy adjustment A flexible, performance-driven model One of the key advantages of our approach is its low-risk structure. A dedicated full-time sales manager Based in India, working exclusively for your brand A cost structure aligned with performance 👉 The fixed retainer is offset against commissions, meaning your investment is directly linked to results. This allows you to: Enter the market without heavy upfront costs Test and validate your commercial potential Scale progressively based on performance Why partner with RelationsAtWork? Companies choose us because we combine: ✔ Proven experience in the Food Processing Machinery sector ✔ Dedicated resources (no shared sales teams) ✔ Pan-India coverage ✔ Strong understanding of European business practices ✔ A structured and transparent approach We act as a true extension of your team, bridging the gap between Europe and India. Ready to grow your sales in India? India represents a major opportunity for Food Processing Machinery companies — but success depends on local execution, consistency, and relationships. At RelationsAtWork, we help you: Build your sales pipeline Access the right clients Close deals efficiently Develop long-term growth in India 📩 Contact us today to explore how our commercial agent model can support your expansion in India.

The question European boards are asking in 2025 For two decades, China was the default answer for European companies looking to manufacture or source in Asia. Low costs, massive scale, and a rapidly improving infrastructure made the decision almost automatic. That calculus has shifted. Geopolitical risk, rising Chinese labour costs, post-COVID supply chain fragility, and the strategic desire to reduce single-country dependency have opened a serious conversation about India as an alternative — or complement — to China. Where India genuinely competes with China Labour costs: India’s manufacturing labour costs are 30–40% lower than China’s coastal provinces and still falling relative to Chinese wage inflation. English language capability: India produces more English-speaking engineers and managers than any country in the world, reducing the communication friction that plagues China operations. Demographic dividend: India’s median age is 28 versus China’s 38. India’s working-age population will grow for the next 30 years while China’s shrinks. Government incentives: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme offers direct cash incentives for manufacturing in 14 sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, textiles, and food processing. Geopolitical alignment: India’s non-aligned position and growing strategic partnership with Europe reduces the political risk premium that now attaches to China operations. Where China still leads — and India is closing the gap Honesty matters here. China still outperforms India in several dimensions that matter to European manufacturers: infrastructure quality (ports, roads, logistics), ecosystem depth (supplier clusters for specific components), speed of execution, and scale of manufacturing capacity. India is closing these gaps faster than most European executives realise. The National Infrastructure Pipeline has committed $1.4 trillion to infrastructure development through 2025. Major industrial corridors are operational or under construction. And for many categories of goods, India’s supplier ecosystem is now genuinely competitive. The China+1 strategy in practice Most sophisticated European companies are not replacing China with India — they are adding India as a second node in their Asia strategy. This ‘China+1’ approach reduces single-country risk, provides a hedge against further US-China trade escalation, and opens access to India’s domestic market at the same time. The companies getting this right are those who enter India with a clear thesis: which product lines, which supplier relationships, which customer segments justify an India presence, and what is the realistic 3-year investment required to make it work. RAW India Advisory helps European companies build and execute their India component of a China+1 strategy. Contact us at info@relationsatwork.com to discuss your specific sector and objectives.

The challenge: too much commitment, too early Most European companies face the same dilemma when entering India: they need people on the ground to make things happen, but they are not yet ready — or confident enough — to build a permanent local team. Hiring a Country Manager in India for a company with no established India operations is expensive, high-risk, and often premature. The candidate pool for senior roles is competitive, salaries are rising fast, and finding someone with both market expertise and cultural alignment with a European headquarters is genuinely difficult. Temporary management offers a different model — and for many European companies, it is the right model for the first two to three years of India operations. What temporary management actually means In the RAW model, temporary management means an experienced manager — employed by RAW, but working exclusively for the client — is embedded in the client’s India operations. They carry the client’s business cards, represent the client’s brand, and manage the full scope of local activities. The temporary manager handles: day-to-day commercial and operational decisions, relationship management with customers, distributors and government bodies, coordination between India operations and European headquarters, and escalation of strategic issues that require C-suite involvement. The client maintains full visibility and control through structured reporting, without needing to manage the daily complexity of an emerging market operation from 7,000 kilometres away. When temporary management makes sense Temporary management is most valuable in four specific situations: Market entry phase: when the company is validating commercial potential before committing to full infrastructure investment. Transition periods: when a Country Manager departs and the company needs continuity while recruiting a replacement. Turnaround situations: when an existing India operation is underperforming and needs experienced management to diagnose and fix the problem. Specific project execution: when a defined initiative — a product launch, a supply chain restructuring, a joint venture negotiation — requires dedicated local management for 6–18 months. The cost advantage A temporary management arrangement typically costs 40–60% less than the all-in cost of hiring a senior manager directly — when you factor in salary, social contributions, ESOPs, recruitment fees, severance provisions, and the time cost of a failed hire. More importantly, it eliminates the largest hidden cost of direct hiring: the cost of the wrong person in the role. In a market where local knowledge and relationships are critical, a poorly matched hire can set an India expansion back by two to three years. RAW’s temporary management track record RAW has provided temporary management services to European companies across automotive, FMCG, cosmetics, industrial machinery, and technology sectors. In each case, the goal is the same: make the client’s India operations work, build the foundations for long-term success, and transition smoothly to a permanent structure when the business is ready. To discuss whether temporary management is the right model for your India expansion, contact us at info@relationsatwork.com.

India is no longer a future opportunity — it’s a present one With a GDP growing at 6.5% annually, a middle class exceeding 400 million people, and government reforms that have significantly reduced bureaucratic friction, India has moved from ‘interesting’ to ‘urgent’ on the strategic agenda of European CEOs. Yet many European companies still treat India as a project for next year. The ones who moved early are building competitive advantages that will be very difficult to close later. This guide breaks down the market entry process into clear, sequential steps — based on fifteen years of hands-on experience helping European companies set up and grow in India. Step 1: Market Assessment — Before You Commit Anything The first question is not ‘how do we enter India’ but ‘should we enter India, and where?’ India is not one market — it is 28 states with distinct consumer behaviours, regulatory environments, and distribution infrastructure. A solid market assessment answers: Which customer segments exist for your product? Which geographies offer the highest near-term opportunity? What is the realistic price point given the competitive landscape? What regulatory approvals are required before your product can be sold? Most European companies underinvest in this phase and overspend on the next one as a result. Step 2: Choose Your Entry Structure There are four main options for European companies entering India: Wholly Owned Subsidiary (Private Limited Company): Full control, 100% profit repatriation in most sectors, higher setup complexity. Best for companies committed to long-term India presence. Liaison Office: Low-cost representation with no commercial activity allowed. Good for initial market exploration only. Distribution Partnership: Fast to market, lower investment, but limited control over brand and pricing. Best for FMCG, food, and consumer goods in early stages. Joint Venture: Access to local knowledge and networks, shared risk. Recommended for regulated sectors, manufacturing, or when a specific local partner creates a strategic advantage. The right structure depends on your sector, investment appetite, and timeline. Choosing wrong at this stage creates expensive restructuring problems two or three years later. Step 3: Company Incorporation and Regulatory Compliance Setting up a Private Limited Company in India typically takes 4–8 weeks if documentation is in order. Key requirements include: Director Identification Numbers (DIN) for at least two directors, a registered office address in India, a Memorandum and Articles of Association, and registration with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). Beyond incorporation, most sectors require additional registrations: GST registration (mandatory for any commercial activity), Import-Export Code (IEC) if you are importing goods, BIS certification for certain product categories, and FSSAI licensing for food and beverage products. The regulatory landscape has improved significantly under the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ reforms, but it remains complex enough to justify experienced local support. Step 4: Build Your Local Team or Use Temporary Management One of the most common mistakes European companies make in India is trying to manage operations remotely for too long. The Indian market rewards presence. Decisions that take three emails in Europe often require a meeting in India. For companies not yet ready to hire a full local team, temporary management is a viable and increasingly popular option: experienced managers embedded on the ground, working under the client’s brand, managing day-to-day operations while the company builds its permanent India structure. Step 5: Sales Network and Distribution India’s distribution landscape is fragmented and region-specific. A distributor who performs well in Maharashtra may have no reach in Karnataka. Building a reliable sales and distribution network typically takes 12–18 months and requires local relationship-building that cannot be shortcut. The key decisions: Do you sell direct (B2B) or through distributors (B2C/FMCG)? Which states or cities do you prioritise for the pilot phase? How do you monitor and incentivise distributor performance? Step 6: Financial Controls and Reporting India requires monthly GST filings, quarterly advance tax payments, annual statutory audits, and Transfer Pricing documentation for related-party transactions with the parent company. European headquarters often underestimate the volume of compliance work — and the consequences of non-compliance. Building a solid local finance function from day one is not optional. It is the infrastructure on which your India business is built. How RAW India Advisory Supports Your Market Entry RAW has been supporting European companies in India since 2009. We work across the full market entry lifecycle — from initial market assessment through company incorporation, sales network development, temporary management, and ongoing financial compliance. Our team combines Italian and international managers with deep India expertise, giving European clients a partner who understands both the business culture they come from and the market they are entering. Ready to explore what an India entry could look like for your company? Contact us at info@relationsatwork.com.

India has rapidly emerged as one of the most attractive markets globally for the food processing industry. Driven by strong domestic consumption, export growth, and increasing industrialization, the country is undergoing a major transformation in how food is processed, packaged, and distributed. For European Food Processing Machinery manufacturers, this represents a significant commercial opportunity. However, while the market potential is undeniable, executing successfully in India is far from straightforward — especially without a local presence and structured commercial approach. At RelationsAtWork, we have developed a proven commercial agent model that enables European companies to build, manage, and scale their sales in India efficiently and with limited risk. Why India is a strategic market for Food Processing Machinery Several structural trends are driving demand for modern food processing machinery in India: 📈 Strong industry growth India’s food processing sector is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, supported by both domestic consumption and export-oriented production. 🏭 Industrial modernization Food manufacturers are upgrading their facilities to improve efficiency, automation, and quality standards. 📦 Rise of packaged food The growth of organized retail and changing consumer habits are increasing demand for processed and packaged products. 🌍 Export opportunities India is strengthening its position as a global supplier of processed food, requiring better infrastructure and compliance with international standards. 👉 All these factors are pushing Indian companies to invest in high-quality, reliable machinery — a space where European manufacturers have a strong competitive advantage. The challenge: turning market potential into actual sales Despite strong demand, many European companies struggle to convert opportunities into concrete business. Typical challenges include: Limited access to decision-makers in food processing companies Difficulty building trust without a local presence Long and fragmented sales cycles Lack of continuous follow-up with prospects Challenges in identifying the right distributors or partners In many cases, companies attempt to manage India remotely — which significantly reduces their chances of success. 👉 In India, sales is a field-driven, relationship-based process that requires consistent local engagement. Our solution: a dedicated commercial agent in India To address these challenges, RelationsAtWork acts as your local commercial team, fully dedicated to your brand. Instead of building your own subsidiary from day one, you can rely on our commercial agent model to establish a strong presence quickly and efficiently. 👉 We effectively become your sales office in India, managing your business development on the ground. What we do: full sales cycle execution Our service goes far beyond lead generation. We manage the entire sales cycle, ensuring continuity and performance at every stage. 🔹 Field sales & business development Active prospecting across India (North, South, East, West) Identification of target customers across food industry segments Client meetings and product presentations Demonstrations and sample coordination Participation in trade shows and industry events Identification and onboarding of distributors or channel partners 🔹 Negotiation & deal closure Commercial discussions with clients Alignment with your HQ on pricing and terms Handling objections and closing deals Order confirmation under your company’s terms 🔹 Key account management Ongoing relationship management with strategic clients Follow-up on opportunities and repeat business Development of long-term partnerships 🔹 HQ alignment & reporting Monthly pipeline and performance reporting Market intelligence (competitors, pricing trends, regulations) Feedback from the field to refine your strategy Coordination on commercial decisions 👉 You maintain full control and visibility, while we handle execution locally. A proven model with real results Our approach is not theoretical — it is built on years of hands-on experience in the Indian food industry. We have successfully supported European companies in: Building a strong customer base across India Engaging with leading food processing players Generating sustained sales growth over time This model has enabled companies to: Multiply their client base Accelerate revenue growth Expand into new regions and segments A strong network in the Indian food ecosystem Over the years, we have built a solid network across key segments of the food industry: Snack and packaged food manufacturers Seafood processors and exporters Dairy and beverage companies Cold chain and storage operators Industrial and diversified food-related players 👉 These relationships are the result of continuous field presence and active engagement, not just database access. How our commercial agent model works Our process is structured and transparent: 1️⃣ Onboarding Product training, positioning, and alignment with your HQ 2️⃣ Market mapping & prospecting Identification of qualified leads and opportunities 3️⃣ Client engagement Meetings, demos, and relationship building 4️⃣ Closing Negotiation and order confirmation 5️⃣ Reporting & optimization Performance tracking and strategy adjustment A flexible, performance-driven model One of the key advantages of our approach is its low-risk structure. A dedicated full-time sales manager Based in India, working exclusively for your brand A cost structure aligned with performance 👉 The fixed retainer is offset against commissions, meaning your investment is directly linked to results. This allows you to: Enter the market without heavy upfront costs Test and validate your commercial potential Scale progressively based on performance Why partner with RelationsAtWork? Companies choose us because we combine: ✔ Proven experience in the Food Processing Machinery sector ✔ Dedicated resources (no shared sales teams) ✔ Pan-India coverage ✔ Strong understanding of European business practices ✔ A structured and transparent approach We act as a true extension of your team, bridging the gap between Europe and India. Ready to grow your sales in India? India represents a major opportunity for Food Processing Machinery companies — but success depends on local execution, consistency, and relationships. At RelationsAtWork, we help you: Build your sales pipeline Access the right clients Close deals efficiently Develop long-term growth in India 📩 Contact us today to explore how our commercial agent model can support your expansion in India.

India is a key growth market for many European companies. Whether you are testing the market, launching operations, or supporting existing clients, building a local presence is often a critical step.But hiring your first employees in India is not just a recruitment exercise — it is a strategic decision that will shape your success in the market. At RelationsAtWork, we specialize in helping European companies set up their first team in India, quickly, compliantly, and efficiently. Why hiring your first employees in India is challenging Many companies underestimate the complexity of hiring in a new geography like India. Common challenges include: Identifying the right profiles without a local network Understanding salary benchmarks and expectations Ensuring compliance with Indian employment regulations Managing contracts, payroll, and administrative setup Operating without a legal entity in the country Making the wrong hire at this stage can slow down your expansion and impact your credibility in the market. Our core expertise: recruiting your first employees in India At RelationsAtWork, our key expertise lies in recruiting the first employees for European companies entering India. These first hires are critical — they represent your company locally and often define your early success. We focus particularly on strategic commercial roles such as: 🔹 Sales Managers We identify experienced professionals capable of: Developing your market presence Building a pipeline of opportunities Leveraging their network in the industry Managing distributors or key accounts Representing your brand locally 🔹 Sales Engineers For industrial and technical companies, we recruit profiles who can: Combine technical expertise with commercial skills Understand your products and adapt them to the Indian market Support both sales development and customer relationships Our approach ensures that you hire people who are not only qualified, but aligned with your business culture and objectives, and willing to start a new role where autonomy and an entrepreneurial mindset are essential. A complete solution: beyond recruitment Hiring is only one part of the equation.We provide a fully integrated solution to help you operate in India from day one. 1. Recruitment & onboarding We manage the full recruitment process: Definition of the role and profile Candidate sourcing and qualification Interviews and selection Support during onboarding 2. Employment contracts & compliance If you don’t have a subsidiary in India, we can take care of the hiring of the employee, who will be 100% dedicated to your company. We take care of: Drafting of employment contracts Alignment with Indian labor regulations Administrative and legal coordination This allows you to operate securely without having to master local regulations yourself, with costs and administrative tasks lower and smoother than incorporating your own company in India. 3. Office & operational setup We also provide immediate operational support: Access to our office in the center of Mumbai, with modern facilities, including conference rooms A professional working environment for your team Local support to facilitate day-to-day operations This enables your employees to start working effectively from day one, without the need to invest in your own office setup. A flexible model to start in India Our model is designed for companies that want to: Test the Indian market Build an initial customer base Start operations without heavy upfront investment You can hire, operate, and grow your presence in India while keeping flexibility — and decide later whether to establish your own legal entity. Why work with RelationsAtWork? Because your first hires in India are critical — and require the right combination of local expertise and strategic alignment. With us, you benefit from: ✔ A strong focus on first hires for European companies ✔ Expertise in sales and technical commercial profiles ✔ A fast and structured recruitment process ✔ Full compliance with Indian regulations ✔ Immediate operational setup We act as your local partner, helping you build your team and your presence with confidence. Ready to hire your first team in India? Hiring your first employees is one of the most important steps in your expansion journey. At RelationsAtWork, we help you do it right — from recruitment to operations. 📩 Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs in India and start building your local team with the right foundations.  

India has become a strategic destination for European companies looking to expand their industrial footprint.Whether it is to set up a manufacturing plant, a service center, or a test and validation facility, India offers strong advantages: market size, skilled workforce, competitive costs, and an increasingly supportive industrial ecosystem. However, industrial development in India is complex. Beyond the opportunity, companies face challenges related to site selection, suppliers, regulations, and local execution.. This is where RelationsAtWork acts as a trusted partner. Supporting European companies in their industrial projects in India At RelationsAtWork, we support European companies end to end in their industrial development projects in India.Our role is simple: we act as your local project manager, coordinating all stakeholders and ensuring that your project moves forward efficiently, securely, and in line with your strategic objectives. We intervene across the entire lifecycle of your project, from early-stage structuring to operational readiness. 1. Structuring your industrial project in India Every successful industrial project starts with the right decisions. We help you clearly define: The type of industrial setup: manufacturing plant, service center, test center, assembly unit, etc. The right Indian state based on your activity, logistics needs, talent availability, incentives, and ecosystem. The implementation roadmap, including timelines, investment phases, and operational priorities. This initial structuring phase is critical to avoid costly mistakes and ensure long-term viability. 2. Land identification and site selection Finding the right location in India is both a strategic and operational challenge. We support companies in identifying and evaluating: Private land opportunities Public industrial zones, including MIDC and equivalent state industrial development corporations Sites aligned with infrastructure, utilities, logistics access, and expansion potential We coordinate with local authorities, industrial parks, and advisors to help you secure land that fits both your technical requirements and regulatory constraints. 3. Supplier identification and local sourcing India offers a deep and diverse supplier base — but identifying reliable partners requires local expertise. We support you in sourcing and qualifying: Raw material suppliers Machinery and equipment manufacturers Local contractors and industrial service providers Our objective is to help you build a robust and competitive local supply chain, aligned with your quality standards and production requirements. 4. Regulatory compliance and operational approvals Regulatory compliance is often one of the most underestimated aspects of industrial projects in India. We coordinate the compliance process to ensure you obtain: Industrial and environmental approvals Operational licenses and registrations Sector-specific authorizations Local administrative clearances By managing these processes locally, we help reduce delays and ensure your project is compliant from day one. Example of a past industrial project (to be completed) 🏭 Example projectWe supported a leading European company in the premium label printing sector in the development of its first manufacturing facility in India. Our role covered project structuring, location assessment, coordination with local authorities, identification of suppliers and service providers, and overall support during the establishment phase of the Indian operations. We also managed the import of the production machinery from Europe, coordinating the logistics, customs procedures, and delivery to the factory site to ensure a smooth installation phase. Within a few months, the company successfully finalized the site selection and initiated the factory setup process. The full development of the facility — from site acquisition to operational readiness — it was completed within 18 months. The project represents a strategic step for the company, marking the establishment of its first production plant in Asia and strengthening its proximity to global clients in the beverage and premium packaging sectors. Why work with a local project manager in India? Industrial projects in India involve multiple stakeholders: authorities, landowners, suppliers, contractors, and regulators.Managing everything remotely significantly increases execution risk. By working with RelationsAtWork, you benefit from: A single point of contact managing your project locally Reduced operational and regulatory risk Faster decision-making and execution Full visibility and transparency on project progress We act as an extension of your team — on the ground, aligned with your interests. 📩 Contact us to discuss your industrial development project in India and explore how we can support you as your local project management partner.