Mercstone teams up with Thai co Assara to make e-scooters in Bengal
Times of India | 30 July 2026
Kolkata: City-headquartered Mercstone International Pvt Ltd and Thailand-based Assara Electric Co have partnered to set up an electric scooter manufacturing unit in Bengal, the companies announced on Wednesday. The facility will see phased investment of around Rs 250 crore.
Bengal finance minister Swapan Dasgupta, who was present at the announcement, said, “They will set up the facility in Howrah’s Sankrail.” He added that the manufacturing plant will be a big step for the state and the govt hopes to provide a “very hospitable climate.”
State transport minister Arjun Singh, who was also at the event, said the govt was promoting electric vehicles because of its focus on sustainability.
As part of the partnership, Assara Electric will provide advanced technology, technical know-how and critical raw materials while Mercstone International will set up the manufacturing and production facilities, provide skilled manpower and oversee marketing, sales and after-sales support.
Sittinan Assarasee, managing director, Assara Electric, said, “We plan to initially invest 250 million Thai Baht (around Rs 71.3 crore) and gradually increase our investment.”
The proposed venture will focus on manufacturing, assembly and distribution of next-generation electric scooters while developing a comprehensive ecosystem comprising component suppliers, technology partners, dealerships, service centres and logistics networks across the country.
The project is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities as manufacturing capacity expands in phases, a Mercstone International official said.
“Our proposed Rs 250-crore phased investment reflects our long-term commitment to building world-class electric mobility solutions in India. Together with Assara Electric, we aim to create a strong manufacturing ecosystem, generate employment, strengthen the domestic vendor network and contribute meaningfully to India’s vision of becoming a global clean mobility manufacturing hub,” Tathagata Mukherjee, director, Mercstone International, said.