Tata Motors’ Dharwad plant for small commercial vehicles is now operational and has started producing the Tata ACE Zip and the Tata Magic IRIS.
Mr. P.M. Telang, Managing Director – India Operations, Tata Motors, said: “We are very delighted to commence manufacturing operations in Dharwad and further expand our operations in the country. This move is integral to Tata Motors’ dominant presence in the commercial vehicles market.”
Launched in May 2011, the Tata Magic IRIS is a four-wheel, three-four seater small passenger carrier, a stylish, safe and comfortable alternative for commuters who depend on three-wheelers. The Tata Ace Zip, also launched simultaneously, is a technologically superior and smart micro truck with a payload of 600 kg for deep-penetration door-to-door goods movement.
Set up with an investment of over Rs. 900 crores, the plant covers an area of 405 acres. Constructed as per the norms specified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the plant has been equipped with all facilities and has built-in flexibilities to assemble large numbers and different variants in mixed mode production. It has been recommended for the ISO 14001 Environment Management System Standard.
The major capital outlay, encompassing civil and plant engineering work for the facility, has been sourced from Europe, the US, South Korea, Japan and best-in-class suppliers from India. The capacity of the plant, to begin with, is 90,000 units per year, to be achieved in phases. Further capacity expansion has also been provided for.
The plant has already directly employed 350 individuals. The recruitment exercise covered about 76 ITIs in Karnataka. Training, skill transfer and development of local workforce are the top priorities of Tata Motors. The company’s training processes and facilities in India have been acknowledged as among the best. Leveraging this expertise through a robust local skill transfer and training programme, the company is committed to ensuring that skill levels of individuals employed are further enhanced.
Tata Motors has also begun activities towards development of local communities by working on four thrust areas – employability, education, health and environment – making it into a beehive of inclusive growth.