BMW to set up unit in Kochi

The high-level delegation of the German car major BMW has announced to set up the company's first-ever manufacturing unit in India here in Kochi.

According to sources at Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and KINFRA, the interactions of the team with higher officials of the industries department were satisfactory. The final nod from the company is expected within next three months.

The delegation evaluated various sites in Kochi, including major hospitals and schools and held discussions with the trade union leaders too.

According to KINFRA sources the team inspected various possible sites including one at Kalamassery near Kochi and and other at Nedumbassery near Kochi International air port.

KIFRA will provide 25 acres of land adjacent to Kochico-operative Medical college for the first phase and another 50 acres for further expansion in due course.

The team had discussions with the industries secretary Mr K. Mohankumar, KINFRA managing director Mr. G.C. Gopalapillai, KSIDC managing director Mr. P.H. Kurian and Development Commissioner of Kochi special Economic zone Mr. Paul Antony on various issues relating to the proposed unit.

The Kochi Port Trust Chairman Dr. Jacob Thomas also held discussion with the BMW team and he said that the proposed Vallarpadam container port was an added attraction to the German car major.

The delegation was reluctant to talk to the media included Mr Shone and Mrs Siemens.