Patnaik flags off RSB plant work

Naveen Patnaik today unveiled the foundation stone of RSB Group's Orissa plant worth Rs 365 crore, making it Orissa's first auto component manufacturing complex.

The RSB complex was in Mania, Cuttack.

R K Behera, chairman of RSB Group, S.K.Behera, managing director, and thousands of local villagers were present.

RSB Group would build units for ferrous casting, forging and aluminum die casting over five years.

RSB was an engineering and automotive components manufacturer with turnover of Rs 650 crore in 2007.

The RSB greenfield complex would generate about 2500 jobs opportunities and make goods worth Rs 1800 crore at full capacity utilisation.

The first phase forging unit would become operational by April 2008.

Most of the manpower, except for some critical management and technical staff, would be recruited from within the state.

Patnaik said the auto component manufacturing unit in Orissa would establish Orissa's position as an industrial destination and generate employment.

R K Behera declared RSB would assist in human resource development by contributing to the general and technical education and health needs of the local people.

It would encourage the development of technical skill, managerial and entrepreneurial talent and ensure environment protection and restoration.

R K Behera said other auto majors could set up their shops in Orissa in the wake of the phenomenal growth envisioned for this sector as Orissa was emerging as a global steel and aluminum hub suitable for automotive component industry.

Such an agglomeration effect lifted Chennai to a major auto hub would get replicated in Orissa, he added.

All existing RSB units were undergoing capacity enhancement and product additions.

RSB was exploring and evaluating acquisition opportunities in Europe and in USA in the automotive and construction equipment components space. RSB planned other projects for Orissa and would soon approach the government for support.

The RSB plant would provide backward integration and export opportunities.

RSB made components for off highway and heavy automotive segments, with core capabilities ranging from design to manufacturing of aggregates and systems related to commercial vehicles, passenger cars, construction equipment, farm and off-highway equipment.

RSB Group comprised International Auto Ltd, RSB Transmissions, Miller Bros Mfg (USA), I-Design Engineering Solutions & i-Vitesse Technologies.