)
Taking a leaf out of the ‘Make in India’ initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an export-oriented plastic cluster has been proposed to be set up at Amausi industrial enclave in Lucknow.
The cluster, which entails an investment of Rs 100 crore, would be set up by the Indian Industries Association (IIA) in collaboration with the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Lucknow.
Man Mohan Agarwal, president, IIA Lucknow chapter, said the proposal had been formally placed before the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) for approval.
“We have sought around 1,800 sq mt of industrial plot for the proposed cluster from UPSIDC and now are awaiting their reply,” Agarwal added.
The cluster is projected to generate direct employment opportunities to nearly 2,500 youth and spur industrial activity in the region.
“So far, almost 200 industrialists and entrepreneurs have expressed interest in opening units in the proposed cluster,” said Agarwal.
Of late, the Lucknow region has developed as a mini-hub of plastic industries, producing a range of consumer and industrial products such as pipes, bathroom items, pellets, packaging, etc.
“However, these are mostly low-value products. Once this cluster is established, high-value and latest technology products could be manufactured for both domestic and foreign markets,” said Agarwal.
IIA is eyeing south-Asian, African and Latin American markets for exports. CIPET would provide consultancy to the project as well as individual industries in the cluster. It would also allow units to use its facilities comprising latest industrial, testing and manufacturing machines, said Vishal Verma, senior technical officer at CIPET.
CIPET has already submitted a diagnostic study report on the proposed cluster to the Centre. IIA is seeking interest-free loan from the state government for the cluster.
