The Hinduja flagship, Ashok Leyland’s new, modern, technologically world-class manufacturing facility was inaugurated by Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand at Pantnagar today in the presence of
Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon’ble Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enetrprises,
Mr. Bansidhar Bhagat, Minister of Industry, Mt. Srichand P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Group and a number of other dignitaries. The plant will be the Company’s largest and combines the latest manufacturing technologies with best in class industrial architecture bound together in an ecologically sensitive environment. It will eventually augment Ashok Leyland’s present installed capacity of 100,000 vehicles by another 75,000 with the tax concessions available in Uttarakhand, the Company will have a cost advantage to the extent of Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 50,000 per vehicle.
In his inaugural address, Dr. ‘Nishank’ also announced the launch of a unique career-education scheme that would spread the benefits of industrialization to reach the youth of the region. As per this scheme, Ashok Leyland will sponsor primary educated youngsters for 3-4 year on-the-job courses in the plant itself. Conducted in association with a reputed technical training institute, these youngsters will have the opportunity to learn and earn. Their curriculum will cover contemporary management and manufacturing concepts, side by side with an opportunity for practical hands on learning at the modern plant. This training will give them the skills and knowledge to be effective shop floor associates and will qualify them for managerial positions eventually cueing a breakthrough practice aptly called the integrated workforce as it seeks to break the conventional hierarchical divisions on the shop floor.
Mr. Srichand P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Group, asserted that the Group were long term strategic investors and remained committed to India. “We will continue to support Ashok Leyland in its investment and growth plan,” he said. “Despite the recession, the quick economic recovery augurs well for the auto industry. We have always looked ahead, and are committed to continued expansion in the future. This plant is an example of this commitment. We are delighted to see this cradle of ancient of civilization becoming the home of the latest and the most modern plant of our flagship Company, Ashok Leyland.”
Speaking at the occasion, Ashok Leyland Managing Director Mr. R. Seshasayee said, “With the opening of this new plant, Ashok Leyland's centre of gravity will shift from South to North India. We will further consolidate our North India base when we will transform Alwar bus body making unit into an integrated bus manufacturing plant in the next 3-4 years,” The 190-acre facility would initially roll out its latest U-Truck, and produce various medium and heavy duty vehicles in the later stages.
