Manufacturing operations commenced at Tata Motors' Dharwad plant

The production of Tata Ace Zip and Tata Magic IRIS has commenced at Tata Motors' Dharwad plant. This facility had been set up by the domestic auto major exclusively for manufacturing small commercial vehicles. On this, Managing Director, India Operations, Tata Motors, P.M. Telang, 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.”

A replacement for the traditional three wheelers, Tata Magic IRIS is a four wheeled, stylish, safe and comfortable 3-4 seater small passenger carrier which was launched in May 2011. Launched in the same time period, suited for door-to-door goods movement to ensure deep-penetration, Tata Ace Zip is technically advanced smart micro-truck.

The Dharwad plant sprawls across an area of 405 acres and has been set up with an investment worth Rs. 900 crores. The standards set by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) have been complied to while establishing the plant. Adhering to lean manufacturing principles, the unit boasts of best-in-class equipment. The plant can produce different models in large quantities in mixed mode production owing to its built-in flexibilities. Tata Motors is making efforts to get ISO 14001 certification for Environment Management System Standard for this plant.

Suppliers across Europe, US, South Korea, Japan as well as leading domestic vendors have sourced the major capital outlay, including civil and plant engineering work, for the factory. This plant has an initial annual capacity to produce 90,000 units that is to be attained in stages, though it is flexible enough to accommodate further capacity expansion as well.

A 350-strong workforce has already been employed by the company to serve at the Dharwad plant through recruitments held across 76 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Karnataka. Tata Motors allocates top priority to the training, development of local manpower and skill transfer. The training processes and facilities of the car maker have been recognised as one of the best in the country. This manufacturer has pledged to take the skill level of its workforce to the higher level by utilising its expertise in this field via a solid local skill transfer and training module. Making the plant a hub for inclusive growth, Tata is already organising activities to develop local communities through employability, education, health, and environment.