Renault-Nissan inaugurate first Indian plant in Tamilnadu

[Team-CCI]

Renault's CEO Carlos Ghosn inaugurated Renault-Nissan's first Indian plant at Oragadam in Tamilnadu. The huge plant has a capacity of manufacturing 4,00,000 per year and is 650 acres in size. Also present at the inauguration were various dignitaries and politicians like the Hon. Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Dy. Chief Minister Dr. M. K. Stalin, former Prime Minister of Japan and currently the President of Japan-India Association Yoshiro Mori.

The plant was constructed at a cost of Rs. 45 Billion and will employ around 1,500 workers in the facility once it kicks into production gear in May this year. The facility is expected to create an additional 4,500 jobs in the region. This is what Carlos Ghosn had to say at the inauguration: "Our plant in Chennai represents a key milestone for the Renault Nissan Alliance in India. With the new Micra, we have the start of a product offensive in India that is supported by a localized manufacturing facility capable of making products for both Renault and Nissan."

The Micra, which is expected in India very shortly, will be the main focus at the plant in Tamilnadu, though it will be used to manufacture a sedan, a mini-MPV which will be based on the Micra. Renault also plans to use the plant as an export hub to send its cars to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Akira Sakurai, CEO of Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. went on to say that "the opening of any new plant is a significant achievement, but the speed and quality of execution at this plant in Chennai has been exceptional. I want to recognize the support from the state of Tamil Nadu and our employees who have helped make this plant a reality and will lead us to both domestic and export success with the products we are building."