Coimbatore MSMEs embrace EV Industry with Skilling Program

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Coimbatore MSMEs embrace EV Industry with Skilling Program

Coimbatore MSMEs embrace EV Industry with Skilling Program

Industry News
Sep 12,23

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Facilitating MSMEs in Tamil Nadu (FaMe TN) and the World Resources Institute (WRI-India).

Coimbatore MSMEs embrace EV Industry with Skilling Program

More than 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Coimbatore are set to participate in a comprehensive skilling program aimed at harnessing the emerging opportunities within the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Facilitating MSMEs in Tamil Nadu (FaMe TN) and the World Resources Institute (WRI-India). Scheduled to take place from September to November, it is conducted in partnership with several esteemed organisations, including the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Coddisia), Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association (SIEMA), and Scientific and Industrial Testing and Research Centre (SiTarc).

This pioneering program, which was officially launched on Friday, is designed to facilitate a seamless transition for Coimbatore's MSMEs from the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) industry to the dynamic EV industry.

V Arun Roy, Secretary to Government, MSME Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, emphasised the significance of this transition, particularly in a manufacturing-focused state like Tamil Nadu, where the manufacturing sector contributes around 20% of the state's gross value added to the economy. He recognised the dual nature of this transition as both an opportunity and a challenge, given Tamil Nadu's leading role in attracting investments in the electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem.

Ashwini Hingne, Associate Program Director at WRI India, explained that the collaboration with FaMe TN, established through a memorandum of understanding in August 2022, has involved engaging with various associations, industry experts, and MSMEs to gain insights into the requirements for transitioning from existing businesses to the EV industry. She highlighted the varying impact on different sectors, such as the forging and foundry industry and traditional ICE manufacturers experiencing a decline in business, while others, like the pumps and motors sector, were poised for new opportunities. The skilling program serves as the initial step in understanding the transition, its associated risks, opportunities, and requirements.

Hariharan Ramamoorthy, All India Vice-President of Laghu Udyog Bharati, noted that India is expected to manufacture 15 million EVs by 2030, with 10 million of them being two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Given the current two-wheeler manufacturing capacity in the country, estimated at around 23 million at its peak, the skilling program plays a crucial role in supporting MSMEs during this transitional phase. He delineated two distinct program tracks: the EV Exploration Program for newcomers and the Fast Track Motor Program for industries already familiar with the EV sector. Additionally, he called upon the government to establish an EV park in Coimbatore to attract original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The event also featured contributions from prominent figures including V Thirugnanam, President of Codissia; Hari Viswanathan, Honorary Secretary of IIF Coimbatore; D Vignesh, President of SIEMA; Ma. Sendilkumar, Immediate Past President of SiTarc; K Mariappan, President of Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association; Shantha Sheela, State Business Facilitation Officer at FaMe TN; V Rajeswari, Assistant Director at District Industries Centre, Coimbatore; and R Shasikumar, Honorary Secretary of CODISSIA.

Source: The Hindu