Over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Coimbatore, India, are participating in a skilling programme to tap into the emerging opportunities in the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector. The programme is jointly organized by Facilitating MSMEs in Tamil Nadu (FaMe TN) and the World Resources Institute (WRI-India), in collaboration with several industry associations.
The skilling programme, which is the first of its kind in the country, aims to facilitate a smooth transition for Coimbatore’s MSMEs from the internal combustion engine (ICE) industry to the EV industry. This transition is particularly relevant for Tamil Nadu, a manufacturing state where manufacturing contributes approximately 20% to the state’s gross value added.
The programme is being held from September to November and involves partnerships with organizations such as 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).
Ashwini Hingne, Associate Program Director at WRI India, highlighted the need to understand the risks and opportunities associated with the transition to EV manufacturing. While some sectors may see a decline in business, others like the pumps and motors sector present new and emerging opportunities. The skilling programme serves as the first step in understanding the requirements of the MSMEs during this transition.
Hariharan Ramamoorthy, All India vice-president of Laghu Udyog Bharati, emphasized the importance of the skilling programme as a hand-holding exercise for MSMEs in the transition stage. He also called for the government to establish an EV park in Coimbatore and attract original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to the region.
This skilling programme comes at a crucial time as India aims to manufacture 15 million EVs by 2030, with a significant focus on two-wheelers and three-wheelers. With the current capacity for two-wheelers already at 23 million, the programme will help prepare MSMEs to meet the growing demand in the EV sector.
Source: Anonymous