RELEASE: WRI India and FaMe TN launch MSME EV Skilling Program to make Tamil Nadu a global EV manufacturing hub

Coimbatore, September 8, 2023: On Friday, WRI India and FaMe Tamil Nadu launched the Tamil Nadu MSME EV Skilling Program to build the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and bolster Tamil Nadu's position as a premier destination for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. The program, which has already received interest from more than 180 MSMEs, was launched at the CODISSIA Fair Grounds in Coimbatore.

Launched in collaboration with 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), the skilling program is part of WRI India’s ongoing engagement to ensure a just transition for MSMEs and workers across automotive and textile sectors in India

This first-of-its-kind skilling program seeks to provide structured, practical, and hands-on training opportunities for EV MSMEs and workers at all organizational levels, including senior management, mid-management, and both white- and blue-collar workers. Scheduled to be offered in two parallel tracks from September to November, it will capitalize on Coimbatore’s existing industrial motors and pumps ecosystem to fast-track the entry of local businesses into the traction motor supply chain for EVs. It will also equip a broader base of MSMEs with the skills and expertise needed to explore various components in the EV manufacturing sector. This program launch aligns with the recent announcement on the establishment of an EV motor manufacturing cluster and a common facility center dedicated to the development and testing of electric vehicle motors in Coimbatore, supported by the Tamil Nadu government. In the next phase, the initiative will expand to other parts of the state, starting with the Chennai automotive cluster.

This endeavor follows last year's Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between WRI India and FaMe TN, in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin. The primary objective of this MoU is to fortify the state's MSME sector by promoting the adoption of EVs and ensuring a just and inclusive transition of MSMEs from the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) industry to the emerging EV industry. WRI India and FaMe TN will collaborate closely to facilitate the transition to low-carbon solutions for MSMEs operating in Coimbatore's automotive sector through research, capacity building and skill development initiatives.

In his keynote address, Thiru V. Arun Roy IAS., Secretary to Government, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu said “Tamil Nadu is gearing up to be the global hub for EV manufacturing. MSMEs in the state can seize this opportunity to become key suppliers in this largely integrated and emerging industry. They need to take concrete actions. This skilling program being rolled out in Coimbatore by FaMe TN and led by WRI India is a pivotal initiative to support MSMEs. I encourage MSMEs to take benefit from this to equip themselves with the knowledge needed to build competitive business and create green jobs of the future.”

Ms. Ashwini Hingne, Associate Program Director, WRI India stated that Tamil Nadu is pioneering an EV revolution in a state with an already prominent automotive component manufacturing. Reskilling and upskilling of MSMEs and workers in rapidly transforming sectors such as the auto sector is important to ensure component manufacturers can leverage opportunities in the new and emerging EV component manufacturing space and existing ICE component manufacturers do not risk losing business and jobs. We hope learnings from our research and skilling initiatives contribute to developing India’s clean mobility ecosystem and create a thriving MSME sector and inclusive jobs.

Thiru V. Thirugnanam, President, CODISSIA highlighted that the Tamil Nadu MSME EV Skilling program launch aligns with the announcement on the establishment of an EV motor manufacturing cluster and a common facility center dedicated to the development and testing of electric vehicle motors in Coimbatore, supported by the Tamil Nadu government.

With these strategic initiatives and partnerships, WRI India is poised to play a pivotal role in the transformation of Tamil Nadu into a thriving global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing while ensuring the MSME sector thrives and creates new jobs in a greener India.

Media contacts:

Steffi Olickal | WRI India
steffi.olickal@wri.org
+91 8291210724

Nitya Kaushik | WRI India
nitya.kaushik@wri.org
+91 9819902763

About WRI India

WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Our work focuses on building sustainable and liveable cities and working towards a low carbon economy. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. We are inspired by and associated with World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Know more: www.wri-india.org

About FaMe TN

Facilitating MSMEs (FaMe TN) (formerly, MSME Trade and Investment Promotion Bureau) was established in September 2019 with the intent to promote trade, investments, and exports in the MSME (Micro Small and Medium Enterprise) sector in Tamil Nadu. The organization supports MSMEs in various aspects related to their business, including discovering new market opportunities for products of MSMEs in the overseas market, facilitating Government clearance processes, providing new and innovative solutions for bottlenecks in technology, finance and management. Headquartered in SIDCO Corporate Office Building at Guindy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the bureau is headed by the Secretary to the Government, MSME Department (Micro Small and Medium Enterprises) as its chairman.

About CODISSIA

The Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) is a non-profit organization, commenced in the year 1969 with about 40 members and now having a membership strength of more than 6600 members. Since its inception till the year 1997, the Association was patronized by the Great Legend and successful Industrialist, Late Shri. G.D. Naidu and his son Shri. G.D Gopal by providing space in their premises. When the Association had started functioning at its own premises, it was named as "CODISSIA G.D. Naidu Towers" in his memory

Currently, CODISSIA is one of the largest Association for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in South India, and has a strength of more than 2000 MSMEs from different sectors. CODISSIA has been working for the Industrial development, economic growth and prosperity of this region and creating awareness among the MSME entrepreneurs. The Association has made a significant contribution to the industrial community of this Region.