RISE-TN: Building a Global EV Manufacturing Hub in Tamil Nadu with Future-Ready MSMEs

About RISE-TN

Under the RISE-TN initiative, WRI India, in collaboration with FaMe TN and with the support of industry associations and experts, will undertake research, industry engagement, capacity building, and skill development. The goal is to assist MSMEs in the automotive sector in implementing practical solutions for environmentally sustainable operations and facilitating a fair and inclusive transition to EV manufacturing. Initially focusing on the Chennai and Coimbatore clusters, this initiative aims to empower MSMEs and workers to enhance their resilience to climate change while capitalizing on the emerging opportunities in the Indian EV landscape, while also supporting Tamil Nadu’s economic vision.

RISE-TN Launch

On 27 October 2023, WRI India officially launched RISE-TN in the presence of MSME representatives, associations, skilling agencies, financial institutions, thought leaders, civil society organizations, and experts.

Workshops and Trainings

Preparing Automotive MSMEs for a Just and Low-Carbon Transition

WRI India and FaMe TN conducted a skilling program offering structured, practical, hands-on training for MSMEs and workers at all organizational levels, including senior management, mid-management, and both white- and blue-collar workers. The aim was to equip a broader base of MSMEs with the skills and expertise needed to explore various components in the EV manufacturing sector.

Workshop with Ashok Leyland
On 20 September 2023, WRI India organized a workshop with the first cohort of suppliers to Ashok Leyland. The cohort comprised 9 machining and forging units and 18 participants from these enterprises. An introductory presentation on the initiative by the WRI India team was followed by an interactive session on the impacts of climate-related events on the participating MSMEs.

Market Opportunities and Strategies for MSMEs Engaged in Component Manufacturing for EVs
Organized in association with FaMe Tamil Nadu, CODISSIA, Laghu Udyog Bharati, IIF-Coimbatore, SIEMA, and SITARC, the workshop facilitated discussions around various opportunities available in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry for MSMEs, in addition to strategies around market entry and growth in the sector to ensure their readiness for a just low-carbon transition. Over 60 participants from 50 automotive MSMEs in Coimbatore participated in the workshop.

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Resource Efficiency for MSMEs: MFCA and Lean Manufacturing
WRI India, the National Productivity Council of India, and Krysalis Consultancy Services organized a resource efficiency and lean management training program for Chennai’s auto components manufacturing MSMEs. The training program saw 25 such MSMEs participate in classroom and hands-on activity-based sessions to learn Material Cost Flow Accounting and waste management, lean manufacturing principles & best practices, and steps to avail the lean manufacturing scheme the Government of India offers.

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COP28 side event on Equitable Workforce Transition in the Auto Industry: Perspectives from India and the US

The event saw experts and stakeholders deliberate on India and the U.S.’s EV transition while simultaneously identifying strategies to navigate economic, labor, and social justice issues and fostering cross-country dialogue.

Video recording: ILO Live - ILO at COP 28: events at the just transition pavilion - Day 3 (morning)

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Additional Resources