Tata plant thinks small in the big picture
By Erika Kinetz |
June 3, 2010, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
TATA Motors opened a factory yesterday to produce its super-cheap compact Nano car, nearly two years after violent farmer protests forced the firm to relocate.
The new factory in Sanand in India's business-friendly Gujarat state promises to unleash production of the pint-sized car, which Tata plans to export to Europe, and eventually the United States.
Tata Chairman Ratan Tata and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi together drove the first car - a yellow Nano - off the assembly line just before 1pm.
"We owe you a great debt of gratitude for having made this happen," Tata said to Modi.
Ninety minutes later, a cyclone began blowing large chunks of roofing off at least one of the factory buildings. A ceiling also collapsed.
The winds ripped off swathes of celebratory blue bunting and workers huddled in the rain under ruined flags near shattered flower pots.
Spokesman Debasis Ray said only one building was damaged and production would not be affected.
Protests against farmland being converted to industrial use, led by Opposition Leader Mamata Banerjee, forced Tata to abandon its original factory in the communist-ruled state of West Bengal.
Until now, Tata has only been able to make small quantities at an existing factory.
Tata Motors said it would ramp up production in phases at Sanand to 250,000 cars a year, which will be easily be expandable to 350,000 cars. Deliveries from the plant will begin this month.
Since its launch in March last year just 30,763 Nanos - which sell for just over US$2000 in India - have hit the streets.
The new factory in Sanand in India's business-friendly Gujarat state promises to unleash production of the pint-sized car, which Tata plans to export to Europe, and eventually the United States.
Tata Chairman Ratan Tata and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi together drove the first car - a yellow Nano - off the assembly line just before 1pm.
"We owe you a great debt of gratitude for having made this happen," Tata said to Modi.
Ninety minutes later, a cyclone began blowing large chunks of roofing off at least one of the factory buildings. A ceiling also collapsed.
The winds ripped off swathes of celebratory blue bunting and workers huddled in the rain under ruined flags near shattered flower pots.
Spokesman Debasis Ray said only one building was damaged and production would not be affected.
Protests against farmland being converted to industrial use, led by Opposition Leader Mamata Banerjee, forced Tata to abandon its original factory in the communist-ruled state of West Bengal.
Until now, Tata has only been able to make small quantities at an existing factory.
Tata Motors said it would ramp up production in phases at Sanand to 250,000 cars a year, which will be easily be expandable to 350,000 cars. Deliveries from the plant will begin this month.
Since its launch in March last year just 30,763 Nanos - which sell for just over US$2000 in India - have hit the streets.
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