Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM), a subsidiary of Tata Motors, has initiated the production of passenger vehicles at its recently established factory in Sanand, Gujarat. This development is a notable achievement for the company, and the inauguration was marked by the unveiling of the first Tata-branded car from the state-of-the-art facility.
A milestone moment
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, expressed his pride in witnessing the first car roll off the new TPEM facility in Sanand. The rapid retooling of the factory within just 12 months showcases its adaptability to accommodate a range of existing products and future models. Chandra acknowledged the significant support from the Government of Gujarat and the dedicated employees who made this achievement possible.
Capacity boost for future growth
Chandra highlighted the impressive growth of Tata Motors’ Passenger & Electric Vehicles business in recent years. The new Sanand facility, with a manufacturing capacity of 300,000 units per annum (scalable to 420,000 units per annum), is strategically positioned to support the company’s ambitious plans for sustainable growth. The facility is equipped to produce both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) models.
Cutting-edge facility features
Situated in the industrial hub of GIDC Sanand, the facility spans 460 acres and is Tata Motors’ second plant in Gujarat dedicated to ICE and EV models. The facility incorporates four main shops—Stamping, Body Construction, Paint, and Final Assembly Shop—each equipped with advanced automation and state-of-the-art technology to ensure precision manufacturing.
Notable technological upgrades
Press Shop: Introduction of new dies for stamping critical skin panels.
Weld Shop: Modification of all lines with additional robots, new grippers, and fixtures.
Paint Shop: Enhanced handling systems, external robot programming, internal robotic painting, and waxing setup.
Assembly Shop: Improved handling systems and end-of-line systems.
Employment and skill development
The facility, currently employing more than 1000 staff and technicians, is expected to generate an additional 1000 jobs in the next 3 to 4 months as production ramps up. Tata Motors has invested in upskilling its workforce, providing education opportunities from Diploma to Master’s Degree programs. In line with sustainability commitments, a 50 KW solar rooftop has been installed at the plant, making it a water-neutral facility and aiming to become water-positive by December 2024.
The road ahead
The commencement of production at the Sanand facility positions Tata Motors for a strategic leap, providing the necessary manufacturing capabilities to support its future-ready products and proactive investments in electric vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Tata Motors is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory.