VECV’s new Bhopal truck plant starts production, to add 40,000 capacity in first phase

VE Commercial Vehicles today commenced the commercial operations at its new, state-of-the-art truck manufacturing unit at Bagroda, Bhopal, making it the company’s 8th manufacturing facility in the state of Madhya Pradesh and has been set up with Industry 4.0 standards. 

The new manufacturing facility was inaugurated by the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who flagged off the new trucks rolled out from the plant. The OEM says with setting up of this plant at Bagroda Industrial Area, Bhopal, it has become the pioneer company in development of a new Industrial Estate at Bagroda. With this plant, a number of ancillary units are expected to come to Bagroda and which will further accelerate development of the area as well as will create employment opportunities for local people.

Earlier in 1986, VECV’s truck plant became the pioneer plant in establishing Pithampur Industrial Area, which was a not an industrial district at that time. The company is one of the large investors in the state with investment of more than Rs 5,000 crore in its eight plants. Apart from this, it has attracted more than 100 ancillary and other suppliers for supplying the parts required in manufacture of trucks. As a result, VECV says it has generated direct and indirect employment for over 30,000 people including suppliers and associates.

The company says its vision is to modernise the commercial transportation, and this plant has been set up based on world class manufacturing technology with connected machines following IoT methodology and Industry 4.0 standards.  In the first phase, the plant will have the capacity for manufacture of 40,000 trucks.

Speaking on the inauguration, Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VECV said, “It’s a very proud moment for us today when we commence commercial operations at our new plant.  This is a testament to our commitment to the state of Madhya Pradesh with eight plants in the State now. We are extremely happy of the industry friendly policies, as well as the very peaceful industrial atmosphere of the state. Apart from meeting the domestic demand, this facility will also be used for catering to new export markets thus contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat as well as Make in India initiatives by our commitment to Make in Madhya Pradesh.”

Commenting on the occasion, Industry Policy and Investment Promotion minister, Madhya Pradesh, Rajvardhan Singh Dattigaon said “Congratulations to VECV for coming up with a brilliant state of the art plant which is equipped with all the modern facilities and is one of its kind in the world. The company has acted as the green shoot investors in Madhya Pradesh and have been a magnet to draw other industries to the state. Starting their journey in 1986 with the very successful Pithampur plant venture, the company now has made another significant investment with the Bhopal plant. With around Rs 5,500 crores of investment till now, VECV has become a brand ambassador for the MP region. Our government will continue to support the company to enable them to keep making future investments in the state.”

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “I am very delighted to see the dream, that we had seen two years ago, to get fulfilled in front of my eyes. It is an honour to be inaugurating VECV’s Bhopal plant along with the Industry Minister today. Furthering the PM’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, we prepared a roadmap to achieve the same in Madhya Pradesh and framed it within a timeline, upon which we are moving with a quick pace. Infrastructure, health and education, good governance, finance and employment are the dimensions of an Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh. We have been able to Make in Madhya Pradesh for the PM’s Make in India vision. This plant is an example for the same. The trucks that come out of the plant will be able to compete with any global companies.”

“It’s a matter of pride for us that products that are Made in Madhya Pradesh will reach the world. The entire plant is equipped with such advanced technology. I was astonished to see that the engine is designed to make way for a pollution-free and noise-free environment. Progress and development are necessary but there should be a balance between the two. Volvo Eicher CV has ensured this and hence I congratulate them from the bottom of my heart. We have had an long standing association with VECV, since the Pithampur plant was set up in the state. Now, this is the 8th plant of the company that has been set up using Industry 4.0 standards. Along with industrial development, the plant will also spur almost 70% employment in the state, which has been a global concern for quite some time. We are extremely thankful to VECV for partnering with us and we will continue offering the company convenience and industry-friendly policies for smooth operations,” concluded Chouhan.