VECV’s new truck plant in Bhopal goes on stream

State-of-the-art plant set up as per Industry 4.0 standards with annual capacity of 40,000 trucks

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) has commenced commercial operations at its new, state-of-the-art truck manufacturing plant at Bagroda in Bhopal. The new plant, set up as per Industry 4.0 standards, is VECV’s 8th manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated the new manufacturing facility and flagged off the new trucks rolled out from the plant. With the setting up of the new plant at Bagroda Industrial Area, Bhopal, VECV is pioneering the development of a new industrial estate at the location. With a number of ancillary units expected to come to Bagroda to support the OEM, the region’s future looks bright in terms of development of the area as well as creation of employment opportunities for the local people.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, flagging off the first set of trucks from the new plant

VECV is one of the largest investors in Madhya Pradesh with an investment of more than Rs. 5,000 crores in its eight plants. Apart from its own facilities, it has attracted more than 100 ancillary and other suppliers for supplying the parts required to roll out its trucks. As a result, VECV has generated direct and indirect employment for over 30,000 people including suppliers and associates in the State.

With VECV’s vision to modernize commercial transportation in the country, the new 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 a capacity to manufacture 40,000 trucks annually.

The dignitaries posing in front of the inaugural plaque of the new plant

Speaking on the inauguration, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & 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 with 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, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, said: “I am very delighted to see the dream that we had seen two years ago getting 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.”

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VECV, (right), handing over a memento to Shivraj Singh Chouhan

He added: “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 a 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.”

Rajvardhan Singh Dattigaon, Industry Policy and Investment Promotion Minister, Madhya Pradesh, 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 INR 5500 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.”