WRI India and FaMe Tamil Nadu have jointly launched the Tamil Nadu MSME EV Skilling Program, aiming to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and solidify Tamil Nadu’s standing as a premier electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing destination. The program, already garnering interest from over 180 MSMEs, was inaugurated at the CODISSIA Fair Grounds in Coimbatore.
In collaboration with key partners, including CODDISIA, LUB, IIF, SIEMA, and SiTarc, this unique skilling program is part of WRI India’s commitment to facilitating a fair transition for MSMEs within India’s automotive and textile sectors.
The program seeks to provide structured training for EV MSMEs and employees at all levels, leveraging Coimbatore’s existing industrial infrastructure. It will fast-track local businesses’ entry into the EV supply chain and equip MSMEs with the skills needed for various EV components. The program aligns with the establishment of an EV motor manufacturing cluster and a testing facility in Coimbatore, supported by the Tamil Nadu government, with plans to expand to other regions.
This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year between WRI India and FaME TN, in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, aiming to promote EV adoption and ensure a fair transition from ICE to EV industries.
Arun Roy, Secretary to TN Government MSME Department, commended the program, emphasizing Tamil Nadu’s potential as a global EV manufacturing hub. He urged MSMEs to participate actively and equip themselves with the skills needed to thrive in this emerging industry. “MSMEs in the state can seize this opportunity to become key suppliers in this largely integrated and emerging industry. For that, they need to take concrete actions”, he added.
Ashwini Hingne, Associate Program Director at WRI India, highlighted the importance of reskilling and upskilling MSMEs and workers, ensuring they can capitalize on EV manufacturing opportunities while safeguarding existing jobs.
Thirugnanam, President of CODISSIA, emphasized the alignment of this skilling program with the government’s efforts to establish an EV motor manufacturing cluster in Coimbatore.
WRI India aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a global EV manufacturing hub while nurturing the MSME sector and creating sustainable jobs in a greener India.
