Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has announced the opening of its fourth Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM), this time at the Master Atul Government ITI in Sonipat, Haryana. The new center will begin classes in September 2025, offering training in four trades—Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Machinist, Welder, and Fitter—to more than 100 students in the first intake.
The company has invested ₹10 crore to establish the Sonipat campus, which is its second JIM in Haryana following the earlier facility in Uncha Majra. The other two institutes are located in Mehsana and Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
The Sonipat institute is affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training and accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Training will follow a dual system combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience, emphasizing workplace safety, quality control, discipline, continuous improvement (kaizen), and other Japanese manufacturing principles tailored to the auto sector.
Haryana Minister of State Gaurav Gautam praised the initiative, calling it a strong addition to the Skill India campaign and a boost to regional economic growth. Rahul Bharti, Maruti Suzuki’s Senior Executive Officer – Corporate Affairs, reiterated the company’s dedication to helping build a skilled workforce for the automobile industry.
As part of the partnership, the Haryana government provided land and building space, while Maruti Suzuki managed civil works, installed equipment, set up training lines, and developed educational modules.
The JIM program was created through a 2016 agreement between the governments of Japan and India, aiming to train 30,000 Indian youth in manufacturing skills over a decade. Since then, over 2,100 students have graduated from the existing institutes.
Beyond the JIM network, Maruti Suzuki supports 23 Industrial Training Institutes across India through modern labs and focused training. It has equipped 130 ITIs with high-voltage tools for hybrid and electric vehicle instruction and launched Automobile Skill Enhancement Centres in 31 locations to train students in vehicle servicing and repairs. The company also runs apprenticeship programs for ITI graduates. As of the end of fiscal year 2024–25, Maruti Suzuki’s total investment in vocational training and skill-building efforts has crossed ₹450 crore, underscoring its long-term commitment to developing talent for India’s automotive industry.
Maruti Suzuki, formed as a joint venture between Suzuki Motor and the Indian government in the early 1980s, changed the face of personal transportation in India with affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles. The company has held a dominant position in the country’s passenger car market ever since. Maruti Suzuki is one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, renowned for producing a wide range of affordable and reliable vehicles. A subsidiary of the Japanese automaker Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki has established itself as a household name in India since its inception in 1981.
The company is known for offering a diverse portfolio of cars, from compact hatchbacks to sedans and SUVs, catering to various customer preferences and budgets. Maruti Suzuki has played a significant role in making car ownership accessible to millions of Indians, with its focus on fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and strong after-sales service. With an extensive network of dealerships and service centers across the country, Maruti Suzuki continues to dominate the Indian automotive market while also expanding its presence globally.
