TPEM Inaugurates New Production Facility in Sanand

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Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director- Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited, at the Inauguration of the Sanand Plant (Image Credits: tatamotors.com)

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), a subsidiary of India’s Tata Motors, has inaugurated its new vehicle production facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The launch event included the rollout of Tata’s first-ever branded vehicle, the Nexon, symbolizing the company’s commitment to growth in the region. The ceremony, attended by TPEM Managing Director Shailesh Chandra and key leaders from the Passenger and Electric Vehicles divisions, reflected the mission of passenger vehicle production at the state-of-the-art facility on the west Indian coast.

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, a subsidiary of Tata Motors and one of the pioneers in India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution, has introduced its new brand identity, TATA.ev, for the EV business. This fresh identity aligns with Tata Motors’ vision to sustainability, innovation, and Tata Group’s focus to community development.

The brand symbolizes the central philosophy of “Move with Meaning,” uniting values of sustainability, community, and technology. It marks the initial step in offering distinctive and purposeful experiences for customers, fostering a collective movement toward an electric future that benefits the planet and its inhabitants.

As the electric vehicle portfolio expands to meet rising consumer demand and a robust product lineup, customers anticipate a unique experience across all interactions, encompassing the brand, the product, and the ownership journey. Recognizing this need, TATA.ev has launched a new consumer-facing brand identity to reinforce its contributions to the future of mobility.

Tata Motors EV achieved another feat with the inauguration of the TPEM facility in Sanand, Gujarat. This TPEM facility, Tata Motors’ second plant in Gujarat, is designed to manufacture both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) models.

Acquired from Ford India on January 10, 2023, the facility spans 460 acres in GIDC Sanand, the region’s industrial hub, providing access to a robust supplier network. The strategic location positions Tata Motors to meet the growing demand for electric and internal combustion vehicles.

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The Grand Inauguration of TPEM’s New Facility at Sanand (Image Credits: Tata.ev/LinkedIn)

The facility has undergone significant retooling and technological upgrades across key areas, including Press Shop (incorporating new dies for stamping critical skin panels), Weld Shop (modifying all lines with additional robots and incorporating new grippers and fixtures), Paint Shop (upgrading handling systems, programming external robots, painting internal robotics, and waxing setups), and Assembly Shop (with adjustments to handling systems and the end-of-line system).

The upgrades are a clear indication that the Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) facility is gearing up to meet market changes. Regional production is increasing to satisfy supply needs as the current capacity is almost full.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, expressed pride in witnessing the first car roll out of the new TPEM facility. Mr Chandra remarked that market-beating growth has been achieved by Tata Motors Passenger & Electric Vehicles business over the last few years.

Plans are in place, as Mr Chandra expressed, to sustain this momentum with a robust pipeline of future-ready ‘New Forever’ products and proactive investments in electric vehicles. With existing capacities near saturation, the new facility is set to unlock an additional state-of-the-art manufacturing capacity of 300,000 units per annum, scalable to 420,000 units per annum.

He highlighted the successful retooling of the factory, elevating it to accommodate various products and future models. Mr Chandra acknowledged the support from the Government of Gujarat and the dedication of employees, expressing confidence in the facility’s pivotal role in steering Tata Motors, especially TPEM, toward new accomplishments.

Presently employing over 1000 staff and technicians, the new Sanand plant is expected to generate an additional 1000 jobs in the next 3 to 4 months, aligned with production ramp-up plans. In line with sustainability goals, a 50 KW solar rooftop has also been installed at the plant, making it water-neutral and expected to become ‘water positive’ by December 2024.

With an ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, water neutrality, RE100, and zero waste to landfills by 2030, Tata Motors is focused about their sustainability goals. The company emphasizes its passion for innovating mobility solutions that enhance the quality of life. Tata Motors, with a significant presence of homegrown electric cars on the road, has already driven over 1.4 billion kilometers, contributing to India’s transition to electric vehicles.