Tamil Nadu CM Meets Ford Executives, Urges Early Restart of Manufacturing at Maraimalai Nagar Plant

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay met a high-level delegation from Ford Motor Company at the Secretariat in Chennai and urged the automobile manufacturer to resume production and accelerate its expansion plans at the Maraimalai Nagar manufacturing facility.

According to an official statement issued by the Tamil Nadu government, the delegation was led by Matthew Godlewski, Vice President of Ford Motor Company. During the meeting, discussions focused on Ford`s plans to restart manufacturing operations in Tamil Nadu, expand its Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and explore future investments in the state`s manufacturing sector.

The Chief Minister recalled the 30-year partnership between Ford and Tamil Nadu and assured the company of the state`s full support for its upcoming manufacturing initiatives.

He also requested Ford to fully utilise its existing manufacturing facility at Maraimalai Nagar by restarting production and implementing its expansion plans at the earliest.

Ford`s Presence in Tamil Nadu

Ford currently operates one of its largest Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Chennai, which has created approximately 12,000 technology-related jobs.

More recently, the company established another Global Capability Centre in Coimbatore, further strengthening its presence in Tamil Nadu`s technology ecosystem.

In addition, Ford is preparing to restart engine manufacturing at its Maraimalai Nagar plant with an investment of ₹3,250 crore, a project expected to generate around 600 new jobs.

Senior Officials Attend the Meeting

The meeting was attended by Industries Minister S. Keerthana, Industries Secretary C. Vijayakumar, Guidance Tamil Nadu Managing Director Deepak Jacob, Ford Managing Director Simonetta Verdi, Ford India Manufacturing Director Dheeraj Dikshit, and other senior government and company officials.

The discussions are expected to strengthen Ford`s long-term partnership with Tamil Nadu and support the state`s efforts to attract fresh investments, boost manufacturing, and create employment opportunities.