In a significant development, Tata Sons chairman Ratan N. Tata has announced his group's intentions to centre its investments in new technologies in aerospace and defence sectors in Andhra Pradesh.
Mr. Tata said his group preferred Gujarat for relocating its Nano plant, which had to be moved out of West Bengal. The group “regrettably for Andhra Pradesh” had shifted its operations to Gujarat in spite of an invitation extended by the State.
But it had decided to centre its aerospace and defence operations in Andhra Pradesh, particularly Hyderabad. “We are hopeful that our aerospace and defence operations, one of the largest new areas of the Tata Group, will be centred in Hyderabad,” he said. The decision, he said, was taken in the light of the “significant difference” in the city's modern infrastructure, airport and other facilities.
Milestone
Mr. Tata was here on Sunday in connection with the delivery of the first cabin for the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter manufactured by the Tata Advanced Systems Limited at the Aerospace and Precision Engineering Special Economic Zone.
Described by Mr. Tata as a milestone in the Tata Group's journey, the TASL is scheduled to deliver the cabin to Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. later this month.
The TASL had launched the Rs.1,000-crore facility at the Aerospace SEZ, the first of its kind notified last year, on a sprawling 250-acre site at Adibhatla in neighbouring Ranga Reddy district.
Mr. Tata recalled his group's long association with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, one of the world's largest helicopter manufacturers and subsidiary of the U.S.-based United Technology Corp.
UTC chairman Louis Chenevert hoped that the SEZ would produce more aerospace products. The $53-billion company, employing over 2,00,000, including 5,000 direct employees in the country, was a leading manufacturer in various sectors and had a strong presence in India. “We look forward to the day when S-92 choppers will be flying in India,” he said.
Chief Minister K. Rosaiah expressed satisfaction over the Tata Group's investments in the aerospace sector in the State.
The government was looking forward to investments by the group in power and other areas too, he said.
