New L&T division in Coimbatore

Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) the USD 4 billion engineering, technology and Construction Company crossed yet another milestone in its growth with the back to back inauguration of the first two facilities at its 300 acre campus in Coimbatore. The facilities for the manufacture of high end industrial valves and switchboards, will cater to domestic and international markets, and position India as a global player in the high end manufacturing space.

The switchboards facility of L&T’s Electrical & Electronics Division, was inaugurated by Mr. R. N. Mukhija, President – Operations, and Member of the Board of L&T.

The valve facility of L&T’s associate company, Audco India Limited (AIL) was jointly inaugurated by Mr. K.V Rangaswami, President – Operations and Member of the Board, L&T, and Mr. Lewis M. Kling, President and Chief Executive Officer of Flowserve Corporation, USA. AIL is a joint venture of L&T and Flowserve.

Commenting on the landmark event, Mr. A. M. Naik, Chairman & Managing Director, L&T, stated: “The new facilities signal L&T’s commitment to strengthening high end manufacturing capability within the country. They are building blocks in our larger strategic goal of enhancing capacities to meet global demand for high precision manufacturing. This is in addition to L&T’s well established world class capabilities in execution of large projects and heavy engineering. The facilities will help L&T consolidate its leadership position in the high technology manufacturing space.”

Emphasising the export opportunity, Mr. Mukhija, said, “The switchboards facility is poised to become the country’s single largest unit of its kind. Over 40 per cent of the production will cater to international markets.”

Inaugurating the facility for valves, Mr. K.V. Rangaswamy, said “The fact that the facilities have been set up within 11 months of laying the foundation stone reflects L&T’s accelerated pace of operations and the importance that the Company attaches to its expansion plans at Coimbatore.”

All the facilities in the 300 acre Coimbatore Campus will incorporate cutting edge technology and ‘best of breed’ practices. The campus will progressively see the establishment of manufacturing facilities and technology centres for various strategic business units, an advanced tooling centre, and facilities for high precision components for sectors like aerospace, nuclear, automotive and hydraulics.

The strategic choice of Coimbatore was based on the competitive advantages that the industrial city offers in terms of a strong supporting technical infrastructure with over 30,000 small and medium enterprises, high caliber of skilled talent and an enabling industrial environment. The city also enjoys proximity to the major ports of Cochin and Tuticorin.

The campus would also generate extensive direct and indirect employment. As with all of L&T manufacturing facilities, the Coimbatore Campus will meet critical environmental standards. Afforestation programmes envisage the planting of over 60,000 trees in the campus.