Top 15 Manufacturing Companies in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu capital Chennai is one of India most influential industrial hubs and manufacturing power houses. Also referred to as the Detroit of India, the coastal megacity has evolved into the global manufacturing sector where international companies and local businesses are actively being wooed. Convenient geographic position of the city, highly-qualified labor force, and strong infrastructure have produced the environment in which the variety of industries can develop, starting with automakers and the end with the high-tech electronics producers.

The manufacturing companies in Chennai form a wide range facet of industries that are able to grow both regionally and nationally in terms of economic growth. Being the centre of more than 40 percent of the car exports in India, most of which are through manufacturing corridors in Chennai, the city has managed to position itself as an inseparable component of the Indian industrial identity. Apart of the employment provided to millions of people, these companies have also led to innovation, transfer of technology and export earnings that have helped India gain niche in the international markets.

Chennai’s Diverse Manufacturing Landscape

The manufacturing industry in Chennai entails various branches each having its own role to play in the industrial capability in the city. The car industry is in the forefront and foreign companies such as Hyundai, Ford and BMW are building large-scale manufacturing plants. The production of electronics has become very promising whereby companies such as Samsung, Foxconn and Dell have developed high-tech production chains to sell both in local and foreign markets.

Pharmaceutical industry provides yet another strength to manufacturing scope of Chennai because organizations such as Dr. Reddy Laboratory and Orchid Pharma manufacture life-saving drugs to sell all over the world. Raw materials are converted to industrial necessities by chemical and petrochemical firms, such as Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited and The Sanmar Group. Major food processing industries such as Britannia Industries and Hatsun Agro Products seal the multi-faceted manufacturing environment, placing Chennai among the most important hubs for manufacturing companies in India, with no major area of modern industry left untouched.

Why Chennai is a Prime Location for Manufacturing

• Infrastructure: There are world class transport networks present in Chennai such as Chennai Port which is among the largest ports in India, Chennai International Airport that has international connections and a network of rail and roads to connect the raw materials and finished products with ease both within and outside India.
• Skilled Workforce: The city boasts of many leading educational institutions such as IIT Madras, Anna University and special technical colleges which unceasingly produce highly skilled engineers, technicians and management professionals to work in highly sophisticated manufacturing units in various industrial sectors.
• Government Support: Tamil Nadu government has enticing industrial policies, single-window clearances, subsidies, tax concessions, and specific industrial parks which makes it a business friendly state and invites local and foreign manufacturers to settle down in the state in a long-term basis.
• Strategic Location: The coastal position of Chennai in the Bay of Bengal means access to global shipping networks is direct, and the close access to other major cities of South India means that a regional cluster of manufacturing companies can enjoy most of the benefits of shared resources and supply chain synergies.
• Cost Advantages: The city has competitive operation cost such as cheap land prices, moderate labor costs, low utility costs and cheap logistical solution which enables the manufacturer to sustain competitive prices ensuring good profit margins in the international market place.
• Established Ecosystem: Years of industrial growth have resulted in a well-developed eco system of suppliers, vendors, provider services and support industries that allow new manufacturers to start within the shortest possible time without having to develop complete supply chains.

Key Manufacturing Sectors in Chennai

Automotive:

Chennai is the automobile capital of India where the India-based automakers, two-wheeler corporations, and commercial vehicles manufacturers have their seat. The industry accounts to more than 35 percent of the industrial activity in the city and over 300,000 employees are directly engaged in it. Manufacturers such as Hyundai Motor India, Royal Enfield and Ashok Leyland have built state of the art production plant that not only caters to the local market but also export the vehicles to more than 80 countries.

The automotive ecosystem is comprised of hundreds of component makers, making it an all-round supply chain sustaining the industry. Total investments in the recent past are estimated at over 5 billion dollars, but there are more manufacturing facilities of the electric vehicles to be established to gear up the mobility needs in the future.

Electronics:

Electronics manufacture industry in Chennai has also seen an exponential growth and is playing the vital role in the digital transformation process of India. Large corporations such as Samsung, Foxconn, and Dell have elaborate assembly lines manufactured smart phones, consumer electronics, and computer components. The sector generates about 8 billion dollars to the local economy, and it has more than 150,000 professionals. Government benefits in the form of setting up of electronics manufacturing hubs, and other incentives under the Production Linked Incentive scheme has made Chennai an important destination in the global electronics supply chain with global brands establishing manufacturing centres.

Chemicals and Petrochemical:

The chemical and the petrochemicals sector in Chennai is the backbone of many downstream activities and has been supplying raw materials and intermediates. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited owns one of the largest refineries in India with the capacity of millions of tons of crude oil processed every year. The Sanmar Group is a global Company that deals with specialty chemicals as well as manufactures PVC products.

The industry generates more than 50,000 working opportunities to competent professionals and adds more than six billion dollars to the local economy. The presence of the major ports makes importation of raw material and exportation of the finished products very easy and this makes Chennai more the hub of chemical manufacturing industries.

Pharmaceutical:

The pharmaceutical industry in Chennai is the symbol of innovation and excellence in drug production where the companies deal in both generic drugs as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients being sold in foreign countries. Dr. Both Reddy Labs and Orchid pharma have sophisticated manufacturing sites which have international regulatory approvals like US FDA approvals and EU Good manufacturing practice.

More than 40,000 researchers, pharmacists, and manufacturing specialists are working in the sector. Its annual productions have surpassed more than 3 billion dollars of pharmaceutical products with substantial exportation to regulated market and North America as well as Europe making Chennai be a good source of quality medications globally.

Food Processing:

The food processing industry of Chennai embraces modern technology with the traditional expertise to cater over the millions of consumers on both national and foreign market. Hatsun Agro Products is an Indian company and the greatest privately owned dairy company in India processes billions of liters of milk each year and Britannia industry produces billions of biscuits and bakery products.

The industry hires more than 80,000 individuals and also gives out four billion dollars to the local economy each and every year. Chennai is a suitable destination to location food processing operations with good agricultural connectivity with rural Tamil Nadu, well developed cold chain infrastructure and being close to large consumption concentrated areas.

Comparison Table: Top Manufacturing Companies in Chennai

Company Name	Founded	Key Products	Team Size
Hyundai Motor India	1996	Passenger Vehicles, Electric Cars	10,000+
Royal Enfield	1955 (Chennai)	Premium Motorcycles	8,000+
Ashok Leyland	1948	Commercial Vehicles, Defense Vehicles	12,000+
Foxconn India	2006	Electronics Assembly, Mobile Phones	15,000+
Samsung India Electronics	1995	Smartphones, Home Appliances	9,000+
Dell International Services	2001	Computer Hardware, IT Solutions	7,000+
Chennai Petroleum Corporation	1965	Petroleum Products, Lubricants	1,700+
The Sanmar Group	1972	Specialty Chemicals, PVC Resin	5,000+
Hatsun Agro Products	1970	Dairy Products, Ice Cream	10,000+
Britannia Industries	1980s (Chennai)	Biscuits, Bakery Products	2,500+
Orchid Pharma	1992	APIs, Generic Drugs	3,000+
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories	1990s (Chennai)	Pharmaceuticals, APIs	2,000+
Tata Motors	Various	Commercial Vehicles, Passenger Cars	8,000+
Ford India	1999	Passenger Vehicles, Auto Parts	5,000+
Mahindra & Mahindra	Various	SUVs, Commercial Vehicles	4,000+

List of Top 15 Manufacturing Companies in Chennai

1. Hyundai Motor India Limited

• Industry: Automotive
• Founder: Chung Ju-yung (Global), India operations led by management team
• Founded In: 1996
• Ratings: 4.2/5 (Employee satisfaction)
• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea (India HQ: Chennai)
• Team Size: 10,000+ employees

Hyundai Motor India is the second largest car maker in India and also one of the most successful manufacturing companies in Chennai. This firm had spent more than 4 billion dollars in its Chennai plant, which is the export base of a Korean auto giant. Since its operation, Hyundai in its plant in Chennai, has manufactured over 10 million cars, it has served over 5 million customers within the country and has exported to 88 countries across the world.

The company has been able to sustain its leadership due to constant innovation, superior manufacturing process and customer relations in the Indian passenger car market. The Chennai plant of Hyundai business enterprise includes the state-of-art and use of robotics and eco-friendly processes of production which are in line with the environmental policies across the world.

Key Products: Passenger vehicles (hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs), Electric vehicles, Automotive components, Export-oriented vehicle manufacturing

Job Roles: Automotive engineers, Production specialists, Quality assurance managers, R&D professionals, Supply chain analysts, Export coordinators

• Average Salary: ₹6-18 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.hyundai.com/in
• Address: Plot No. 2, SIPCOT Industrial Park, Irungattukottai, Sriperumbudur, Chennai – 602117
• Phone: +91-44-7180-4000

Also Read: Finance Companies in Chennai

2. Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors)

• Industry: Automotive (Motorcycles)
• Founder: Albert Eadie and Robert Walker Enfield (Global heritage)
• Founded In: 1955 (Chennai operations)
• Ratings: 4.1/5
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Team Size: 8,000+ employees

Royal Enfield is a quintessence of old times and the efficiency of current production, being among the most famous manufacturing companies in Chennai. Its ability to turn into a premium global brand with its unique character and appeal has already helped the company to leave its well-known image of a traditional motorbike production company behind. Generating annual revenues of more than 1.5 billion dollars, Royal Enfield has made its business known to more than 60 countries with its status as the oldest motorcycle brand in continued production.

The Chennai plant uses advanced production technology utilising the old world craftsmanship that hallmark Royal Enfield Motorcycles. It has established a robust following of motorcycle lovers and will keep reinventing itself with new models that meet the interest of the old as well as the new fan.

Key Products: Premium motorcycles (Classic, Bullet, Himalayan series), Motorcycle accessories, Riding gear, Custom motorcycle solutions

Job Roles: Design engineers, Manufacturing technicians, Quality control specialists, Marketing professionals, After-sales service managers

• Average Salary: ₹5-16 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.royalenfield.com
• Address: Tiruvottiyur High Road, Tiruvottiyur, Chennai – 600019
• Phone: +91-44-2594-6047

3. Ashok Leyland

• Industry: Automotive (Commercial Vehicles)
• Founder: Raghunandan Saran
• Founded In: 1948
• Ratings: 4.0/5
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Team Size: 12,000+ employees

Ashok leyland is the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers in India and most commercial established manufacturing industries in Chennai. The company has developed its brand name over the past 7 decades of high quality in production of trucks, buses and specialized vehicles to fulfill a wide range of purposes. As of 2015, Ashok Leyland has an annual revenue range of 2.5-3 billion and has more than 800,000 customers in logistics industries, public transportation, the defense, and whatever construction sector.

The company has several manufacturing plants in India and its headquarters in Chennai is the hub of operations in the SAARC countries, Middle East and in the African markets. Ashok Leyland has engaged in research and development all the time and thus it has also come up with new car technologies such as electric cars and the use of alternative fuel cars that cater to the environmental issue but at the same time does not compromise the efficiency of the company.

Key Products: Commercial trucks, Buses, Defense vehicles, Electric commercial vehicles, Power generation equipment, Specialized vehicles

Job Roles: Automotive engineers, Operations managers, R&D specialists, Defense project managers, International business developers

• Average Salary: ₹7-20 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.ashokleyland.com
• Address: Ashok Leyland Limited, 1, Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600032
• Phone: +91-44-2220-0789

4. Foxconn India

• Industry: Electronics Manufacturing
• Founder: Terry Gou
• Founded In: 2006 (India operations)
• Ratings: 3.9/5
• Headquarters: New Taipei, Taiwan (India operations based in Chennai)
• Team Size: 15,000+ employees

Foxconn India is one of the big electronics manufacturing service providers and considered the epitome of modern electronics manufacturing companies in Chennai. Its Indian subsidiary is estimated to earn up to 1–2 billion dollars in revenues and supports major technology players in the whole world such as Apple, Nokia, and Xiaomi, among others. Its Chennai plant has the capacity to manufacture millions of electronic goods per year (including smartphones and consumer electronic gadgets) that penetrate the local and global markets.

Foxconn has established itself as an important node in the worldwide electronic supply chains with the potential of tapping talents and cost-competitive labor in India to meet the demand of making high-quality products. The company is growing to meet its demand through investments in world-class manufacturing technologies and automation as well as skill improvement programs helping in increasing the levels of productivity and quality standards.

Key Products: Mobile phone assembly, Electronic components, PCB assembly, Consumer electronics, Supply chain management solutions

Job Roles: Electronics engineers, Assembly technicians, Quality control specialists, Supply chain coordinators, Process engineers

• Average Salary: ₹4-14 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.foxconnhonhaiindia.com
• Address: SIPCOT Industrial Park, Sriperumbudur, Chennai – 602105
• Phone: +91-44-2717-8000

5. Samsung India Electronics

• Industry: Electronics Manufacturing
• Founder: Lee Byung-chul
• Founded In: 1995 (India operations)
• Ratings: 4.3/5
• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea (India manufacturing in Chennai)
• Team Size: 9,000+ employees (Chennai operations)

Samsung India Electronics has one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing units in Chennai, thus making the company earn about 10 billion a year globally, which is regarded as a huge contribution to the revenue. Being one of the best manufacturing companies in Chennai, Samsung has become a leader in the production of consumer electronics with the manufacturing of smartphones, televisions, home appliances, and other electronic products.

The Chennai plant offers services to more than 175 million customers within the Indian market as well as robust export operations within distinguished markets of South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The dedication of Samsung to innovation, quality, and local manufacturing leads into heavy investments and the development of abilities in research and development. The company still implements the latest technologies and increases its assortment in order to implement the changes in the needs of consumers in the country and abroad.

Key Products: Smartphones, Tablets, Televisions, Home appliances (refrigerators, washing machines), Consumer electronics

Job Roles: Electronics engineers, Product designers, Quality assurance specialists, R&D professionals, Supply chain managers

• Average Salary: ₹8-25 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.samsung.com/in
• Address: Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., 6th Floor, DLF Centre, Sansad Marg, New Delhi (Manufacturing: Chennai)
• Phone: 0124-488-1234

6. Dell International Services

• Industry: Information Technology Hardware
• Founder: Michael Dell
• Founded In: 2001 (Chennai operations)
• Ratings: 4.1/5
• Headquarters: Round Rock, Texas, USA (India operations in Chennai)
• Team Size: 7,000+ employees

Dell international services is considered to be one of the most advanced IT hardware manufacturing companies in Chennai which focuses on manufacture, assembly, integration and enterprise solutions in computer hardware. The Chennai plant which is part of Dell operations in India is one of the major contributors to the total revenue of Dell of 3 billion dollars annually because the plant manufactures millions of computing products such as computing devices that are sold to enterprise clients, government agencies, schools and universities as well as individual consumers.

Dell has its manufacturing and service delivery facilities in Chennai, which is the important part of the company manufacturing and service delivery network globally, and it also uses technical skill and cost advantage of India. The facility emphasizes on servers and storage solution as well as enterprise computing systems along with any form of complete technical support functions. Dell has been pouring in investments in newer technologies in manufacturing, automation and people-development schemes in order to stay ahead of competition in the fast-changing IT hardware market.

Key Products: Computer hardware assembly, Server solutions, Storage systems, Enterprise IT solutions, Technical support services

Job Roles: Hardware engineers, IT specialists, Supply chain analysts, Customer solutions experts, Technical support professionals

• Average Salary: ₹6-18 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.dell.com/en-in
• Address: Dell International Services India Pvt. Ltd., Block-C, Siruseri IT Park, Siruseri, Chennai – 600130
• Phone: +91-80-6788-0000

7. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL)

• Industry: Petroleum Refining
• Founder: Government of India
• Founded In: 1965
• Ratings: 4.0/5
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Team Size: 1,700+ employees

Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited is among the leading and best refining manufacturing companies in Chennai, known for producing petroleum products that enhance the energy security framework in India. With an annual turnover of 4 billion dollars, CPCL processes well over hundreds of millions of metric tons of crude oil to manufacture vital petroleum products to be transported, used as power generators, and for industrial use.

It has about 500 large industrial customers all over South India, in the course of supplying petroleum products to millions of end consumers. CPCL owns modern refineries which include innovative processing units, environment protection equipment, and safety measures to the international parameters. The company is also undertaking modernization activities, capacity increment, and sustainable refining activities that support the objectives of the energy transition in India.

Key Products: Refined petroleum products, Lubricant base oils, Specialty petroleum derivatives, Petrochemical feedstock, Industrial fuels

Job Roles: Chemical engineers, Refinery operators, Process specialists, Safety officers, Environmental compliance managers

• Average Salary: ₹8-18 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.cpcl.co.in
• Address: CPCL Bhavan, 9, Cathedral Road, Chennai – 600086
• Phone: +91-44-2811-4516

8. The Sanmar Group

• Industry: Chemicals and Engineering
• Founder: N. Sankar
• Founded In: 1972
• Ratings: 4.2/5
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Team Size: 5,000+ employees

The Sanmar Group ventures in the form of one of the most diversified chemical manufacturing units in Chennai dealing with specialty chemicals, PVC manufacturing and engineering products. Sanmar engages 2,000 industrial customers worldwide in 45 countries as annual revenues in various business segments are raked in at about 1 billion dollars. The firm has made strategic alliances with global leaders in chemical technology, which has allowed adoption of very advanced manufacturing procedures and eco-friendly technology in production processes.

Due to the high level of environmental protection, innovations, and quality, Sanmar has received a large number of certifications and awards on the part of the industry and governmental organizations. The company keeps developing its exposure across the world and retains its orientation on sustainable chemistry production and environmental responsibility.

Key Products: Specialty chemicals, PVC resin, Industrial valves, Engineering components, Sustainable chemical solutions

Job Roles: Chemical engineers, Research scientists, Product development specialists, Environmental compliance officers, International business managers

• Average Salary: ₹7-22 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.sanmargroup.com
• Address: The Sanmar Group, “Sanmar House,” 3, Dr. P.V. Cherian Crescent, Egmore, Chennai – 600008
• Phone: +91-44-2819-1500

9. Hatsun Agro Products

• Industry: Food Processing (Dairy)
• Founder: R.G. Chandramogan
• Founded In: 1970
• Ratings: 4.1/5
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Team Size: 10,000+ employees

Hatsun Agro products have developed to become India largest companies in the production of private dairy and one of the best food manufacturing companies in Chennai. It has extensive dairy and ice cream activities and processes billions of liters of milk on an annual basis to generate revenue that runs into more than 1 billion dollars annually. Hatsun is the provider of millions of consumers in South India and other markets with the aid of popular brands such as Arokya Milk, Arun Ice creams and Hatsun Curd.

The company has direct access to more than 400,000 rural farmers which forms an effective chain of supply that benefits the farming community besides providing quality raw material in a consistent manner. To remain No.1 in the competitive dairy industry, Hatsun is also investing in the latest technologies in product processing, cold chain infrastructure, and innovation in products.

Key Products: Milk processing, Dairy products (curd, cheese, butter), Ice cream manufacturing, Dairy-based beverages

Job Roles: Food technologists, Dairy science experts, Quality assurance specialists, Rural procurement managers, Cold chain logistics coordinators

• Average Salary: ₹5-15 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.hap.in
• Address: Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., No. 15, Jawahar Road, Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Chennai – 600041
• Phone: +91-44-2449-0388

10. Britannia Industries

• Industry: Food Processing (Baked Goods)
• Founder: Originally by British entrepreneurs, current Indian leadership
• Founded In: 1980s (Chennai operations)
• Ratings: 4.0/5
• Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal (Major manufacturing in Chennai)
• Team Size: 2,500+ employees (Chennai operations)

Britania Industries hosts one of the largest food processing units in Chennai that helps to rake in the company a sum of 1.5 billion dollars each year by way of manufacturing an entire line of baked goods. Being one of the long standing manufacturing firms in Chennai, Britannia manufactures billions of biscuits, cakes and other baked goods that cater to hundreds of millions of people in India and even beyond in more than 60 export markets.

The Chennai plant is equipped with state of art technologies in baking as well as packaging technology and strict quality control to give the hallmark of consistent quality and safety of the product. These factors have resulted in the success of Britannia through the constant product innovation, good brand name and presence across network of distribution outlets to urban as well as rural markets. It also has been investing in expanding and developing new products and engaging in sustainable manufacturing processes.

Key Products: Biscuits and cookies, Bread and bakery products, Cakes and pastries, Dairy products, Food packaging solutions

Job Roles: Food engineers, Production managers, Quality controllers, New product development specialists, Brand managers

• Average Salary: ₹5-16 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.britannia.co.in
• Address: Britannia Industries Limited, Poonamallee High Road, Avadi, Chennai – 600054
• Phone: +91-44-2685-5555

11. Orchid Pharma

• Industry: Pharmaceuticals
• Founder: K. Raghavendra Rao
• Founded In: 1992
• Ratings: 3.8/5
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Team Size: 3,000+ employees

Orchid pharmaceutical manufacturing companies (Orchid Pharma) is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Chennai dealing with formulation of active pharma ingredients and generic drugs. However, even at the times of financial restructuring, this company has extensive operations with the annual sales of about 200-300 million due to the concentration on antibiotics and anti-infective drugs.

The manufacturing of Orchid is also consistent in generating thousands of metric tons of APIs and billions of units of dosage that serves up to 75 clients in 40 countries. Regulatory approvals have been obtained by the company with the US FDA and EU GMP authorities, allowing the company to access all markets to regulated pharmaceuticals through out the globe. Orchid will still use its technical skills, manufacturing facilities and its regulatory compliance to supply the global pharmaceutical players with its contract manufacturing services.

Key Products: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Generic drug formulations, Anti-infective medications, Contract manufacturing services

Job Roles: Pharmaceutical scientists, Quality assurance professionals, Regulatory affairs specialists, Manufacturing pharmacists, R&D researchers

• Average Salary: ₹6-18 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.orchidpharma.com
• Address: Orchid Towers, 313, Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034
• Phone: +91-44-4296-2222

12. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories

• Industry: Pharmaceuticals
• Founder: Dr. Anji Reddy
• Founded In: 1990s (Chennai operations)
• Ratings: 4.2/5
• Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana (Major manufacturing in Chennai)
• Team Size: 2,000+ employees (Chennai operations)

Dr. Reddy Laboratories is the name of an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing plant that is located in Chennai and is a part of the international activity of the company that has a turnover of over $2.5 billion. Being one of the most successful manufacturing companies in Chennai, Dr. Reddy manufactures millions of units of doses of various categories of therapeutic components to be distributed globally to verge of more than 100 nations.

The Chennai unit focuses on cardiovascular drugs, diabetes products, oncology products and pain management products, catering to health care companies and pharmaceutical firms across the world. The firm has high quality standards and its regulation compliance with global bodies like US FDA and European medicines agency. Dr. Reddy is also pulling its resources in high technology manufacturing technology, research and development, and growth of its international pharmaceutical enterprise.

Key Products: Generic pharmaceutical formulations, API production, Cardiovascular medications, Diabetes treatments, Oncology drugs

Job Roles: Formulation scientists, Analytical chemists, Regulatory affairs managers, Manufacturing pharmacists, Quality control specialists

• Average Salary: ₹7-20 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.drreddys.com
• Address: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., 8-2-337, Road No. 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad (Manufacturing: Chennai)
• Phone: +91-40-4900-2900

13. Tata Motors

• Industry: Automotive
• Founder: Jamsetji Tata
• Founded In: Various periods (Chennai operations)
• Ratings: 4.1/5
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra (Manufacturing facilities in Chennai)
• Team Size: 8,000+ employees (Chennai region)

Tata motors have huge manufacturing facilities inside the Chennai area and are also a part of the largest automotive organization of India that holds the talents of producing many varieties of vehicles. The Chennai-based plants of the company operate in the areas of commercial vehicle production, passenger cars manufacturing and automotive component manufacturing which operates to the domestic as well as on the international market. Recent plans also go to the tune of an investment in new manufacturing units (up to the tune of 9,000-crore) that will result in generating of at least 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Being one of the established manufacturing firms in Chennai, Tata Motors keeps advancing the electric vehicle facilities, commercial vehicle manufacturing, and exportation. The firm is also a front runner in India in the transformation of the automotive industry through its dedication to the concepts of innovation, sustainability, and high levels of manufacturing technology.

Key Products: Commercial vehicles, Passenger cars, Electric vehicles, Automotive components, Defense vehicles

Job Roles: Automotive engineers, Manufacturing specialists, Electric vehicle developers, Quality assurance managers, Export coordinators

• Average Salary: ₹6-18 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.tatamotors.com
• Address: Various manufacturing locations in Chennai and surrounding areas
• Phone: 1800-209-7979

14. Ford India

• Industry: Automotive
• Founder: Henry Ford
• Founded In: 1999 (India operations)
• Ratings: 4.0/5
• Headquarters: Dearborn, Michigan, USA (India operations based in Chennai)
• Team Size: 5,000+ employees

Ford India is based in Chennai and functions as the initiative of the world automaker to enter the Indian market and to build an export hub of the company. The facility at Chennai symbolized the interest of Ford in superior manufacturing technologies, quality production and development of employees in the automotive industry of India. Despite Ford restructuring the operations of its operations at India, it has an impressive heritage of playing major role in contribution of automotive manufacturing excellence, technology transfer and creation of skills at the Chennai centre.

The factory manufactured different models of the Ford motor cars consumed by the local market and export markets without interfering with the overall quality of the cars as mandated by Ford globally but varying local market needs. The Chennai operations helped Ford to build its reputation as a very big automobile manufacturing center.

Key Products: Passenger vehicles, Automotive components, Export-oriented manufacturing, After-sales services

Job Roles: Automotive engineers, Production supervisors, Quality control specialists, Export logistics coordinators, Service technicians

• Average Salary: ₹6-16 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.ford.com
• Address: Ford India Pvt. Ltd., Maraimalai Nagar, Chennai
• Phone: 1800-209-6000

15. Mahindra & Mahindra

• Industry: Automotive
• Founder: Jagdish Chandra Mahindra and Ghulam Mohammed
• Founded In: Various periods (Chennai operations)
• Ratings: 4.0/5
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra (Manufacturing operations in Chennai region)
• Team Size: 4,000+ employees (Chennai region)

Mahindra & Mahindra has manufacturing plants in the chennai belt as a part of the biggest SUV manufacturers in India and one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the whole world. The Chennai area operations of the company specialise in the manufacturing of passenger vehicles especially the SUVs and utility vehicles that are targeted at the rural and urban markets around India and abroad.

Having dedicated itself to manufacturing electric vehicles, creating farm equipment, and sustainable mobility solutions, this devotion makes Mahindra one of the innovative manufacturing industries in Chennai. The company is still invested in enhanced manufacturing tools, research and development facilities and growth of its automotive and farm equipment business. One of the tenets of the integrated approach to manufacturing of Mahindra is the particularity of relationships with its suppliers, quality control system, and activities to protect the environment.

Key Products: SUVs, Utility vehicles, Electric vehicles, Automotive components, Farm equipment

Job Roles: Automotive engineers, Manufacturing technicians, Electric vehicle specialists, Quality management professionals, Rural market analysts

• Average Salary: ₹6-17 lakhs per annum
• Website: www.mahindra.com
• Address: Various manufacturing locations in Chennai metropolitan area
• Phone: 1800-2-MAHINDRA

Impact of Manufacturing on Chennai’s Economy and Employment

• Economic Growth: The manufacturing industry shares more than 35 percent to the gross domestic product of Chennai and recorded an output of more than 25 billion dollars yearly making the city one of the chief industrial centers in India with long-lasting economic growth in various industrial sectors.
• Employment Generation: There are more than 800,000 direct employees working in manufacturing companies in Chennai and supporting industries, services and supply chain activities all dependent on manufacturing activities provide indirect employment to about 2 million people.
• Export Revenue: The manufacturing industries in Chennai add value of more than 15 billion dollars each year to the export income of India by means of automotive vehicles, electronic products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other imported products on a yearly basis to a total of more than 100 nations across the globe; which enhances the trade balance in India.
• Infrastructure Development: The huge investments in infrastructure such as the expansion of the port, the development of road networks, power generation, tele communications, and the many city development projects favoured all the whole of the economically agricultural region and has raised the quality of life.
• Technology Transfer: Foreign manufacturing firms have also brought about more modern technologies, best practices, automation mechanism and quality management procedures which have lifted the local manufacturing activities to a new high and generated a well skilled and competitive workforce in the face of the whole world.
• Ancillary Industries: Potential of large-scale players has generated hundreds of derivative industries such as component suppliers, logistic providers, packaging companies, and highly specific services that sustain a complete industrial ecosystem and produce extra economic value.

How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Partner

• Technical Capabilities: The attributes considered in evaluating manufacturing partners include technical capability, manufacturing capacity, quality control system and certification as well as competency to achieve specific product demands at the same time sustaining consistency in large scale production processes in a variety of manufacturing settings.
• Quality Standards: The quality certifications, the industry standards, the quality control processes, the testing facilities, and the track record of delivering products, which either meet or surpass the expectation of the customers in the regulated and competitive markets should be analyzed with their potential partners.
• Financial Stability: Check the financial position, business continuity strategies, investment capacity and long-term viability of manufacturing partners so that there are stable partnerships which can promote the business growth and manage market out-turns during economic back lashes over long-term.
• Supply Chain Integration: Look at the supplier networks of partners, their capability of logistics, inventory management technologies, and capability of fitting into the existing supply structures with flexibility to adjust to the varying market needs and production necessities.
• Innovation Capacity: Seek manufacturing allies that have research and development capacity, technology assimilation, never ending improvement, and readiness to partner in product development and optimisation in the marketplaces that enhance competitive advantages in competitive markets.
• Regulatory Compliance: Check the adherence of partners to the GP EHS compliance, labor standards, safety measures, ARI standards and others that guarantee legal business activity and minimize commercial risks on domestic and international markets.

Conclusion

The production environment in Chennai depicts an outstanding performance of the city with the following facts about industrial growth and development, technology and economic dynamics making the city the most vibrant manufacturing destination in India. World-class infrastructure, availability of the quality talent pool, government support, and strategic location have not only provided an environment where numerous industries and companies such as automotive giants and pharmaceutical innovators build a niche and compete successfully with international actors.

These manufacturing firms in Chennai have not just brought a revolution in the economy of the region, but they have also played major roles in industrial growth, export competition and technological strength of India. In future Chennai manufacturing industry is set to grow even further with new prospects in electric vehicles, renewable energy, advanced electronics and biotechnology.

Adaptability to the dynamics of the market, sustainable manufacturing habits, and the attraction of foreign investments make the city one of the most prominent manufacturing centers. Chennai is a good manufacturing partner or investment location to any business because of its unique business advantage offered through operational excellence, cost advantage and growth potential making it the most appropriate place to manufacture much in the changing world market.

FAQs

What makes Chennai be referred to as the Detroit of India?

The city is dubbed the Detroit of India as Chennai is the center of automobile manufacturing and it contributes to India car exports to be in excess of 35 percent. Large-scale manufacturing industries have been set up in the city as majors such as Hyundai, Ford, BMW and Royal Enfield have set up plants in the city.

Which are the leading manufacturing industries of Chennai?

The five major manufacturing in Chennai includes:

• Automotive (biggest industry 300,000 and + employees)
• Electronics (Samsung, Foxconn, Dell)
• Chemicals & Petrochemicals (CPCL Sanmar Group)
• Pharmaceuticals (Pharmaceuticals Dr. Reddy) (Orchid Pharma)
• Food Processing (Hatsun Agro, Britannia)

Why is Chennai preferable to manufacturing firms?

Chennai is home to world-class infrastructure (major port and airport), human resource with access to top institutions such as IIT Madras, government support in terms of tax breaks, strategic location in the east coast of India to export, cost competitiveness of operations and an existing industrial fabric.

What is percentage contributions of manufacturing to the economy of Chennai?

The manufacturing sector in Chennai provides a contribution of more than 35 percent to the total GDP of the city and makes a contribution of over 25 billion dollars in a year and also acts as a direct employer of over 800,000 people and brings in more than 15 billion dollars to the Indian exports annually.

What is the pay rate in the manufacturing firms in Chennai?

The base pay in the manufacturing sector in Chennai is between 4-25 lakhs per annum, other factors such as the company, job, and level of experience can reduce or increase the salary. Senior organizations such as Samsung and Dr. Reddy are providing their packages at a higher scale (8-25 lakhs), and on the lower end, it begins at 4-6 lakhs.