Chennai: Automotive giant Ford Motor Company has announced its plans to resume operations in Tamil Nadu. The American automaker says it has submitted a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the Tamil Nadu Government. The development signals a positive turnaround after a brief hiatus.
Ford had ceased sales in India in 2021 and halted exports from the country in 2022.
This development comes on the heels of a productive meeting between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Ford’s leadership in the United States.
The automaker “will repurpose its Chennai plant to focus primarily on exports to global markets” according to its statement to Kashmir Newsville.
While specific details about the type of manufacturing activities are yet to be disclosed, Ford’s decision marks a strategic shift in its India operations.
Ford’s presence in Tamil Nadu has been substantial, with over 12,000 employees. The company’s plan to resume operations is expected to create an additional 3,000 jobs over the next three years.
“The move will see the facility re-purposed to focus on manufacturing for export to global markets,” Ford said in a statement.
The cars that Ford plans to make at the facility and other details will be announced later, the company said.
Prior to its exit, it built cars and engines at its plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
