The auto cluster project is turning out to be a success story with auto-component companies, especially smaller vendors, using shared facilities to carry out research and development to upgrade their capabilities in component manufacturing. Even the larger original equipment manufactures (OEMs) are using the facilities for product development and engineering. Tata Motors tested its Nano and XI (the new Indica) at the Auto Cluster Development and Research Institute Ltd (ACDRIL). The cluster is now planning to provide another facility ? a design-and-style centre. Vikram Salunkhe, member of ACDRIL and chairman of the SME sub-committee of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce for Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) said that a proposal has been sent to the government to regarding the establishment of the style and design studio with an an additional investment of Rs 5 crore.
The Rs 124-crore auto cluster project was set up under the Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS) of the department of industrial policy and promotion, ministry of commerce and industry along with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation The first phase of the project begun with an investment of Rs 64 crore is up and running. Currently, there are CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, calibration, environment testing, rubber and polymer component testing facilities. ?All the four components are being used by the industry,? Salunkhe said.
The auto cluster has generated revenues of Rs 1.6 crore in FY08 and target for FY09 has been set at Rs 4 crore. Dilip Band, municipal commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, one of the promoters of the project said that the auto cluster was set up to be self-sufficient and generate its own funds.