Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, inaugurated its state-of-the-art bus manufacturing facility near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The plant was inaugurated by Nara Lokesh, Minister of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of senior government officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders.
Located in Malavalli, 40 km from Vijayawada, the 75-acre facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies and has an annual production capacity of 4,800 buses. The plant will produce Ashok Leyland’s diesel buses as well as Switch Mobility’s electric buses, reinforcing the company’s commitment to both conventional and green mobility solutions.
The newly inaugurated facility is designed to be a green manufacturing hub, incorporating rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, battery-operated vehicles for in-plant logistics, positive water balance measures, and a zero-discharge system. It will also play a pivotal role in skill development and employment generation for the local workforce, featuring Nalanda, a modern Learning Center, and an advanced Service Training Center to equip employees with cutting-edge expertise in automotive manufacturing.
Speaking on the occasion, Lokesh said, 'This is a prestigious occasion for Andhra Pradesh. We are delighted to welcome Ashok Leyland to our growing industrial ecosystem. This plant strengthens our reputation as an emerging manufacturing hub and will play a crucial role in employment generation, skill development, and boosting the state's economy.'
Dheeraj G Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, 'Our relationship with this State spans several decades through Ashok Leyland and other Hinduja Group entities. The inauguration of this plant marks the beginning of another chapter, where we are committed to driving economic growth, creating employment, and fostering prosperity in the region.'
Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, highlighted the company's expanding market presence, stating, 'With the inauguration of this new plant, Ashok Leyland will further strengthen its position as the #1 bus brand in India and among the top 5 globally. This facility will enable us to meet the growing demand for fully built buses in India. With a strong order book, the plant will begin operating at full capacity from day one. Equipped with state-of-the-art automation, this facility reflects our commitment to producing vehicles of the highest quality standards.'
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