BEML to open Rs 260 cr Kanjikode unit tomorrow

The first phase of BEML’s new manufacturing complex at the Kanjikode Kinfra integrated industrial area in Palakkad district is all set to be commissioned on Sunday. The Rs 260-crore facility is the defence PSU’s fourth unit set up as part of its expansion and diversification plans.

The complex has come up on 375 acres of land, part of a total of 1,000 acres granted by the state government at Kanjikode. The foundation stone for the unit was laid on January 18, 2009.

The Kanjikode facility will be a dedicated centre for the manufacture of defence equipment including BEML Tatra vehicles and high mobility off-road military vehicles among others.

The state government has agreed to provide land for rail connectivity to the company’s rail manufacturing facility, which is coming up in the second phase.

The new unit has provided direct employment to 200 people so far, and will employ 500 people at the completion of the second phase and indirect employment to over 1,000 people eventually, according to a company release.