LIXIL opens first manufacturing facility in India

Japan's Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu today inaugurated LIXIL's ceramicware manufacturing facility at Bhimadole in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district.

This is the Japanese company's first manufacturing facility in the country, set up at a cost of Rs 400 crore under the "Make In India" initiative, and will provide employment to 400 people, according to LIXIL Asia-Pacific CEO Bijoy Mohan.

The state-of-the-art plant has a production capacity of one million units that could be scaled up to two million units a year.

"This facility will be a zero water discharge plant, which is a first in the industry in India. We are also building capacities for zero discharge of solid waste inside the plant," Mohan said.

LIXIL aimed to capture 15-20 per cent market share and lead the local ceramics market in the next three years, he added.

"The government of Japan is fully supportive of 'Swachh Bharat' for improving sanitation and hygiene through its ODF projects. Enterprises and private companies synchronise well with government efforts and LIXIL leads such a movement," the Ambassador said on the occasion.

The investment by LIXIL will contribute to the local economy and "Make in India" initiatives, he added.

LIXIL will also support the Skill India initiative by inducting 150 ITI student trainees under the National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM).

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa, Industries Minister N Amarnath Reddy, LIXIL President and CEO Kinya Seto and other Japanese officials attended the event.

Earlier in the day, the Ambassador led a Japanese delegation to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Amaravati and evinced interest in investing in different sectors in the state.

A CMO release said the Chief Minister asked the Japanese to establish knowledge-based companies that provide employment.

He said Japanese language would be introduced in universities in the state.

Industries Secretary Solomon Arokia Raj accompanied the visiting delegation.