Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Wipro 3D to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in additive manufacturing at the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) in Bidadi. The development aims to strengthen industry–academia collaboration and build future-ready capabilities in advanced manufacturing technologies. The CoE will provide a dedicated platform for applied learning, hands-on exposure and innovation aligned with modern production environments.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior leaders from both organisations, including Hiroki Ando, Vice President HR and Services, and Lakshmikeshava Shastry, Vice President Information Technology, Digital and Cyber Security, representing TKM, and Pratik Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, Shripad Ramanathan, Vice President and Finance Head, Yathiraj Kasal, General Manager and Business Head of Wipro 3D, and Deepak, Sales Head of Wipro 3D. The partners said the initiative is intended to integrate emerging manufacturing technologies into vocational programmes and equip students with skills for Industry 4.0. It will emphasise continuous improvement practices driven by Kaizen and resource optimisation.

Wipro 3D will supply technical expertise, structured training modules and workforce upskilling, and the engagement will include internships, apprenticeships, live industry projects, certification courses and workshops. The programme will support on-demand manufacturing of parts, rapid prototyping and development of production aids, and will target lightweight and optimised components to accelerate new product development. The collaboration is designed to improve assembly line efficiency, reduce lead times and enhance operational flexibility across manufacturing operations.

TTTI, established in 2007, has grown as a model vocational institution offering a three-year fully residential training programme in trades such as Automobile Assembly, Welding, Painting and Mechatronics. In 2023 it expanded annual intake from 1200 to 2400 students, with half the seats now reserved for female candidates, advancing gender inclusion in technical education. The partners expect the CoE to contribute to nurturing future-ready talent and support the Government's Skill India Mission while strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem.