Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, partnered with the Odisha Government’s Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to organise a Vendor Development Workshop at the Nuapada Township Club House, Doraguda. The initiative was held under the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) programme, aimed at enhancing MSME capability through technology upgrades, innovation, digitisation, market access, credit support and greening initiatives.

The workshop sought to connect local small and medium enterprises with UAIL by providing detailed information on supply opportunities, quality standards and the vendor registration process.

Additional District Magistrate Naveen Chandra Naik, attending as chief guest, highlighted the crucial role of small industries in regional growth and urged entrepreneurs to capitalise on the significant business opportunities offered by UAIL. Unit Head and President Rabi Narayan Mishra reaffirmed UAIL’s commitment to nurturing local vendors, noting that MSMEs supplying materials and components to large industries can generate employment, drive grassroots economic growth and support the Government of India’s “Make in India” mission. He added that India has advanced considerably in manufacturing world-class engineering products, and MSMEs can strengthen their position by ensuring timely, high-quality production.

Commercial Department Head Shashi Prakash Gupta outlined UAIL’s annual procurement needs — including raw materials, consumables and support items — and explained the quality standards such as IS and BIS certifications, testing procedures, documentation, vendor approval steps and the UAIL Vendor Portal registration process.

CSR Head Lopamudra Mishra highlighted UAIL’s community development initiatives and shared examples of MSME entrepreneurs who have benefitted from CSR-led livelihood programmes. Finance Head Mrinmoy Mondal and HR Head Narayan Mitra also shared insights on the growth and importance of the MSME sector.

Entrepreneurs from various sectors across Rayagada district participated in an interactive Q&A session seeking clarity on certifications, technical specifications, payment terms and partnership prospects. The event enabled valuable networking between MSMEs, UAIL’s procurement team and government officials.

District Industries Centre (DIC) General Manager Chittaranjan Mallik, in his welcome remarks, emphasised the strong potential for local MSMEs to integrate into UAIL’s supply chain. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from Public Relations General Manager Pitambar Behera.

The programme was jointly organised by UAIL and DIC, with coordination by Senior Consultant, MSME Department, Ankita Aditya Bhatt. Officials including Diganta Mohanty, Rupen Pattnayak and Rohit Sagar were also present.