Tamil Nadu has joined Jaguar Land Rover's global production map as Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) began operations at a Rs 90 billion (Rs 90 bn) manufacturing facility at Panapakkam in Ranipet district, around 85 km from Chennai. The plant represents the first phase of a greenfield project designed to produce next?generation vehicles including electric vehicles for both TMPV and JLR brands. The facility will be developed over three planned phases and was formally inaugurated by the Tamil Nadu chief minister in the presence of the industries minister. Within five to seven years the complex is expected to reach an annual output of around 250,000 to 300,000 vehicles, positioning the site as one of the largest automotive manufacturing units in India and a prospective export hub. The first model to roll out is the locally produced Range Rover Evoque, a product positioned for global markets for its modern luxury and craftsmanship. Company officials described the factory as among the most advanced in the Tata Motors?JLR network. Company leadership underlined decades of Tata Group engagement in Tamil Nadu across sectors such as information technology, power and chemicals and characterised the new plant as a milestone in the group’s long?standing partnership with the state. The state government welcomed the investment and highlighted commitments to job creation, innovation and industrial growth. Officials said the facility will provide employment to over 5,000 people and deepen Tamil Nadu’s role in advanced manufacturing. The Panapakkam operation integrates advanced manufacturing technologies with a skilled local workforce and a targeted skilling pathway through the Lakshya programme, an earn?while?you?learn initiative that moves selected polytechnic graduates from shopfloor roles into engineering and management positions. Trainees completed five months of hands?on preparation at JLR facilities and have opportunities to pursue a company?sponsored Bachelor of Technology degree while working, supporting both professional advancement and household incomes. The site has been designed to operate entirely on renewable energy, to be water?positive and to meet stringent global environmental benchmarks, reflecting TMPV’s sustainability?first manufacturing philosophy.