Maruti to invest Rs 4,000 cr in Gujarat to set up new plant

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Country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India on Saturday said it will invest Rs 4,000 crore, its biggest ever outside Haryana, to set up a new production facility in Gujarat by 2015-16.

Besides, components suppliers of the company are also likely to make an equal amount of investment to set up their respective plants at the location.

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said the new 700-acre plant near Mehsana will be set up in a phased manner with an initial investment of Rs 4,000 crore by 2015-16. The overall capacity in the first phase will be 2.5 lakh units.

"In addition to Maruti Suzuki, the company's vendors and ancillary suppliers are expected to invest in Gujarat at matching levels," MSI said in a statement.

The Gujarat unit will be the company's 7th production plant and its biggest ever investment outside Haryana, where it has been based since its inception in 1983.

MSI's announcement to set up its facility in Gujarat is among the big investments announced in the recent past by auto firms, including Tata Motors' Nano plant at Sanand and Ford's second plant.

The plant in Gujarat will generate direct employment for over 2,000 people, MSI said.

"In addition, the ancillary units in the vicinity and supplier park will generate additional employment opportunities," the company said.

At present, MSI employs a total of 9,148 people as on March 31, 2012.