A view of Ford India’s manufacturing plant in Malaimalai Nagar. File |Photograph Credit score: B. Velankanni Raj
Automaker Ford on Friday (October 31, 2025) confirmed plans to revive manufacturing operations at its Chennai plant, with a give attention to producing an all-new next-generation engine.
Based on an organization launch, the preliminary funding will probably be Rs 325 billion and the mission, which incorporates powertrain manufacturing, is anticipated to create over 600 jobs.
Ford, which suspended operations at its Malaimalai Nagar manufacturing facility in Chennai in 2021, submitted a letter of intent (LOI) to the Tamil Nadu authorities in September 2024 throughout Prime Minister MK Stalin’s go to to the US, expressing curiosity in restarting manufacturing within the state.
The discharge mentioned that primarily based on the LOI, Ford and representatives from the federal government of Tamil Nadu signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) “outlining the strategic route to leverage Indian manufacturing experience as a part of the Ford+ initiative.”
The mission will start later this 12 months, after which the Chennai plant may have a deliberate manufacturing capability of 235,000 engines per 12 months, with manufacturing anticipated to start in 2029.
“We’re happy to maneuver ahead with our plans and make sure the Chennai plant’s vital function in Ford’s manufacturing community,” mentioned Jeff Marentich, president of Ford Motor’s Worldwide Markets Group. “We wish to thank the Authorities of Tamil Nadu for its continued assist as we transfer ahead with these plans. This determination strengthens our dedication to leverage India’s manufacturing capabilities for future merchandise.”
Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajya mentioned Ford’s determination to start out manufacturing in Chennai will additional increase Tamil Nadu’s resurgent vehicle sector. “(This) speaks volumes in regards to the state’s robust manufacturing ecosystem, extremely expert workforce and good funding facilitation beneath the management of Chief Minister MK Stalin,” he mentioned.
“This is not simply the beginning of manufacturing at Ford’s present facility, it is one other step for our state into the way forward for the auto trade in producing next-generation engines. We stay dedicated to supporting Ford’s operations right here.”
