Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has set up a new engine assembly line, which is managed entirely by 80 skilled women personnel  at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu. This plant is a key engine manufacturing hub for the company which is currently witnessing double-digit growth in the domestic market.  

The production line, staffed by women, at the new P15 Engine Module (Assembly and Testing) line has been set up in the H1 unit to address the growing demand for the company’s light commercial vehicles (LCVs). This new line has a capacity of 62,000 engines per annum and will be operating in two shifts. The modular assembly line is the newest facility in the Hosur engine plant and produces 320 engines every day and 20 engines per hour. 

The modular assembly line is the newest facility in the Hosur engine plant and produces 320 engines every day and 20 engines per hour. 

This move is part of the company’s effort to build a more diverse workforce. Ashok Leyland sattes that it has invested significantly to train and upskill women in core manufacturing skills and they will be responsible for the entire production of the new engine line.

Commenting on the initiative, Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “At Ashok Leyland, diversity and inclusion has always been a priority, and we have been providing equal opportunities irrespective of gender and ethnicity. Giving women these opportunities enhance not only their lives, but also the lives of their families and the community. At Ashok Leyland, we recognize the importance of establishing a better gender balance, and initiatives like this create a more inclusive ecosystem.”

In February 2023, Ashok Leyland sold a total of 17,568 CVs in the domestic market, clocking strong 32% year-on-year growth (February 2022: 13,281 units). Importantly, for the company, it is witnessing growth for all vehicle categories. Its February 2023 sales comprised 10,312 M&HCV trucks (up 31%), 1,455 M&HCV buses (up 247%) and 5,801 LCVs (up 32%).

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