MG's Turn To Make In India: Inaugurates Halol Manufacturing Facility

MG Motor has taken over General Motors' plant in Halol in Gujarat. The facility was inaugurated today, and MG hopes to roll out its first product in 2019.

"With the takeover and other transfer formalities having completed, we will start refurbishing the entire plant very soon, with MG’s state-of-the-art manufacturing tools, equipment and processes,” said P Balendran, executive director, MG Motor India.

The plant is spread across 170 acres, and MG has plans to redo it completely. The manufacturer has also hired its first 70 employees at the plant. MG says the plant can produce 80,000 cars per year in the first phase. "The facility will entail creation of significant number of jobs, apart from several additional indirect jobs in the state, as part of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ initiatives," read a release issued by the manufacturer.

Rajeev Chaba, president and managing director, MG Motor India said, “Today is a watershed moment for the MG brand in India with the inauguration of our first-ever manufacturing facility here. Overall, we aim to positively contribute to the ecosystem here in Gujarat including all stakeholders by generating employment opportunities for local talent, leveraging the capable supplier base and contributing to the overall benefit of the society and community here.”

While Chaba didn't divulge anything concrete about prospective products, he did have this to say: "The first product will roll out from here in 2019, blending MG’s true DNA with modern British design language.” We're expecting MG to pick a hatchback and an SUV to kick their innings off in India. This means that the MG3 and the MG GS could be on the radar.

The manufacturing facility in Halol changed hands after GM announced their intentions of exiting the Indian market. Notably, Chevrolet manufactured the Cruze, Enjoy and Sail at the plant.

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