Sonalika's `800-cr tractor plant launched in Punjab

The Rs 800-crore integrated tractor manufacturing plant of Sonalika ITL was inaugurated on Monday by Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh.

The chief minister, who rolled out the first tractor, termed the new plant, which had more than doubled the production capacity, as a major achievement for Punjab.

He lauded the commitment shown by the employees of International Tractors Ltd, and appreciated their contribution to the creation of the world-class facility.

The plant, spread across 85 acres, is fully equipped to manufacture three lakh units ranging from 20 HP to 120 HP tractors.

Singh said Punjab, heavily dependent on agriculture for growth, needed such investments and the high-end tractors being made at the plant would be highly beneficial to the farmers who need modern equipment to improve crop yields and quality.

The company's management presented a cheque of Rs 1 crore for the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. They also presented a tractor to Capt Amarinder, who gifted it to Citrus Estate in Chhauni village, which he had earlier visited.

To mark the chief minister's visit, Sonalika also announced the adoption of Chhauni Kalan village, which it seeks to transform as a world-class village.

The company's chairman L D Mittal said, "With this new advanced facility, we aim to further strengthen our position in India and the overseas markets. Our advanced technical processes, large-scale manufacturing set up and eco-friendly focus in the plant has created a new benchmark in the tractor industry".

"Apart from industrial growth in the state through this plant we have also generated significant employment opportunities for residents. Sonalika ITL plant is indeed a real story of Make in India campaign," he said. The company's executive director Raman Mittal said Sonalika ITL's "...integrated tractor manufacturing plant has been technically upgraded to roll out a tractor every two minutes. It is fully equipped to manufacture three lakh tractors annually".