The Hindu : Wet grinder cluster activities to commence in April

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 14, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Wet grinder cluster activities to commence in April

By Our Staff Reporter

COIMBATORE, MARCH 13 . The activities planned for the wet grinder-manufacturing units here under the cluster development programme will commence on April 1.

The Director of Small Industries Service Institute (SISI), Chennai, V.S. Karunakaran, told The Hindu here recently that the institute conducted a diagnostic study on the wet grinder and allied industries here under its cluster development programme for the wet grinder units here in association with the Coimbatore Wet Grinders and Accessories Manufacturers' Association (COWMA). Based on the report of the study, the institute had drafted a three-year action plan with the objective of improving the market for these items.

He said that the draft of the action plan proposed different types of programmes such as efforts for market development, technology upgradation, common facilities creation and capacity building activities.

During the first year (2004-05), exposure visits would be organised for the units to clusters, and orientation programmes would be conducted to help the units in direct export of wet grinders.

During 2005-06, it was planned to adopt a consortium approach for improving the market for the products.

A marketing consultant would be appointed to decide the strategies to be adopted by the units. A common raw material depot for these units would also be considered.

Steps would be taken to set up a common testing laboratory to be operated by the COWMA. Further, measures would be taken to develop a gearbox for wet grinders through research and development institutions.

During the final year of the project, the action plan for market development would be implemented.

Pointing out that efforts under the cluster programme would be need-based, Mr. Karunakaran said it would also be considered whether the manufacturers could replace certain raw materials with alternatives. A technical library was also planned at the association.

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