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7,000-crore deals, 11,516 jobs and Ford’s comeback: What Tennessee PM Stalin achieved during his 17-day US trip

Posted on by darion

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s recent trip to the US resulted in investment deals worth ₹7,000 crore. Deals were struck with 18 companies, targeting both expansion of existing operations and new greenfield projects.

In Chicago, the Prime Minister announced investment commitments of ₹2,666 crore for companies like Jabil and Rockwell Automation aimed at strengthening the electronics manufacturing sector in the state.

Jabil, a Fortune 500 company known for its electronics manufacturing services, has earmarked ₹2,000 crore to set up a new unit in Tiruchirappalli, which will create 5,000 jobs.

Similarly, Rockwell Automation will invest ₹666 crore to expand its operations in Kanchipuram. These investments are expected to provide significant employment opportunities in the industrial regions of Tamil Nadu.

The state has also signed an agreement with Autodesk, a major player in software products and services for industries like architecture, construction and manufacturing. The partnership aims to boost skill development among Tamil Nadu’s youth and make SMEs and startups more competitive.

During the trip, state industries minister TRB Rajaa, who accompanied Stalin, underlined the importance of the agreements. He said, “The focus of the visit was on distributional growth and job creation. We are ensuring that Tamil Nadu remains at the forefront as companies look to move out of China.” He added that the focus on the “China plus one” strategy has already made the state a key destination for companies moving their manufacturing bases out of China.

During Prime Minister Stalin’s visit, investment agreements were also signed with several global companies, including semiconductor companies such as Applied Materials, Microchip Technology, and Nokia, as well as major technology companies such as Apple and Google, which Stalin invited to further invest in the country.

What all was signed

  • Investment agreements worth ₹7,000 crore through 19 MoUs, involving 18 Fortune 500 companies. These agreements are expected to generate 11,516 jobs in regions like Tiruchy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, Chennai and Kancheepuram.
  • The major deals include a ₹2,000-crore MoU with Jabil to set up an electronics manufacturing unit in Tiruchirappalli, which is expected to create 5,000 jobs, and a ₹666-crore investment by Rockwell Automation to expand its unit in Kanchipuram. Autodesk has also signed an agreement to provide skill development to youth and support SMEs and startups.
  • American machinery manufacturer Caterpillar has signed an MoU with Tamil Nadu to expand its manufacturing facilities at Thiruvallur and Krishnagiri with an investment of ₹500 crore. This further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Tamil Nadu and Caterpillar.
  • Apart from the signed agreements, Stalin met with Ford Motors to discuss resuming production in Maraimalai Nagar, while talks with BNY Mellon focused on potential investments in AI. Google has committed to setting up AI labs in Tamil Nadu to train youth under the Naan Mudhalvan programme.
  • Ford Motor will resume operations at its Chennai plant with a view to boosting exports and hiring 2,500-3,000 workers. Ford International Markets Group president Kay Hart underscored the company’s commitment to leveraging the state’s manufacturing expertise to serve global markets.