Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday visited Saint-Gobain’s integrated glass manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur in neighbouring Kancheepuram district and reviewed the company’s manufacturing operations, sustainability initiatives and skill development programmes aimed at preparing youth for Industry 4.0.
During the visit, Vijay inspected the float control room and reviewed the production of float glass, coated glass, laminated glass and fire-resistant high-security glass at the facility, one of the largest integrated glass manufacturing plants in Asia.
The Chief Minister also observed the plant’s automated material-handling systems equipped with robotic machinery and interacted with students enrolled under the ‘Learn While Earn’ (LWE) programme.
Implemented by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation in collaboration with the Learn While Earn programme and the Nettur Technical Training Foundation, the initiative provides technical training, diploma certification and employment opportunities to underprivileged youth.
Highlighting the state’s focus on skill development, Vijay said the Tamil Nadu government has introduced several initiatives to build a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of modern industries and adapting to Industry 4.0.
He said the government was continuously strengthening employment opportunities for youth through industry-oriented training, establishment of skill development centres and programmes designed to equip them with skills required by advanced manufacturing sectors.
Company officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the campus’ sustainability initiatives, including rainwater harvesting systems, urban forestry, a butterfly garden and the Industry 4.0 Innovation Centre of Excellence.
To mark the occasion, Vijay signed a commemorative glass plaque, planted a tree sapling and posed for a group photograph with the company’s all-women employees.
Saint-Gobain Asia-Pacific and India CEO N Sridhar, Managing Directors A R Unnikrishnan and K S Gopalakrishnan, National Operations Head Venkat Murugan, MSME Minister T M Anbarasan and senior government officials attended the event.
