Developing the Mega Leather, Footwear, and Accessories Cluster (MLFAC) Industrial Park in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu, is a significant infrastructure initiative to bolster the region’s leather industry. Key infrastructure developments supporting this sector include:
1. Strategic Location and Connectivity:
- Proximity to Major Hubs: Panapakkam is approximately 90 kilometers from Chennai, providing access to major ports and airports essential for export-oriented industries.
- Transportation Links: Situated along National Highway 48 (NH-48), the park ensures seamless connectivity to cities like Chennai, Vellore, and Bangalore, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and raw materials.
2. State-of-the-Art Industrial Facilities:
- Comprehensive Infrastructure: The park has well-laid roads, a reliable power supply, water resources, and waste management systems, creating a conducive environment for manufacturing operations.
- Common Facilities: Provision of shared amenities such as leather testing labs, processing units, and packaging centers ensures quality control and regulatory compliance for businesses operating within the park.
3. Government Support and Policies:
- Investment Incentives: The Tamil Nadu government has introduced the Footwear and Leather Products Policy 2022, aiming to attract ₹20,000 crore in investments and create 200,000 jobs in the leather sector by 2025.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Plans include establishing industrial parks on 50-acre lands for the leather and footwear industries through public-private partnerships fostering collaborative development.
4. Employment Generation:
- Job Creation: The MLFAC Industrial Park is projected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs. It will significantly focus on empowering women, thereby contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.
These infrastructure developments, combined with strategic location advantages and supportive government policies, are poised to transform Panapakkam into a pivotal hub for leather manufacturing and export, driving economic growth and providing substantial employment opportunities in the region.
