Bhubaneswar: The Central-sector aluminium behemoth Nalco is considering to lend its brand name for downstream MSME industries dealing with aluminium applications.
“While Nalco provides a large market for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of Odisha and has supported the growth of the sector as a responsible Mother Plant, the company is now considering lending its brand name for downstream MSME industries dealing with aluminium applications”, said the company CMD Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand. “This would not only boost the small and medium scale industries of the state but would help these industries using Nalco aluminium, to push their products from local to global market”, he added.
Dr. Chand, while addressing the participants at the 31st Annual State-level Convention of Odisha Assembly of Small & Medium Enterprises (OASME), here on Saturday, said that globally there are around 3,000 applications of aluminium in use but in India, we are limited to only 300 usages and most of them are imported. Development of ancillary industries can help address this issue and also enhance the use of aluminium in different sectors, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Chand said that although the per unit employment average in MSME in Odisha is 5.2 compared to national average of 2.3, this sector needs handholding by the government and large industries for its growth and development. As a way forward, we must ensure market for the products of MSME sectors, which can be achieved by enhancing the purchase power of individuals through gainful employment. Besides, proper infrastructure, raw material availability and affordable input energy rates for making products cost competitive are crucial, said Dr Chand.
The CMD informed that Nalco under its commitment for inclusive growth is purchasing more than Rs.400 crore from MSMEs.
The director industries, Niranjan Sahu, Odisha Small Industries Corproation Ltd. managing director, Samrendra Sahu, Institute of Entrepreneurship Development CEO, Gauri Sankar Dash, OASME chairman and secretary general Satwik Swain also spoke on the occasion.
