CM Vijay asks Ford to resume manufacturing operations in Tamil Nadu

A delegation led by Ford Vice President Mathew Godleweski met and held discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at the Chennai Secretariat on July 20, 2027 | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday (July 20, 2026) asked Ford to resume its manufacturing and expansion activities in such a way that it fully utilizes its manufacturing facility at Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai.

A delegation led by Ford Vice President Matthew Godlewski held talks with the Chief Minister at the Secretariat. According to a government press release, detailed consultations have taken place on the revival of Ford’s manufacturing projects in Tamil Nadu as well as the expansion of its Global Capability Centres.

Ford operates a Global Capability Center in Chennai and recently established another in Coimbatore. Engine production is also set to begin at the Maraimalai Nagar plant with an investment of ₹3,250 crore.

In this context, the Chief Minister recalled the 30-year-old relationship between Ford and Tamil Nadu and assured the delegation that the government would extend cooperation with the company in implementing projects.

Industries Minister S. Keerthana; Additional Secretary General for Industry, Investment Promotion and Trade, S. Vijayakumar; The meeting was attended, among others, by the CEO of Ford, Simonetta Verdi.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 13:33 IST