TAMILNADU: Tamil Nadu is poised for a significant industrial boost with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Taiwanese footwear manufacturer Dean Shoes’ new plant in Ariyalur. On November 15, 2024, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin officially laid the foundation stone for this state-of-the-art facility at the SIPCOT industrial park near Jayankondam. The project is set to be a game-changer for the region, with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore from Taiwanese company Long Yin Investment, a subsidiary of King Shoes, which is a global supplier for brands like Nike and Converse.
The new unit, named Freetrend Industrial India Private Limited, will create 15,000 job opportunities, a major economic boon for the industrially backward Ariyalur district. This facility will focus on the production of non-leather footwear, further solidifying Tamil Nadu’s position as a global leader in the non-leather footwear sector, a segment that has seen rapid growth in recent years.
In addition to Ariyalur, neighboring districts such as Perambalur and Ranipet are expected to benefit from this investment, with the ripple effects boosting local economies. Tamil Nadu’s proactive approach to attracting foreign investments, especially in the manufacturing sector, is evident from this project, which follows similar investments from other Taiwanese footwear giants like TKG Takewang and Hong Fu. These companies also committed to expanding their operations in the state during the Global Investors Meet in Chennai earlier this year.
This new development also aligns with the state’s broader industrialization strategy, designed to distribute growth more evenly across its regions. It is expected that this factory will not only provide jobs but also spur infrastructure development and local entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to Tamil Nadu’s overall economic resilience.
With this large-scale investment, the state’s industrial future looks brighter, reinforcing its position as a critical hub for manufacturing in India.
Web Team, C6N
